Guidelines for Submission

To submit an essay to be included in Thoreau's Legacy: American Stories about Global Warming, write a 200-500 word personal account related to global warming: a place you love and want to protect; animals, plants, people, activities you fear are at risk from a changing climate and why they matter to you; or the steps you are taking in your own life to stem the tide of global warming. In short, tell us why the issue resonates with you on an emotional or intellectual level.

Two leading scientists and one of the nation's most respected nature photographers have contributed representative works to the project to serve as examples of the kind of essays and photographs we are seeking. See the sample essays and photograph.

Essays that center on locations must be consistent with observed shifts or future projections of global warming. For example, climate is the average of many weather events tallied over several decades; global warming cannot be blamed for individual weather events. Learn more about global warming.

Essays can be accompanied by a photograph or visual art, but an image is not required. The entry will be judged on the quality of the essay. If accepted, the image may or may not accompany the essay.

Photographs or artwork submitted without essays must be accompanied by a 25-50 word caption. Photos must have a resolution of at least 300 DPI.

Submissions must be received by November 15, 2008.

Please email any questions to bookeditor@ucsusa.org.