2023 Contest Participants Find Hope in the Climate Crisis
August 15, 2023Featured Image: “A Beacon of Hope” by Christine Pearson (Salem, Oregon)
Bow Seat Founder and President Linda Cabot was on a walk when she came up with the theme for the 2023 Ocean Awareness Contest: Climate Heroes in Action. She had been troubled by the fact that youth today are constantly inundated with dire news about climate change, and by reports of increasing rates of eco-anxiety and grief. It occurred to Linda that young people would benefit from hearing positive stories, particularly about everyday people who are implementing effective and innovative climate solutions.
“I thought Climate Heroes in Action would be an uplifting and inspirational theme, and imagined that teens would feel more optimistic and encouraged knowing about all the great work that everyday people are doing to tackle the climate crisis. There is an astonishing, though often uncelebrated, movement out there that needs to be recognized, where people are taking action and developing powerful solutions in their towns and local communities.”
– Linda Cabot
Over the last year, nearly 4,000 students from around the world were introduced to these remarkable individuals through their research for the 2023 Contest. And, according to feedback surveys of Contest participants, learning about these climate heroes did indeed uplift and galvanize them, and generate much-needed hope.
“I was a pessimist before researching this year’s theme. But through my research, I got the chance to learn about so many great human beings who are taking action, and now I want to be like them.” – 2023 Contest participant
“So often people become overwhelmed with climate doom and feelings of impotence that they can’t do anything to help. By researching people making positive changes, students were filled with hope and inspiration.” – 2023 Contest sponsor
According to the 2023 feedback surveys, participating in the Contest also strengthened students’ awareness of, connection to, and sense of agency around climate issues, as well as their confidence in their creative skills.
“Before participating, I didn’t really care about climate change, global warming, or ocean pollution. But after doing research, I now feel that these are big problems, and I regret not paying heed to them. It has inspired me to do something for the betterment of our planet.” – 2023 Contest participant
“Being able to channel all my climate change-related emotions into something tangible, to create art out of my anger and helplessness, felt productive and empowering.”
– 2023 Contest participant
In their feedback surveys, Contest sponsors corroborated these positive outcomes, and they also reported an increase in their students’ interest in climate issues (71%) as well as in their desire to share their experiences, learnings, and work with others (68%).
I enjoyed watching my student show interest and actively learn about the environment. She took initiative and loved sharing her knowledge with friends and family.”
– 2023 Contest sponsor
We’re looking forward to announcing our 2023 Contest winners and uplifting their climate heroes this November! Also, stay tuned for the launch of our 2024 Contest in September—for this 13th edition, we aim to continue educating, engaging, and inspiring youth, and to keep helping them envision a healthier and more sustainable world worth fighting for.