Action for Nature, a youth-focused non-profit organization based in San Fransisco, is on the hunt for young eco-heroes. It is calling for nominees for their annual International Eco-Hero awards, which honor youth aged 8 to 16 for their outstanding accomplishments in environmental advocacy, environmental health, research and protection of the natural world.
Previous winners of the award have gone on to receive other prestigious awards, such as the Brower Youth and Intel Science awards.
A striking example of the progress of such a winner is Alec Loorz (2008 recipient) who has continued to educate youth and adults about global warming and has spoken to more than 20,000 people.Now 15, Alec is the youngest member of Al Gore’s speaking panel, and was recently asked to assist with a presentation before the U.S. Senate.
Another award winner, Otana Jakpor, 16, researched air purifiers and ozone emissions and successfully advocated for change in California. Her findings resulted in the first-ever state regulation of ozone-generators. Some of her work has even been published in scientific journals.
Action for Nature state that the purpose of this competition is to encourage youth to take personal action to nurture and protect a healthy environment on which all life depends.
The competition is now in its eighth year and has honored 90 young people from 13 countries and 24 states in America.
Recipients will receive up to $500 cash and an award certificate. If you know of anyone who fits the bill and would like to put forward a nomination be sure to visit the website for more information - entry closes on February 28. The web page also provides some great background on the history of the event and the achievements of other environmentally minded youth.
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