Climate Squad initiative launched by the Bank of America charitable foundation, V – the National Young Volunteers Service and Global Action Plan. Cimate Squad will tackle climate issues that matter to young people. Three-quarters of 16-24 year olds surveyed said it is very important for them to do something to tackle climate change.

On Friday 5 June 2009, a £1.5 million youth environment programme - Climate Squad - programme has launched through a partnership under the v Match Fund with the Bank of America Charitable Foundation, v, The National Young Volunteers Service and Global Action Plan. 

Climate Squad will engage 3,000 16-25 year olds in volunteering over the next two years in England.  It will equip the volunteers with the skills and confidence to develop initiatives to engage their local community to take action on climate change issues which concern them.  The aim of the volunteers' activity will help individuals and communities cut carbon emissions through simple, practical actions.

Bank of America which has its European headquarters in London is supporting the Climate Squad programme as part of its $20 billion environmental initiative to address climate change.

Ian O'Doherty, President Europe Card Services, Bank of America said: "Bank of America is committed to championing initiatives that will help improve our environment and we are supporting Climate Squad as we believe it will work to mobilize young people's energy and enthusiasm related to this critical issue and bring about meaningful change.

"By providing them with the tools to act, this initiative will allow young people to have their say and make recommendations on a variety of things their communities can do to reduce its carbon footprint and this will ultimately help to lead the way to a more sustainable future."

The tremendous desire of young people to prevent climate change and their willingness to make a difference was revealed today through a v poll of 1,255 16-24 year olds conducted by YouGov. Three-quarters of 16-24 year olds surveyed indicated it is very important for them as individuals to do something to tackle climate change.  However, a third of all young people surveyed (32%) said they want to make a difference but don't know how.  The Climate Squad initiative will provide the tools and support to help young people act with confidence on the issues that matter most to them. 

An overwhelming number of young people surveyed believe that taking action together is the way forward - 94% of young people believe that communities working in partnership are critical to preventing the worst effects of climate change. And young people have no doubt that climate change will effect their lives - 78% of 16-24 year olds surveyed believe that climate change will have an impact on their lives in the next 50 years.

Terry Ryall, Chief Executive, v said: "As research by v demonstrates young people are acutely aware and concerned about the climate and are keen to be involved given the right support. The Climate Squad aims to do just this. By developing young people as leaders on sustainability in their communities through an accredited training course and a wide range of volunteering opportunities, we hope to equip young people with the skills and confidence to address serious issues in a fun, creative and engaging way."

Global Action Plan's fresh and innovative approach and its track record in measuring and delivering change will contribute to the success of the initiative.  Global Action Plan is a recognised leader in delivering tangible environmental, social and financial improvements by working practically and creatively with individuals, communities and organisations. 

Trewin Restorick, CEO, Global Action Plan said: "Climate Squad will be a radically different environmental initiative. It will give young people the opportunity to create their own practical initiatives that will drive change in communities and politically. Climate Squad will alter young peoples' perception of climate change from feeling overwhelmed by the scale of the challenge to seeing the opportunities that exist for shaping a better low carbon future".

Global Action Plan is searching for 300 Climate Squad project leaders to deliver climate change initiatives in their communities. Project leaders will receive accredited training and support from Global Action Plan to roll this initiative out across England.  The training will equip them with the skills and confidence to present a broad range of exciting environment opportunities that young people can get involved with in their communities. 

If you're interested in learning more about this project and becoming a project leader, visit http://www.climatesquad.org.uk/.  Here you'll find useful information about the project and how to get involved.  You can also view our inspiring Climate Squad short film which will engage young people and get them involved.

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