Are you anxious about the impacts of climate change for yourself and for the planet?
You are not alone!
More and more people report experiencing eco-anxiety nowadays. This phenomenon is especially prevalent among youth, Indigenous people and vulnerable communities, but it is a concern for everyone.
Eco-anxiety refers to a chronic state of worry and anxiety regarding the consequences of climate change on the lives of future generations and on the planet itself. This anxious state is experienced with a mix of frustration and despair. As a result, it can trigger depression or other significant psychological disorders.
Eco-anxiety can take multiple forms, from a focused source of worry (e.g. water, wildlife) to a broader existential anxiety about the future of humankind and the ways we value life and the Earth.
We want to hear what your experience of eco-anxiety is.
You can share your personal concerns about the planet at large or about the state of Nature in your neighbourhood.
You can tell us about your experience of supporting someone close to you whose life is affected by eco-anxiety.
Your story may speak of loss, sadness, or fear. Maybe your story of eco-anxiety carries seeds of hope behind the worries. Or maybe your worries fuel anger and determination to act.
Tell us “What does eco-anxiety mean to me?” in a 3-minute video.
The competition is open until June 27, 2022 at midnight. Submissions will be evaluated by a bilingual jury. Prizes will be awarded for each category (see below) and the winning videos will be promoted across local and regional press as well as specialized networks in eco-psychology and social change.
Submission Categories and Prizes
| Language of submission | Age category | Prizes* |
|---|---|---|
| English | Youth under 25 | First prize: $500 Runner-up: $300 Second runner-up: $150 |
| English | Students/Adults 25+ | First prize: $500 Runner-up: $300 Second runner-up: $150 |
| Français | Jeunes (moins de 25 ans) | Premier prix: 500$ Finaliste: 300$ Second finaliste: 150$ |
| Français | Étudiant.e.s/Adultes (25 ans +) | Premier prix: 500$ Finaliste: 300$ Second finaliste: 150$ |
Criteria and Submissions Guidelines
Competition criteria:
- Relevance to the theme of the competition
- Clarity of the story
- Creativity of the video
- An engaging presentation
- Respect of the guidelines (including minimum and maximum length)
Instructions and guidelines:
- Your video must last between 2 and 3 minutes. Videos falling outside of these lengths will not qualify for this competition.
- It should clearly explain and illustrate what eco-anxiety means to you personally. Skip broad generalities, explore your unique experience of being eco-anxious, or of supporting a friend or a family member who is eco-anxious.
- Your story can be shared through voice-over narration, through written words on screen, or a combination of the two.
- It can use any form of animation you like.
- If you use images, sounds or music, make sure you have the rights to use them (e.g. your own creation or works copyrighted under Creative Commons) and that you give due credit to the authors (e.g. include a list of credits at the end of the video).
How to submit your video:
- You can submit your video in the following two ways:
- Option 1: Email your submission to contact@imaginestories.space with your video file attached. Only MP4 video files will be accepted.
- Option 2: If you possess a YouTube account, upload your video as “unlisted” and email the link to contact@imaginestories.space. *NOTE: You will have to wait until the competition results are released to make your video public on your channel.
- In your email, include your full name, contact email address, language and age category (Youth under 25 or Student/Adult 25+) and, as optional, a title for your video.
- You will receive an acknowledgment for your submission. If you do not hear from us within 48 hours, send us a brief email to check at contact@imaginestories.space.
- Competition results will be released early July, and winners will be notified by email.
Learn more about the work of our partner organization
What does eco-anxiety mean to…the members of the jury?