Climate Champions Project and Views

The International Climate Champions Project

• The International Climate Champions (ICC) project began in 2007.
• The project allows young people of school age to speak publicly on climate change.
• It aims to encourage action to reduce the effects of climate change.
• Each country selects three teenagers to be Climate Champions.
• Climate Champions participate in local and international activities.

Climate Champions and their views

• Irene Sanna, from Sardinia, is interested in solar energy and believes the island should use the waves to generate electricity.
• Irene wants to reduce dependence on imported oil and gas for lighting, heating, and cooking.
• Ding Yinghan, from Beijing, believes it's unfair to blame only China for climate change.
• Ding emphasizes that air pollution causing global warming comes from many parts of the world, both rich and poor countries.
• Sophia Angelis, from California, is concerned about young people's lack of political engagement.
• She believes teenagers need to discuss issues that matter to their generation, like climate change and world poverty.
• Sophia argues that changes in teenage behavior can influence parental choices.

The impact of the project

• In 2008, Climate Champions attended the International Conference of Environment Ministers in Kobe, Japan.
• The ICC project currently involves 13 countries, with more expected to join.