The Economist’s Open Future initiative was begun last year to make the case for political, economic and social freedoms at a time when these values are under assault. We want this exploration of ideas to involve our critics as well as our supporters. Moreover, As part of the initiative, we are holding an essay contest. It is open to people between 16 and 25 years old. Essays should be no longer than 1,000 words. The deadline for submissions is July 31st, 2019. Please read the formal terms of the competition.

The essay question is

What fundamental economic and political change, if any, is for an effective response to climate change?

Description

For decades the world has been aware that human activity is heating up the planet to dangerous levels. Further, with potentially calamitous consequences. Despite efforts by government, business and individuals to curtail the trend, carbon emissions are still rising. Perhaps new thinking is in need since previous attempts to deal with the problem have fail to work. So what might be done?

Benefit

• The prize for the winner will be an invitation to one of The Economist’s Open Future events. At venues in Hong Kong, Manchester, and Chicago. This will include an economy-class flight for the winner if required to get to the relevant event, and hotel accommodation for at least two nights. The Economist will determine in its sole discretion which Open Future event location to award to the winner.

Eligibility

• Open to persons between the ages of 16 and 25 inclusive, except for employees of The Economist or its affiliated companies and professional advisors, their immediate families, and anyone professionally connected with the Competition;
• If you are under the age of 18 or are classed as a minor wherever you reside, you must obtain written parental or guardian consent to enter and to claim your prize. The Economist may ask the winner to provide proof of age and/or parental consent;
• In entering the Competition, you confirm that you are eligible to do so and eligible to claim any prize you may win. The Economist may require you to provide proof that you are eligible to enter the competition;
• No purchase is necessary;
• Entries not submitted in accordance with these terms and all other rules and directions given by The Economist, or entries that are incomplete or illegible (as determined in our sole discretion) will not be eligible.
• Essays should be no longer than 1,000 words.