The Planet Forward Storyfest Awards 2025

Planet Forward’s Storyfest Awards 2025 calls on students to illuminate the ideas, innovations, and people driving us toward a greener, more sustainable future.

This is your chance to inspire change, share solutions, explore transformative possibilities, and potentially win an unforgettable journey to the Galápagos Islands!

The Planet Forward Storyfest Awards

As the Grand Prize winner, you can travel to the Galápagos Islands with Lindblad Expeditions from July 18-27, 2025. Join Planet Forward journalists, naturalists, and experts aboard the National Geographic Gemini to explore one of the world’s most biodiverse regions. You’ll report on groundbreaking environmental solutions while shaping stories that matter.

Planet Forward is looking for stories about ideas and innovations that can move the planet forward. You can explore various topics that reflect studies, research, or personal passion. They can include:

• Food: Rethink how we feed the world, reduce waste, and grow sustainably.
• Water: Examine conservation, access, and cleanliness solutions.
• Energy: Highlight new technologies for cleaner, more efficient power.
• Mobility: Reimagine transportation for a greener tomorrow.
• Built Environment: Innovate designs for resilient cities and communities.
• Biodiversity: Advocate for ecosystems under threat.
• Public Health: Unpack the links between climate and health.
• Climate Justice: Elevate voices and policies that ensure fair treatment for all.

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Award categories

Your story should captivate, motivate, and inspire action. Whether you’re a budding journalist, an engineer, or studying anything in between, your unique perspective can shine through in one of these categories:

• Best Short Video
  Create a compelling 1-8 minute video, accompanied by a brief written description (50-200 words). Submit your video in HD on Vimeo or YouTube.
• Best Social Media Video
  Grab attention with a 30– to 90-second vertical video (9:16 aspect ratio), perfect for social platforms. HD visuals and a 50-200-word description are required.
• Best Written Story
  Pen a 600-1,000 word article with at least one image (preferably yours) and interviews with 2-3 sources.
• Best Multimedia Story
  Blend photography, video, audio, or digital art into a dynamic multimedia presentation. Your submission should feature HD-quality visuals, detailed captions, and a written summary (200-600 words).
• Best Podcast
  Share an audio story lasting 3-15 minutes. Include HD-quality sound, a 50-200 word description, one photograph, and a full transcription for accessibility. Host your podcast on platforms like SoundCloud or PodBean.