Climate change gets sexy - Miss Earth Australia ...

Contestants compete for the following awards:

- Miss Earth Australia 2007
- Miss Earth Australia 2007 Fire
- Miss Earth Australia 2007 Water (shouldn't that be Miss Earth Australia 2007 Recycled Water??)
- Miss Earth Australia 2007 Air
- Miss Photogenic (this selection is made by a panel of photographers)
- Best in Evening Gown
- Best in Swimsuit
- Miss Friendship (the winner is chosen by the candidates)
- Best Environmental Speech.

Contestants are assessed by the judges on the following criteria:

- knowledge of environmental issues
- the ability to speak publicly on them
- appearance
- a talent (such as singing a song, reciting a poem, dancing).

To be a part of this incredible event, you must:

(i) have a working knowledge of, and be able to speak about, environmental issues;
(ii) be able to talk about pain free solutions that can be taken at home and at work to reduce water wastage;
(iii) have planted a tree and have encouraged those around you (family, friends, workmates, members of your community) to plant trees and you must address at least two community groups on these issues (school children, bowling club, RSL etc).

You must also comply with the international rules:

(i) at least 5ft 6inches (168cm) tall
(ii) between 18 and 25 years of age (during reigning period)
(iii) completed at least secondary schooling (High School Graduate or equivalent)
(iv) never been married, not pregnant and has never given birth
(v) interested in environmental issues.

The actual entry conditions are a little different adding:

(i) An attractive face and figure and pleasing personality
(ii) Good moral character.

So even if you have a PhD in environmental science, if you're not easy on the eyes, they won't let you in.

If you want to be a contestant and you don't have much knowledge of the environment then they suggest that you read the environmental articles in newspapers and that you google phrases such as ‘global warming’, ‘climate change’ and ‘saving energy’.

And you will have to show that you have planted trees and that you have persuaded others to do so (such as family, friends or workmates).

The conditions actually indicate that you must be able to show that you have planted a tree - yes, just one and you're in.

In addition, you must have a good idea about the ways in which households can save energy and water and thereby reduce their environmental footprint.

And each contestant is vying for the chance to get on a carbon emitting plane to the Philippines for the Miss Earth World competition.

Take the time to read some of the statements by the contestants here - Miss Earth Australia photo gallery.

It used to be that pageant contestants would answer "World Peace" when asked what was the biggest issue of concern.

Now it's global warming.

The contestants clearly didn't get the memo that refers to the name change to 'climate change'.

Vicky almost gets it right - "the biggest problem our environment faces today is climate change, specifically global warming".

Among other contestants:

Bianca thinks that "our biggest problem is that we are not being presented with all the facts about Global Warming and Climate Change which is a direct result or [sic] media censoring".

Anyone think we're not hearing enough about global warming in the news?

Christine has coined the phrase "Potential Global Warming". She notices that "there has been very serious issues" which she noticed "from when the Tsunami happened in Thailand back in December 2004".

So global warming caused the 2004 tsunami in southeast Asia.

Interesting.

Sarah (from Victoria) thinks the biggest problem includes "Victoria needs rain, Queensland have extreme storm issues".

Must have missed those extreme storms.

Alyssa thinks "we are currently in a decade where we are slowly losing the ability to use our legs, exercise our minds and to speak our own thoughts".

And so on and so on ...

Don't forget to get your Miss Earth merchandise - visit the online shop and spend up to save the planet.

Climate change just got sexier ...