Deadline: 30-Jun-2026
The Young Climate Prize supports young leaders working on climate challenges. This program offers mentorship, education, and a world stage to amplify their projects. It encourages design, communication, and community efforts to tackle climate change.
Key Goals:
- Encourage youth-led climate innovations.
- Support local climate solutions.
- Use design as a method for environmental impact.
- Enhance storytelling and public engagement.
- Provide mentorship on a global scale.
- Develop youth leadership skills.
- Foster international networking.
Focus Areas:
- Projects on climate change mitigation and adaptation.
- Community-driven environmental initiatives.
- Design-focused climate solutions.
- Climate communication and storytelling.
- Awareness campaigns engaging the public.
- Youth-focused leadership development.
- Creative interdisciplinary methods for climate action.
Benefits:
- One-on-one mentorship from top designers.
- Access to The World Around’s Design Academy.
- Training in effective storytelling.
- Skills for public advocacy and engagement.
- Networking with climate innovators worldwide.
- Global exposure for selected initiatives.
- Support for developing leadership skills.
Eligibility:
- Age: 13 to 25 years when applying.
- Open to youth from any country.
- Individuals or small groups (up to 3 members) can enter.
- Project leaders must be active founders.
- The project must be ongoing and community-focused.
Project Guidelines:
- Must be centered on climate action.
- Should show measurable results.
- Focus on mitigation or adaptation efforts.
- Must benefit the community.
- Applicant needs to play a key role.
How It Works:
- Identify an active project led by a young person.
- Ensure measurable impact from the project.
- Check eligibility criteria.
- Submit an application.
- If selected, join the program.
- Get mentorship and access to training sessions.
- Develop leadership and communication skills.
- Network globally for greater exposure.
Selection Standards:
- Impact and effectiveness of the project.
- Creativity and innovation in approach.
- Community engagement strength.
- Leadership qualities displayed by applicants.
- Creative methods in climate solutions.
- Potential for broader impact or scaling up.
- Clarity and effectiveness of communication.
Why It Matters:
- Empowers young climate leaders across the globe.
- Enhances grassroots climate action initiatives.
- Promotes innovative design solutions for climate issues.
- Builds essential communication and advocacy skills.
- Connects youth with global climate networks.
- Supports real environmental impacts.
- Encourages new strategies in climate responses.
Common Pitfalls:
- Applying without a current project.
- Poor evidence of impact.
- Lack of clear leadership in the initiative.
- Proposals that do not address climate issues.
- Weak community engagement.
- Submitting ideas instead of completed projects.
Pro Tips:
- Show clear measurable impacts.
- Highlight your leadership role.
- Emphasize community involvement.
- Use storytelling effectively.
- Show how creativity drives solutions.
- Demonstrate potential for scaling projects.
FAQs:
- What is the Young Climate Prize? A global initiative supporting youth-led climate projects.
- Who can apply? Individuals aged 13–25 from any nation.
- Are teams eligible? Yes, groups of up to 3 can apply.
- Is a current project needed? Yes, the project must be active and led by the applicant.
- What type of projects qualify? Those focused on climate change with measurable impact.
- What support is offered? Mentorship, design training, communication skills development, and networking.
- Are only environmental science projects accepted? No, creative and community-based approaches are welcome.
Conclusion:
The Young Climate Prize empowers youth climate leaders by offering mentorship, design education, and global networking. By supporting active projects, it helps innovators grow their leadership and problem-solving skills to drive meaningful climate action worldwide.
For more information, visit The World Around.

