We believe that climate change is one of the greatest social, economic, political and environmental challenges facing our generation. The debate around whether climate change is happening is over, facing up to the challenges it presents is next.

That is why we are launching a major new project called Challenge Europe.

What is Challenge Europe?

Challenge Europe – Low Carbon Futures will set the ambitious challenge to find the best way to make a definite and lasting impact on the climate change debate and accelerate change towards a sustainable, Low Carbon Future.

We are offering young people in England the exciting opportunity to influence UK’s approach to climate change through this new project.

We are looking to recruit a group of people aged 18-35 in England - as part of a wider UK team who want to make a real difference to the climate change debate in the UK and internationally.

They will work together with teams from 14 other countries across Europe as ‘Climate Advocates’ to unearth new ways to reduce carbon emissions or utilise methods already available but not yet fully developed.

The issues that they will explore will have local relevance and could include:

			transport
			consumer behaviour
			economics and taxation
			the built environment
			energy use.

We will organise support and development activities for the group to challenge the way they think about certain issues and stimulate new thinking. Although participation is voluntary, we will provide opportunities to learn from experts and leaders across Europe and to develop knowledge, expertise and influence.

What will the project achieve?

We aim to build a network of over 200 bold and dynamic Climate Advocates. Working together we will develop three achievable and sustainable ideas from each country.

In June 2009 the groups will have the opportunity to present their ideas to a wider audience, including experts on climate change, energy generation, philanthropists, commercial organisations, government leaders and entrepreneurs across a range of fields in an effort to develop their ideas into reality.

By building on these ideas we have the ambitious aim to bring about changes to law, business practice or human behaviour.

Challenge Europe is a three year project and each year we will recruit new young people and give previous participants support and opportunities to continue in their role as climate change advocates.

It will address the most urgent global challenge we face today; climate change. It offers this generation the opportunity to focus valuable time and invaluable talents to find real answers to address the crisis we all face.

Find out more on Challenge Europe - Climate Change or you can also contact Conor Snowden on +44 (0) 131 524 5758 or e-mail conor.snowden@britishcouncil.org.