Youth Become Leaders in Climate Change Education

The Cascades Climate Challenge is a program dedicated to turning today's youth into climate change ambassadors for our public lands. North Cascades Institute led the inaugural program (called the Parks Climate Challenge) in 2009 in partnership with North Cascades National Park and the National Park Foundation.

High school students were recruited from urban areas around the US to participate in the program. Selected on the basis of teacher recommendations, service and leadership experience, an essay application and personal interview, the 2009 team represented Chicago, Denver, Seattle, San Francisco and Washington DC.

The team met in North Cascades National Park and spent the month of July in the North Cascades where they studied climate change science in the field and developed their presentation skills. Hiking to glaciers, interviewing scientists and resource mangers, and participating in service projects with park personnel allowed the young leaders to connect with the park and see the effects of climate change up close. They also began designing service projects for their local communities.

In September, they traveled to Washington DC and presented these ideas to decision-makers. The students met with staff from NOAA, USFS, NPS, EPA, USGS and NASA to learn more about what those agencies are doing to respond to climate change and national parks. In turn they presented their views and ideas on climate change solutions and youth engagement to various audiences, including Deputy Secretary of the Interior Bob Stanton and his staff.

In October and November the students worked with teachers and partners from their local National Park units to bring climate change awareness into the elementary schools, engage more youth, and provide opportunities for service and action. We are seeking to double the number of students reached in 2010 and are shifting to a more regional focus in order to do so. We will be accepting students from several designated areas within Washington state and Oregon.

Through this program North Cascades Institute and its public lands partners are identifying and developing the next generation of leaders. They will be at the forefront of the youth movement in climate change awareness and will be inspiring people of all ages in the Pacific Northwest and nationwide.

We will posting application information for the 2010 program in the spring of 2010.

» Program updates from the Chattermarks blog