NextBillion - An Initiative of the William Davidson Institute at the University of Michigan

Here at NextBillion, we know the importance of good data to good research, which is why we have nothing but the deepest respect for our WRI cousins working on EarthTrends: The Environmental Information Portal. Now, they’ve gone and upped the ante–literally. EarthTrends has opened up an essay contest; the winners will receive cash prizes and have their work published on WRI’s most-visited web site.

You might be asking, ?What is EarthTrends, anyway?? It’s a comprehensive, online database focusing on the environmental, social, and economic trends that shape our world. Their essay contest, which closes April 1, 2006, seeks ?fact-based analysis of an important condition or trend related to the environment and sustainable development…Entries should discuss issues that have a global or regional (larger than single country) impact.?

The contest is open to part-time and full-time undergraduates and graduate students only, so if you know of someone doing original work and in need of some cash, please pass this on. Good luck!