P.E.I. is getting hotter. How are you grappling with the changing climate?

July has been more than just hot on P.E.I. — it's been historically hot. In fact, it's on track to be the hottest month ever recorded on the Island.

And we want to know how you're dealing the changing planet. How are record-breaking heat, severe storms and harsher winters impacting your life?

CBC P.E.I. is looking for Islanders who want to write a First Person column about the real-life impact of the changing planet.

How are you adapting? How are storms like Fiona changing the way you imagine your future? 

Maybe you've decided not to have kids, or you've moved inland because of coastal erosion and storm surges. Are you changing the way you eat, driving less, or changing the way you heat (or cool) your house?

Perhaps you're a farmer changing how you plan for severe weather, or a lobster fisher who doesn't know if your industry will be viable a decade from now.

Maybe you aren't changing anything at all.

We want to hear from you.

What's a First Person column?

First Person columns are an opportunity for Islanders to tell their own stories — in their own words. It's a more personal and intimate storytelling experience, designed to give the reader a peek into someone else's life experience.

A good story will spark conversation and might just inspire a change in how the reader thinks about the world.

You don't have to be a professional writer, but we are looking for Islanders with an interesting personal narrative that can sustain around 500 to 600 words. This must be an original piece of writing that hasn't been published elsewhere.

For more information about CBC's First Person stories, please read the FAQ before filling out the Google form.

Here are some examples for inspiration:

• Even though the ocean tried to kill us, I still want to live by the sea

• How backpacking in the Rockies made me rethink having kids

• Beauty and heart, not flames and tar: Fort McMurray was far from what I'd imagined

• I was proud to work in oil and gas. But with layoffs and wage cuts, all I cared about was my crew

• I love my electric car but I didn't realize my life would revolve around charging it

What's the submission process?

Here are the requirements:

• Canadian citizen or permanent resident who can legally work in Canada.
• Must be able to meet the deadlines outlined below.
• Must be available to attend a virtual two-hour writing workshop on Wednesday, August 9.

What's next?

CBC P.E.I.'s editorial team will sift through the submissions and pick a handful of candidates.

You'll attend a virtual writing workshop with CBC producers who will help you focus and shape your column.

You'll be assigned an editor to work with you from start to finish — from your first draft to publication.

You'll have about two months to work with your editor to get your piece ready for publication. First drafts will be due on August 23, and final drafts need to be submitted by September 18. The series will roll out at the end of September on the CBC P.E.I. website and on CBC Radio One's Island Morning.

Submit your pitch here

Questions? Email CBC P.E.I. senior digital producer Devon Goodsell at [email protected].