Climate change is perhaps the most urgent global challenge we face today and scientific consensus tells us we only have one generation in which to make a difference. It is not only high on the European political agenda, but also represents one of the biggest concerns for Europe’s future leaders. Challenge Europe gives them the opportunity to make a definite and real difference.
The project brings together ambitious young people who want to make a lasting impact on climate change. Challenge Europe enables these ”Climate Advocates”, coming from 15 European countries and all walks of life, to improve their knowledge of climate change issues and provides a platform for them to develop innovative and practical ideas that will reduce carbon use.
All our Climate Advocates have been recruited for their passion and commitment to the environment. They come from a variety of backgrounds, e.g.: an independent filmmaker from Finland, a lawyer from the UK, a musician from Czech Republic, an ecopreneur and farmer from Ireland, a journalist from Norway, a young politician from Slovenia, an IT expert from Poland, an ecology student from Ukraine.
The project started in June 2008 with the recruitment of 229 Climate Advocates from 15 European countries. Over the last six months each country team has worked collaboratively to identify the key areas where they think they can make a real difference to carbon use and to develop their ideas. Sectors identified include education, transport, housing and built environments, food and agriculture, energy, business practice - as well as raising awareness and taking personal action. They are now refining and developing their ideas with the help of international and national experts, and by networking with other Advocates across Europe.
Slovakia: Climate Advocates met with the Duke of Edinburgh in October 2008 and tested their ideas with an audience of experts in science, business, NGOs and the general public.
Finland: A group of Advocates has been working with a TV production company to produce a series called Operation Earth, broadcast on Finnish television during November 2008.
Ukraine: In November 2008 climate advocates in Ukraine helped to organise the first “Climate Action Day” in Kyiv with the aim of raising awareness about climate change issues.
Poland: Climate Advocates from across Europe attended the COP14 conference in Poznan, which gave them a unique opportunity to understand the global importance of climate issues and how they are being resolved at an international level.
Each team is now developing a communication strategy to share their ideas with the outside world, specifically reaching out to decision-makers and stakeholders, campaigning for implementation and support to realise their ideas.
The project has an annual cycle, with new teams of Climate Advocates being recruited in each country each year. In the future we hope to expand the project outside Europe as part of a global campaign.
Throughout the project, we have formed partnerships with a large number of organisations across Europe spanning all sectors, including the corporate, non-governmental, environmental and academic worlds.
WHAT DO OUR PARTNERS GAIN?
•Engagement with future leaders in 15 European countries – exceptional young people who come from a range of backgrounds and have the motivation to bring about change
•Access to experts, decision-makers and policy-makers
•Media exposure and reach to the wider public across 15 European countries
•Increased public awareness and corporate visibility through branding opportunities
•Visible support for the development and implementation of Challenge Europe ideas in local communities
•Demonstration of commitment to doing something real about climate change
•A genuine partnership with the British Council, an international organisation with 75 years of experience in creating opportunities for people worldwide
For more information, visit: http://challengeeurope.britishcouncil.org/
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