The aim of the project is to raise awareness of the dramatic climate change impacts in the Arctic on an environmental, geo-political and socio-cultural level. By bringing twenty young people (aged 18-30) from across Europe who are active in climate change projects to a training event in Svalbard (Norway), this project will build their capacity to drive understanding and action on climate change across Europe.
The training will focus on how climate change is affecting the Arctic, the consequences this has for the rest of the planet and what can be done to manage and adapt to these changes. The project will be hosted aboard a ship with specialists that focus on this area of research, and the training will be facilitated by the UNEP / GRID-Arendal experts.
The fragile Arctic environment is disproportionately affected by climate change which is causing unprecedented changes and having a serious impact on the region’s sea ice, wildlife and 4 million inhabitants.
The melting of the ice cover is causing great stress on the Arctic marine environment and other ecosystems, as well as increasing opportunity for economic development due to the great wealth of natural resources.
As these impacts are social and cultural, as well as environmental and economic, solutions need to be social and cultural, as well as technical and scientific.
By bringing young people from different countries together to find common purpose and work together, the project seeks to overcome barriers of misunderstanding and drive cooperation on an international level to the major challenges of our changing climate. Using interactive formats, participants will learn about the challenges facing the Arctic and sustainable development in this sensitive region.
Together, they will share and develop ideas to respond to the complex issues and communicate their experiences creatively to inspire others.
The 7-day training event onboard M/v "Antarctic Dream" is in the company of UNEP/GRIDArendal Polar Research and Sustainable Development experts. Training sessions will cover Arctic science and research, the geo-political context of the region and Arctic governance, Arctic people and culture, communicating climate change (including media preparation), sustainable tourism and project development training with-in the unique Svalbard experience.
- be aged 18-30 years
- demonstrate a passion for and interest in the Polar Regions – experience of hands-on climate activities is desirable
- understand that this is an educational expedition, not a vacation. He/she must be committed to participate fully in all aspects of the programme.
- demonstrate some or all of the following qualities: strong academics and/or passion for learning, interest in the environment; leadership qualities and/or potential to develop these qualities; active involvement in the community; a desire to make a difference and become a Climate Champion/youth ambassador for change and action.
- accept the responsibility to act as a Champion for his/her community and deliver associated activities after the Training.
- be committed and demonstrated self-directed learners that are flexible and willing to work in group environments
- be committed to practicing sustainable and responsible behaviour
20 May 2011
The Arctic Climate Training is funded under the EU’s Youth in Action programme and by the British Council. Travel costs to and from Oslo are to be paid for by the sending National Agency (please check with your national agency if this incurs a participation fee). Flights from Norway to Svalbard will be organised for participants.
To apply, please fill out application form and send it by email to: Julia.Rawlins@britishcouncil.org and
Sebastian.G.DaSilva@britishcouncil.org.
Mention in the subject that it is a Canadian application as the process differs from country to country.
*Please note that only Europeans qualify for the 10,000 Euro project funding because that money is provided by the European Union. This project is funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade of Canada.
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