Help Earthwatch to save the world

Water shortages are a serious problems in places like Kenya

On 19 November 2009 the Oxford-based environmental charity Earthwatch are holding their annual debate.

This year it is titled From Tsunami to Drought and will be hosted by the broadcaster Andrea Catherwood.

As well as a panel of water experts the organisers are looking for a member of the public to take part.

This will involve doing a 10 minute presentation on your own solutions to the looming crisis of access to water for drinking and sanitation.

This will then be followed by an intense Dragon Den style Q & A with our judges. The audience will have the final vote and the winner will receive a fictitious $1,000,000,000 cheque to put their ideas into practice.

The wildcard entry has to be between 18 and 30 years old and they need persuasive powers, knowledge and confidence to take on the experts.

The closing date to be considered for a place on the panel is Monday 12 October and the entrants need to send a brief (no more than 200 words) abstract of their argument to Earthwatch Events Officer Simon Laman, [e-mail].

As well as being entertaining and fun, the annual Earthwatch debate is designed to be both informative and thought-provoking, encouraging members of the audience to consider serious environmental issues.

The debate will be held at the Royal Geographical Society in London from 7-9pm and it is free to students and current Earthwatch donors; otherwise a donation will be requested on the door. To get tickets one can call 01865 318856, or email [e-mail].