Trust for Sustainable Living

2025 Competition is now CLOSED: From Eco-Anxiety to Eco Action & Empowerment

Thank you for participating! We’re pleased to report that we received over 2,170 entries this year, thereby setting a new record.

This year, in celebration of our 15th year of International Student Competitions, we are excited to invite students to share their original, creative and expressive responses to the theme, From Eco-Anxiety to Eco Action & Empowerment. Since our first competition was launched in 2010, we have received well over 15,000 entries from 120 countries, exploring a wide range of topics from biodiversity and sustainable cities, to climate justice and nature-based solutions.

Eco-anxiety refers to negative emotional responses arising from the environmental and climate crisis. A 2024 United Nations report says that eco-anxiety is an ‘emergency crisis hidden in plain sight’ and is likely to have a massive impact on the world’s children and youth. Recent global surveys have indicated that over 50% of young people experience eco-anxiety and are worried about environmental and climate change, with many reporting feelings of sadness, anxiousness, anger, powerlessness, helplessness and guilt. Such responses are natural and healthy, and many believe these feelings can be channelled to help encourage engagement, understanding and action at an individual and group level, as demonstrated by the recent rise in youth engagement and action over the last few years.

TSL wants to help young people develop a sense of agency, empowerment and hope for solutions and action by creating a safe and supportive space and outlet for expression for students and teachers to explore moving from feelings of eco-anxiety, to eco action & empowerment. We are open to accepting any form of student response, you can choose to create a piece of artwork, music, video, poem, essay, letter, story, etc..  There are very few restrictions on the type of work submitted. We want students to be open and creative when interpreting the theme. All entries must meet the submission criteria.

The prizes

Our overall Grand Prize Winner will receive a trophy and a cash prize of £1000 plus £500 for their school, with one Runner Up receiving a trophy and a cash prize of £500 plus £250 for their school (cash prizes paid in local currency). All participating Teacher Champions, Finalists, Honourable Mentions and International Debate participants, will receive personalised e-certificates.

The 2025 competition is now closed / The next competition will open in September

Key dates