This February, the Regional Youth Climate Assembly for Yorkshire and Humber (RYCA) would like to acknowledge the amazing work of young climate activists and advocates across the Yorkshire and Humber region.
They have partnered with University of Leeds’ Priestley Centre for Climate Futures, Yorkshire and Humber Climate Commission, The Ernest Cook Trust, Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, The North York Moors National Park and the Youth Work Unit Yorkshire and the Humber CIO to create the first Youth Climate Champion Awards.
Individual Young People and Youth Groups can be nominated for the Youth Climate Champion Awards by their peers or other individuals in their lives, including youth workers, MPs, Councillors, teachers and group leaders.
The entry form for the Youth Climate Champion Awards can be found online
Awards will be presented to young people/youth groups who have been particularly impactful in activities relating to the categories identified in the Youth Green Deal Manifesto.
- Challenging consumerism or 'reduce, re-use, repurpose' (such as fashion, phones etc)
- Promoting public transport and active travel
- Youth voice and social action (working with decision makers)
- Green skills and jobs – (looking at future opportunities)
- Active environmentalism – (farming, tree planting, litter picking, sensory gardens, allotments)
Nominations close on 11 February. The awards will be presented at a public Showcase event on Saturday 24 February, 2-4pm in Leeds.
Curtis is aged 18 and from Rotherham. He is a RYCA member and was a facilitator at Cop 26. He said:
“Coming together to recognise each other’s great environmental work is what collective climate action should be about. As the RYCA awards celebrate the achievements of youth work from across the region, I am looking forward to seeing the scale of influence young people have made to their local communities and the impact that it is already having. I hope that this can demonstrate the need for further youth representation within climate processes, and influence a new collaborative approach to tackling climate change in the region.”
Mary-Jane Alexander, Youth Engagement Officer for the North York Moors National Park Authority, said:
“Through our young volunteering and Youth Voice programmes, we see firsthand the invaluable contribution that young people make to our conservation and environmental work. These individuals, and the many others like them from across the region, will one day take up the reins as we navigate the challenges of the climate emergency. I can’t wait to hear more about the inspiring work they’re already doing and see them recognised at the Youth Climate Champion Awards.”
About the RYCA
The Regional Youth Climate Assembly (RYCA) is a climate action group for young people across Yorkshire & Humber. It was established in 2020 and is supported by the Youth Work Unit Yorkshire & the Humber CIO, and by young people who are members of local youth councillors across the region.
The group has been involved in many local, regional and international projects such as presenting at COP26 and being active commissioners in the Yorkshire & Humber Climate Commission. Visit www.ryca.uk for more information.