An unprecedented 1.5 million Chinese children have participated in a painting competition on the topic of climate change, in a sign of the country's growing awareness of environmental issues.
The competition, held in China for the first time, saw the children collectively submit 200,000 paintings on the theme of climate change. Some 620 paintings were selected for prizes by the jury, which was made up of renowned Chinese artists, UNEP officials and Ms Elizabeth Rihoy of Resource Africa.
The top three winners will be announced on 5 June for World Environment Day alongside the winners of UNEP's International Children's Painting Competition. As a reward for their artistry, the talented trio will participate in the UNEP Tunza International Children's Conference in Stavanger, Norway on 17-21 June 2008.
In July, the top 20 winners will be invited to Nairobi to receive their prizes from UNEP's Executive Director, Mr. Achim Steiner and to participate in children's community activities in Kenya.
This is the first time the Children's Painting Competition was held in China, in conjunction with UNEP's International Children's Painting Competition which takes place every year. The competition - sponsored by Mr. Luo Hong, a Chinese businessman, environmentalist and photographer - aimed to raise awareness on climate change issues among China's young people and the Chinese public in general.
Democrat Barack Obama plunged Wednesday into a five-month election battle with Republican John McCain after making history by becoming the first black presidential nominee of a major US party.