Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in American Samoa is hosting a "Picture Climate Change" student photo contest, featuring how climate change is impacting your community.

All students in fifth (5th) through twelfth (12th) grade from all U.S states and territories are eligible to participate.

Photo contest categories include Nature, Water, Weather, Society, and Resilience.

According to NOAA the contest is about how has climate change impacted you, your family, your school and your community.

According to the statement issued on the contest, NOAA wants to hear and see your climate impact stories through your eyes.

“In what ways has your landscape, wildlife, or way of life changed due to climate shifts?

“To enhance our understanding of the diverse ways climate change impacts people and places around the United States, NOAA is asking students in grades 5 through 12 for photo submissions showcasing what climate change means to you.”

The Winning photos will be featured next Spring (2023) on the NOAA Regional Collaboration Network website in conjunction with responses developed by NOAA's climate experts, and will possibly be displayed in various NOAA facilities around the country.

Each entry must include the following, a photograph showcasing an example of climate change impacts or resilience of climate change in the United States or one of its territories; and a 3-4 sentence description of the climate change or impact, from your perspective. 

“All students in fifth (5th) through twelfth (12th) grade from all U.S. states and territories in recognized public, private, and home schools are eligible to participate. 

“Schools, including home schools, must be in compliance with federal and state civil rights and nondiscrimination statutes. 

“Students are not required to live in the state the picture they submit was taken in, but all photographs must have been taken in a U.S. state or territory.”

The competition runs through February 15, 2023. 

“A NOAA judging panel will review all entries and select winners in each of the five categories to be featured on the NOAA Regional Collaboration Network website. “Entries will be judged on the written understanding of climate change, creativity, and relevance to the theme. 

“For fairness, judging will also be grade appropriate.  This means, 12th graders will be held to a higher standard than a 5th grader during the judging process.”