In the run-up to the UN Climate Change Conference in Marrakech (07 Nov - 18 Nov 2016), the UN's Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is organizing poster and video competitions for youth to raise awareness about the linkages between climate change and food security.

Climate change is causing more natural disasters and environmental problems, which make it harder to grow food. At the same time, agriculture is a major source of greenhouse gas emissions. And as the world’s population grows, societies need to adapt to the inevitable impacts of climate change, by for example by adjusting the sort of crops they grow. So there is a lot to understand and to explain in terms of what the problems are and what can be done about them.

The FAO youth poster and video contest is open to children and youth between the ages of 5 and 19, living anywhere in the world. Three winning posters and two winning videos will be announced during World Food Day on 14 October. The videos can be videos can be shot on smartphones or tablet.

Young participants have until 30 September to submit their work. FAO has teamed up with Italian artist Lorenzo Terranera to accompany young participants in their search of inspiration (the picture at the top of the story is from him).

Winners will also be promoted by FAO offices around the world, including in an exhibition at FAO headquarters in Rome,  and featured on the World Food Day website and on social media (with the hashtag #WFD2016VideoContest). They will receive surprise gift bags and certificates of recognition. Read more about the poster contest here and the video contest here.

How the UNFCCC is Empowering Youth Climate Action

The UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, through its Action for Climate Empowerment (ACE) initiative, encourages awareness raising and public participation initiatives, with a special focus on young people, who are the leaders of tomorrow. Read more about youth work under ACE here.