At a Crossroad: Climate Change Photo Essay Prize Opens for 2024

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Africa Soft Power (ASP) and African Women Board (AWB) have launched the second edition of the Climate Change Photo Essay Prize, inviting 18-30-year-olds from Africa and the global diaspora to document the impacts of the ecological crisis.

The theme for this year’s prize, “At a crossroad: Climate and change”, invites entrants to consider how climate change is currently changing lives, how innovation and technology are responding to the crisis, and where change is not happening fast enough.

“Photography is a powerful tool for both advocacy and storytelling,” said Nkiru Balonwu, Founder & CEO of the Africa Soft Power Group. “Youth engagement lies at the heart of what we do at ASP. We believe young people are key to addressing the climate crisis and want to amplify their voices through this prize.”

The competition is open to all, regardless of photographic experience. Entrants will submit a photo essay of three to five images that collectively narrate a compelling story related to the theme. Winners will have their work showcased in international exhibitions, building on the success of last year’s prize, which featured finalists’ work in Nairobi, New York, Lagos, London, and Kigali. The contest will remain open until September 20^th, and those interested in participating can find further details here.

Africa is disproportionately vulnerable to the effects of climate change, with its population expected to reach a quarter of the global total by 2050. The continent is already grappling with the consequences, from food insecurity and water scarcity to displacement and conflict.

The ‘Road to 100 Million Climate Soldiers in Africa’ campaign, under which the prize falls, aims to equip young Africans with the knowledge and tools to combat the crisis. By addressing climate change illiteracy and fostering a deeper understanding of the issue, the campaign seeks to drive behavioural change and inspire action. This year’s prize is part of a broader effort to make climate change a relatable and urgent issue for Africans, especially young people.