Climate change is a relatively new area of engagement for British Council. The reason why we incorporate climate change into our long term programme is that we believe that climate change is one of the greatest social, economic, political and environmental challenges facing our generation. The debate around climate actions is a strategic objective of ours where we seek to assist the UK Government to achieve its international strategic priority by leading others towards a faster transition to sustainable, low carbon economies.

At the global level, we have Low Carbon Futures project as platform on climate change programme which aims:

• To achieve understanding of the case for tackling climate change now
• To mobilise public pressure for progress on international agreements
• To establish relationships and networks which lead to action

In East Asia region, our climate change project is called “Climate Cool.” It consists of series of programmes which aim to promote taking personal action on climate change mitigation and adaptation, and to project an image that to do so is “cool” and trendy and a crucial element in the lifestyles of young global citizens in East Asia

Climate Cool will achieve its aims by building networks of young people committed to taking action to limit the contribution they and societies make to greenhouse gas emissions. We will build the campaign around a highly interactive web site, which both holds content of relevance to action-oriented networks, and encourages debate and interaction between individuals and groups – both physically and on line.

We realize that tackling climate change requires serious structural change at policy and planning levels, as well as new products and technologies. But, critically, it requires action at a personal level; turning lights and appliances off, taking public transport, etc. By taking personal action, individuals are sending the message that they want to tackle climate change to policy makers and business leaders, encouraging them to make the necessary structural changes.

Climate Cool programme seeks to result in the following goals: Climate Cool Network, Climate Cool Website, Cool Events, Cool Competitions, Cool Action, Cool Training, and Cool Media. In line with the regional strand, British Council Indonesia is now in the phase of developing the infrastructure for the Climate Cool campaign. In fact, the first Climate Cool programme called Asian Young Leaders Climate Forum (AYLCF) was held in Indonesia in December 2007. Lord Stern of Brentford, the author of the widely-known “Stern Review on Climate Change,” is indeed the mentor of AYLCF.

Following the success of AYLCF in UNFCCC COP 13th in Bali, Indonesia, December 2007, we established Advisory Board which aims to support Indonesian young leaders to realize their climate change-related projects. Championed by the Presidential Advisory Council on Environment and Sustainable Development, Prof. Dr. Emil Salim, the board consists of 25 top decision makers from various sectors (i.e. community, corporate, education, government, and media). The board moves forward by supporting 5 Indonesian AYLCF delegates’ proposals as pilot projects.  

We realize that 2008 is an important year throughout which we will seek to build a solid ground for a sustainable Climate Cool projects in the future. Up to now we have conducted research on climate change education in schools and participated in various youth and environment events, both at national and international level. In August 2008 we will hold Project Management and Leadership Training as well as workshop and competition on sustainable design products. Both projects will put regional dimension by inviting a large number of participants from other East Asian countries and UK. In regards to the future programmes, we are currently planning to conduct other climate projects which will engage various stakeholders, such as school and media.

We believe that through Climate Cool, we can inspire young leaders from media, community, corporate, education, and government sectors to really make a difference on climate change issue.