Probably the biggest challenge of our times is that the planet continues to heat up, threatening our continued existence. We, through our International Climate Champions (ICC) program, are demonstrating our commitment to tackle climate change by an empowerment approach that encourages the green debate and pushes for action against climate change amongst peer groups of young adults.

The ICC initiative works in 60 countries with 707 champions who are passionate and committed to action. We help them develop and implement projects within their local communities that raise awareness of climate change, increases understanding of solutions and encourages them to share and develop their ideas with their peer groups around the planet.

Green Journey

We are proud to have engaged 28 climate champions in Indonesia. Ahead of the next UN Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen in December 2009, 2 of these green enthusiasts, Goris Mustaqim and Inggried Dwi Wedhaswary, will head to the UK to join up with the other British Council climate champions, recruited from all over the world. From London these passionate people will take the Eurostar through the Channel tunnel to Brussels to connect with a special climate express train, built to generate lower levels of carbon than traditional rail travel.

On this short but symbolic journey to Denmark the environmental campaigners will have a chance to network with activist groups and journalists and influence lobbyists and key decision makers, who will also be travelling on the ecological express. The international conference is expected to attract up to 15,000 delegates, including heads of state.

We are a firm believer in empowering talented young people and to this end delivers hundreds of projects in the areas of education, arts, science, sport and governance. The Green Journey that Goris and Inggried will take is a grass root approach to combat global warming which involves young people figuring out their own climate solutions and by practicing what they preach, leading by example. After the conference the champions will travel back to Indonesia and help train the other champions to act as role models within their peer groups.

Are you worried about climate change? How do you think we should be better protecting the environment? Join our facebook group (keyword: British Council Indonesia) and send in your thoughts.

Your thoughts should be original, not more than 50 words, and sent before 24 November 2009 at 00:00. We have 3 ipod nano chromatics for three best thoughts and suggestions.

We’ll make sure Goris and Inggried take your opinions to Copenhagen. Everyone can make a difference!