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Student Teams Invited to Participate in Youth Climate Challenge


In association with the 2019 Southwestern Tribal Climate Change Summit the Climate Science Alliance and our Tribal partners will host thirty youth ambassadors and their mentors. Student teams from all different backgrounds are invited to participate in The Youth Climate Challenge August 13-16th, 2019. Apply today!

In association with the 2019 Southwestern Tribal Climate Change Summit (August 13-16, 2019) the Climate Science Alliance and our Tribal partners will host thirty youth ambassadors (ages 16-25) and their mentors. Students from all different backgrounds are invited to come together as teams to participate in The Youth Climate Challenge.

This immersive experience, held at Idyllwild Arts Academy in Idyllwild, Ca., will connect students with leading climate scientists, Tribal elders, managers, artists, and practitioners. Specifically, the Southwestern Tribal Climate Change Summit is focused on exploring the climate impacts of extreme heat, drought and fire and how these impacts are affecting natural resources, community and culture, and public health. Students will participate in cultural exchanges encompassing traditional basket weaving, bird songs, storytelling, and learn about traditional ecological practices that help build natural and human resilience in the face of climate change.

Inspired by Tribal environmental leaders, students will be guided and challenged to identify and analyze the climate impacts in their own communities. Together, they will investigate climate strategies and solutions and formulate action plans to implement in their sphere of influence. These action plans must specifically identify areas and/or projects that students can actually take tangible action on (i.e. start a climate gardening program, record oral histories about the impacts of changing climatic conditions, host a climate art show, etc.). At the conclusion of the program, the youth ambassadors will present their work to environmental professionals attending the summit.

After the summit, the Alliance will work with students and their mentors to support them in implementing their climate community action plans. This program serves primarily to inspire and activate youth to come together and make a difference in their community.

Registration for the Youth Climate Challenge is now open!

To apply, click the "Climate Challenge" tab on the Summit pre-registration page here:

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