Write the World Environmental Writing Competition 2026

Write the World’s Environmental Writing Competition 2026 invites young writers to explore the relationship between people and the natural world through original environmental writing. Sponsored by Patagonia and judged by Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Ed Yong, the competition welcomes work in any genre, including personal essays, opinion pieces, poems and songs.

The prompt encourages writers to draw on their own surroundings, observations and experiences, whether that means wilderness, urban nature, climate advocacy or another angle on environmental life. Entrants are asked to write 100 to 1000 words and to think carefully about action, imagery, and the reciprocal impact of humans and nature on one another.

The competition is free to enter and is open to writers aged 13 to 19. In addition to cash prizes, selected pieces may be republished in Patagonia’s print journal, giving young writers a wider platform for their work.

Participants can also use the site’s peer review features and optional expert feedback to refine their submissions before entering.