Why are applications from equity-deserving youth communities being prioritized?

    Climate change is an issue of justice. 

    The impacts of climate change are not felt equally. Low-income and communities, people of color, Indigenous people, 2SLGBTA+ persons, people with disabilities, older or very young people, and women – are more vulnerable to risks posed by climate change.

    The responsibility for climate change is not equal. Those who feel the impacts of climate change the most also tend to be the least responsible for creating greenhouse gas emissions in the first place.

    The people most affected by climate change are excluded from advancing solutions. The green movement is mostly white. A landmark study in the United States showed that in environmentally focused organizations, government agencies, and foundations 16% of fewer staff were people of colour and less than 12% were in leadership positions. 

    Equity-deserving and vulnerable communities, who have been historically excluded, must take part in shaping the solutions to the climate crisis. This is why applications from youth from communities experiencing social, economic and other barriers, including people of colour, newcomers, 2SLGBTQ+ persons, women, Indigenous peoples, and persons with disabilities / disabled will be given priority.