On 24 May 2008 International Climate Champions (ICCs) addressed the ministers of the G8 countries and the European Commissioner responsible for the environment, speaking passionately of the need for urgent action: ‘This and future generations will inherit a poisoned legacy if, collectively, we cannot work together to limit emissions which threaten the eco systems we rely on for our very existence.’

In the week-long programme, the ICCs from 13 countries, including Brazil, China and South Africa among others, reached thousands in the local community through activities and workshops. They met with Ministers from the UK, France, Italy and Germany in the run-up to the G8 Meeting, and gained local, national and international media coverage.

Building an international consensus
The International Climate Champions initiative is part of the British Council’s three-year Low Carbon Futures programme of activities to provide an international platform for young people, local partners and leaders around the world to build an international consensus around action on climate change.

The week culminated with the ICCs’ presentation of the Kobe Challenge to the Japanese Minister of the Environment, Mr Ichiro Kamoshita and the other G8 ministers present.

Ways to achieve change
Three Japanese champions representing the 39 ICCs handed over the Kobe Challenge, stating: ‘We as human beings claim to be the most successful species on earth. This claim is being tested now and will be challenged in the years to come by the problem we have mostly created ourselves.’

Their message on tackling climate change was clear: ‘we must recognise the challenge, accept responsibility and respond with integrity.’ The champions set out ways to achieve this:

• Integrate climate change into all education systems and demonstrate practical solutions to every community
• Introduce a strict international carbon cap-and-trade system to limit emissions
• Provide technology and funding for those worst hit by the inevitable effects of climate change

The British Council will continue to work with local partners to support the ICCs and to engage more countries with the aim of making climate change the global issue of this generation.

Visit the International Climate Champions site on YouTube and our web pages on climate change to find out more about how the British Council is supporting young people to tackle climate change.