Our Climate and The Years Project Launch #YouthStepUp Climate Contest

Do you have an idea to help fight climate change? This could be your chance to bring your idea to life and share it with the world. If you are a U.S. resident, aged 18–24, you’re invited to participate in the #YouthStepUp Contest, a competition focused on solutions to climate change proposed by the youth of America, led and managed by Our Climate and The Years Project.

The top eight contestants will win a trip to the Global Climate Action Summit in San Francisco, California, on September 12–14, where they will be able to present their idea to American leaders and leaders from across the globe. The Summit will be an opportunity to highlight the climate action and initiatives that are taking place within states, cities, companies, regions, investors and citizens. It will serve as a platform for launching new climate initiatives.

“Youth Step Up is designed to accelerate the transformative work that youth are already doing, and encourage more people to call for solutions,” said Page Atcheson, the Executive Director of Our Climate, who is administering the contest.

The largest voting block in America consists of today’s youth, and they hold the key for creating lasting change and making a safer planet for our future. If we continue at the current rate of greenhouse gas emissions and no action is taken to reduce them, the young people will face the most severe consequences. The impacts of climate change are projected to cost Millennials around $8.8 trillion in lifetime income, but the contest aims to change this outcome.

“It’s time to unlock solutions to climate change,” said Ken Alex. “The Youth Step Up Challenge helps energize and motivate the generation most impacted.” Alex is a Senior Policy Advisor to California Governor Jerry Brown and judge for #YouthStepUp. He is also a member of the panel of judges representing areas such as government, business and youth.

“The outcome of the Global Climate Action Summit has a direct impact on my future and the future of my peers,” said Carrie Cullen, a student at Emerson College in Boston. “By including Youth Step Up in the Summit, youth have a stake in creating a future that is safe and prosperous for everyone.” If you have a plan that can revolutionize the way we think about climate change, can motivate the youth to get involved and become leaders in this process, and can help reduce our greenhouse gas emissions, now is your chance to propose your idea.

The top eight contestants will also be able to compete for cash prizes, and the winner will receive the grand prize of $5,000. The first component is to submit your solution under one of the following criteria: Public Policy, Business Plan, Urban and Land Use Planning, Science and Technology, and Activism. The next step is to compose an 800-word essay to explain your solution. The third and final component is to include a creative/visual depiction of the solution. This could be in the form of art, music and spoken word, a creative writing project, video, or opinion piece. These creative pieces will be on display at the Global Climate Action Summit.

Feel inspired and want to get involved? Go to https://www.youthstepup.org/ to learn more about the contest and begin your application. Applications must be submitted by August 3rd, 2018, at 11:59pm PT.