In partnership with The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), British Council (India) has launched International Climate Champions 2009 — a youth oriented programme which aims to inspire young people, especially students, to spread the word about climate change, its effects and what can be done to mitigate them. Sixty young Indians and five Sri Lankan students will be selected ambassadors for communicating the message of climate change, and work towards mitigating its effects in South Asia.
A memorandum of understanding was signed between British Council and TERI on December 5, to jointly manage and implement an International Climate Champions Programme across India.
Speaking on the occasion Les Dangerfield, deputy director of the British Council, commented: “International Climate Champions is an important part of the British Council’s global work to encourage awareness and action on climate change. We are delighted to be working in tandem with TERI on this initiative in India.”
International Climate Champions is a component of the British Council’s international programme conducted in the G8+5 countries (Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Russia, South Africa, UK and USA). Last year, 20 Indian Climate Champions were selected through a rigorous countrywide competition. Three of these young champions were later chosen International Climate Champions 2008, and represented India at the G8+5 summit in Kobe, Japan.
Young people aged between 18-21 years are eligible to enter the competition. The selection process consists of two phases. In the first phase applicants will be shortlisted based on their online applications. In the second, shortlisted applicants will be interviewed. For further information and application format visit ww.britishcouncil.org.in or www.edugreen.teri.res.in or e-mail Anu Thampi at anu.thampi@in.britishcouncil.org.