The British Council's International Climate Champions program engages young people around the world as communicators who will help to influence and educate their peers and the general public on the urgency of climate change.
The International Climate Champions initiative is part of the British Council's Low Carbon Futures program of activities designed to build understanding of and action on climate change.
Climate champions were chosen from 13 countries: Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Russia, South Africa, the United Kingdom and the United States. These champions are not only leaders in their communities but are also participating in international peer networks, both in person and online, to share ideas, projects and experiences. In 2008, the program will include the following elements:
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: An interactive website allows international champions to communicate about how they can tackle climate change in their communities and around the world. |
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: Selected champions from each country gathered in London in March 2008 to develop a “Kobe Challenge” that reflects what actions or initatives they feel will best tackle climate change. |
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: The same champions presented their challenge during a youth summit portion of the G8 Environment Ministers meeting in Kobe, Japan, in May- this was a unique opportunity to raise their concerns in front of an important international audience.
Find out how the Climate Champions made an impact at the Kobe Conference. |
The British Council and the California Air Resources Board sponsored a competition that identified 15 climate champions from high schools across California.
Over the course of the next year, the California Climate Champions will help with local, national and international projects as well as with the media to communicate the urgency of climate change and to engage others to make a difference. They will have the opportunity to participate in a "climate camp" in California, and will also be invited to join an online peer network to share ideas and encourage others to get involved.
Please contact us to learn more about the California Climate Champions program.
