Student comes second in national competition

In April, Lower Sixth student Sophia, entered the Year 12 Global Sustainable Development (GSD) Essay competition, and has just been told she has come second place. Hosted by University of Warwick, the annual competition is for Year 12 students across the country, encouraging students to think creatively and gain valuable research skills as they learn more about global sustainable development.

Sophie explained her essay: “The essay title I chose to answer was ‘What is the main challenge to sustainable development in your local area? What solutions do you propose to address it?’ I chose to write about how tourism and second home ownership were inhibiting sustainable development within Cornwall. Within the essay I spoke about the economic unsustainability of sustainable seasonal income and employment, social unsustainability and social conflicts, how a changing demographic was being created from increased second home ownership (in a way that decreases demographic sustainability). Solutions I proposed included second home bans or quotas, or taxing second home owners in a way that really benefits local residents.”

The opportunity is for students to express their creativity on this important topic. Entrants must respond to set Global Sustainable Development questions in their own way. They can write essays, take photos, create podcasts or videos. Shortlisted entrants will be invited to a Campus Day at Warwick where the winner will be announced.

This year, entrants addressed the following questions:
What is the main challenge to sustainable development in your local area? What solutions do you propose to address it?
Many influential figures deny that climate change is real. How would you respond to climate change deniers?
To what extent is sustainable development about creation?

You can read more about the competition and runner up Sophia here.