Home > Science and Environment > What we do > Climate Leader

British Council and Climate Change
Climate change is a key component of our cultural relations programme. We believe that the development of cultural relations plays an integral part in overcoming the barriers to find a global solution to climate change- one of the greatest social, economic, political and environmental challenges facing our generation.

The British Council recognises that this ‘climate generation’ and future generations will be most affected by climate change and that they care passionately about their future world.  We help passionate, committed individuals to work together across the globe to develop ideas that can help tackle climate change and to voice their opinions to decision makers.  

Lord Stern of Brentford, the author of the widely-known “Stern Review on Climate Change,” is a mentor of the leaders programme.

Who are our Climate Leaders?

			Climate Leaders are university students and young professionals from media, community (NGO / NPO), corporate, education, and government sectors who are committed to making a difference on the climate change issue.
			Climate Leaders is part of a wider British Council Climate Change programme which has selected over 3,000 climate advocates in 60 countries from the ages of 11 to 35.
			Climate Leaders are aged between 18 and 35 years in Japan.

What are our Objectives?
Our programme aims to:

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

What are our Activities?
We seek to achieve our objectives through:

			Projects We support the Leaders develop and implement projects within their local communities that raise awareness of climate change, limit the impact of climate change (adaptation), and reduce carbon footprint (mitigation). We also provide skills and leadership training for the Leaders necessary to develop and implement their projects.
			Networking We support the Leaders work with other champions around the globe to share and develop their ideas and opinions on climate change through face-to-face and online opportunities.
			Representing the voice of youth We create opportunities for Leaders to express their views on tackling climate change to world leaders at international meetings such as the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Conference of Parties (COP).
			Doing it Ourselves British Council Climate Champions from Asia gathered in Hanoi City, Vietnam ahead of the United Nations Conference of Parties (COP16) Summit in Cancun, Mexico. As leaders from all nations began the negotiations for an international agreement, the climate champions had a message for their world leaders and the young generation on the importance of action now, as well as their own responsibilities as climate leaders.

Climate Cool: East Asia Climate Leaders website

This programme is supported by LRQA Japan in Japan.