Participate in our competition to be considered for one of four fully-funded fellowships to the United Nations climate change negotiations in Santiago de Chile.

We are looking for young journalists from around the world who want to make a big impact in their countries by publishing about a fossil fuel project that needs to be stopped in their country.

The global community agreed in Paris to limit climate change in a way that protects people and the planet. Four years later, we still see countries giving large sums of money to fossil fuels, or planning to expand new coal and gas projects.

But we don’t have time to wait, the latest science tells us that we need rapid and far-reaching changes to a more sustainable future if we want to avoid the worst effects of climate change.

It is time to pressure our governments to stop developing new fossil fuel projects, and stop funding them, transitioning to a renewable energy and more fair economy.

The best 4 journalists will get a chance to attend and cover the COP25 in Chile, from 29th November to 14th December. There you will receive training on climate policy and journalism by Climate Tracker, get to attend the international climate negotiations and meet amazing people from everywhere in the world! You cannot miss this chance!

1. Write an article about a fossil fuel project that needs to be stopped in your country.
2. Publish your article. You have to find a news site, blog, newspaper, magazine, etc. willing to publish your article. It can be at a national, regional, local or international level. Aim for the one with best reach across the region.
3. Submit your article link to our platform.

If you are from the Arab region or from Latinoamerica, we have designed specific competitions for you in your language. Please check here:

Arab region competition: https://act.climatetracker.org/06c26e92-ae24-467d-a585-ca4d759cd89a
Competencia de América Latina: https://act.climatetracker.org/9630329a-ba7c-4dfa-ba25-0d4f1e42c942

Don’t worry if there is no regional competition for where you are from – the global one is as much fun and will also bring you to Chile!

Climate Tracker will revise the articles submitted through the platform, give you feedback and tips, and select the best writers. The best 4 will get a fully-funded fellowship to Santiago de Chile for COP25.

Deadline

Publish and submit your article by 27th September, 2019.

Can I use other mediums aside from writing? Photo? Video?

Yes please do! We would love to have multimedia additions to this competition.

If you are thinking of doing a photo essay, make sure you profile opposition against fossil fuels and publish it in media.

If you are thinking of video, it could as well profile the opposition to fossil fuel projects, or include also their effects. Get it published into another story or in media in your country!

What do I need to know about writing the article?

Your article should be at least 500 words.

We prefer it when writers have interviewed at least two people for their article — for example, experts, community members, young people, or policymakers.

It is always best to include a picture that is original and related to the topic.

You can check our full rating system for articles here to get an idea on how we will assess it.

Where do I publish my article?

You have to find a news site, blog, newspaper, magazine, etc. that is willing to publish your article. It can be at a local, regional, national or international level. Aim for the one with the best reach across the region!

If you have never published before, we are here to help you! Check the “how do I pitch to editors” question below.

In which language can I publish my article?

You can publish in any language you prefer.

Which countries are eligible?

Anyone can apply!

Is there an age limit?

We accept applicants that are between 18 and 32 years old, but you are encouraged to apply anyway if you do not fulfill this requirement (age is just a number anyway).

How will the final Trackers be selected?

The best writers will be chosen among the applicants by analysing their outreach and writing skills. You can check our rating system for articles here. We may conduct interviews if we find it necessary.

How do I pitch to editors?

Pitching your story to an editor can be a very difficult part of your work. We know that. We have several tools and ideas to help you. First of all, check this funny piece on how to find editors. Afterwards, you can read this summary on how to do a good pitch, and learn from the practical example it gives. Finally, some last tricks to boost your success.