Summary
Joining thousands of international youth for the UN Climate Change talks in Durban, South Africa, 15 Agents of Change delegates sponsored by SustainUS will advocate for equitable and fair climate solutions for current and future generations. From November 25 - December 9, these U.S. youth will have the opportunity to participate in official climate talks and lead international youth efforts to raise public awareness of the perilous impacts of rising carbon levels and climate change.
What is the issue, problem, or challenge?
With climate change, deforestation, and desertification accelerating at an alarming rate, youth are set to inherit a world filled with unprecedented environmental problems. Decisions made about climate change in today's climate talks will shape the lives of future generations for decades to come. Despite the tremendous impact environmental policies have on the lives of young people, policy debates around issues of development remain largely inaccessible to the vast majority of youth.
How will this project solve this problem?
SustainUS' Climate Delegation empowers young people to advocate for youth-friendly and future-focused sustainable development policies at the UN. We equip young leaders to better impact climate decisions by building understand about climate policy issues, training on media outreach, and providing valuable points of access and accreditation to high-level climate discussions.
Potential Long Term Impact
Youth participation in direct international civic engagement builds long-term leadership capacity in the broader environmental field. The skills gained from attending the climate talks empower young leaders to relate global issues of climate change, social equality, and sustainable development to local challenges after returning to their own communities. The connections made with thousands of international youth will help strengthen the capacity of the youth climate movement across the globe.
Project Message
SustainUS is a fantastic learning experience, and a great way for youth to make their voices heard in international policy. SustainUS has really put youth on the map for international policy making.
- Jennie Hatch, Research Associate, WRI; Former SustainUS Chair
Funding Information
Total Funding Received to Date: $17,259
Funding Information
This project is now in implementation and no longer available for funding.
Received funds will be used to accomplish concrete objectives as
indicated in the project's "Activities" section. Updates will be posted under the
"Project Report" tab as they become available.
Donors' contributions and pledges to this project totaled $17,259
.
The original project funding goal was $15,000.
Additional Documentation
This project has provided additional documentation in a PDF file (projdoc.pdf).
Resources