Young people are among the most vulnerable to the negative impacts of climate change in their lifetimes, yet also the most valuable contributors to climate action. Globally, we have 1.8 billion young people between the ages of 10 to 24 — the largest generation of youth in history. According to the Children’s Climate Risk Index: 1 billion children are highly exposed to exceedingly high levels of air pollution, 920 million are highly exposed to water scarcity, 820 million are highly exposed to heatwaves, 815 million are highly exposed to lead pollution, 600 million are highly exposed to vector-borne diseases, 570 million are highly exposed to flooding, and 400 million are highly exposed to cyclones. Citizens’ Climate Education provides youth-specific programming to support young people in becoming effective climate advocates, including hosting specialized landing pages so that youth under the age of 18 and those involved in higher education can easily plug into our work. Citizens’ Climate Education supports two national Action Teams for young climate leaders: the Youth Action Team for youth under the age of 18 and the Higher Education Action Team for young people pursuing higher education. Action Teams are led by young volunteers, supported by staff, and meet monthly. They serve as digital communities that work together collaboratively to take collective action on climate. CCE also supports more than 30 college campus chapters around the country. Campus chapters typically organize locally and in-person to take collective action on climate change, in alignment with CCE strategic goals and priorities. Citizens’ Climate Education provides regular newsletters for young people involved in higher education. Newsletters include: educational materials and tools; relevant and timely information on emerging policy objectives; opportunities to participate in trainings, workshops, or events; opportunities to take action on climate; and career opportunities. CCE has also developed an easy-to-implement middle school climate curriculum designed so teachers can provide students with a toolkit of advocacy skills for climate solutions. The curriculum includes 14 lesson plans, complete with lesson slides, student journals, and feedback forms. Citizens’ Climate Education supports approximately 20 interns every semester, providing valuable hands-on experience and career development for students and young professionals. Interns work in a variety of fields, including communications, IT, and field organizing.Inclusive Spaces for Youth
Youth Training and Education
Internships and Fellowships
In addition, CCE provides paid fellowship opportunities to young people from diverse backgrounds to work on youth recruitment. Fellows receive mentorship and leadership training, and make strong applicants for job positions that open within the organization.Interested in supporting our youth initiatives?