NEW YORK, NY – The New York University Expository Writing Program (EWP), as part of its “2040 Now” initiative, is thrilled to announce the winners of its Climate and Sustainability Opinion Essay Competition. This competition challenged undergraduate students from colleges and universities across the New York metro area to share their climate stories and advocate for solutions to the climate crisis through compelling and persuasive opinion essays.
The competition sought fresh perspectives and new voices on the challenges of sustainability, encouraging students to connect their personal experiences, research, and future plans to the urgent need for climate action. Participants could focus on a range of topics, including climate justice and activism, climate policy, climate technology, a vision for New York City in 2040, or their own climate story.
A distinguished panel of professors from NYU’s EWP judged the entries based on originality and urgency, voice and motive, evidence-based claims, structure, and writing style. The top entries demonstrated a clear understanding of the op-ed genre, employing concise language, compelling narratives, and well-supported arguments.
And the Winners Are:
- First Place: Lily Guo, for her essay “As Climate Ailments Worsen, We Need to Change Our Approach to Health,” which explores the interconnectedness of climate change and public health.
- Second Place: Tommy Kashino, for “Train Derailment Underscores Preventative Urgency,” a timely piece highlighting the need for proactive infrastructure investment to mitigate climate-related disasters.
- Third Place: Maya Humston, for “Sustainability in Tech: The Missing Link,” which examines the crucial role of technological innovation in achieving a sustainable future.
Honorable Mentions:
- Elijah VanderMolen, for “COP 28’s Big Oil President – Not Dystopian, but a Monumental Opportunity”
- Tacia Mazimpaka, for “For Once, Do Right by the Motherland”
- Bincheng Mao, for “My U.N. experience unveiled an overlooked climate game-changer”
The winners will receive cash prizes ($1,500, $1,000, and $750 for first, second, and third place, respectively), and the opportunity to engage in conversations with editors from leading publications (TBA). Honorable mentions will each receive $75. All finalists will be recognized at an awards ceremony.
“We were deeply impressed by the caliber of submissions we received,” said Dr. Jane Doe, Director of the Expository Writing Program. “These students have demonstrated a remarkable ability to articulate the urgency of the climate crisis and offer insightful perspectives on potential solutions. Their essays are a testament to the power of young voices in shaping the conversation around climate change.”
The competition aimed to empower students to become effective advocates for climate action. By providing a platform for their voices, the NYU EWP hopes to inspire a new generation of leaders committed to creating a sustainable future.
The NYU Expository Writing Program extends its congratulations to all the winners and honorable mentions and thanks all participants for their contributions.
Contact: https://www.nyu.edu/about/university-initiatives/2040-now/participate/writing.html
