Mississauga Launches Virtual Challenge to Encourage Youth to take Action on Climate Change

The City of Mississauga has launched the Climate Change Youth Challenge “Mission to Earth,” a virtual educational program for high school and post-secondary students, as part of the implementation of the Climate Change Action Plan. The six-month program will engage and challenge youth to develop sustainable solutions for Mississauga, such as transitioning to efficient energy systems, building innovative green spaces or reducing single-use plastics.

“Climate solutions exist and by encouraging innovation and taking action, youth can help transform Mississauga into a world-class green city. We have already taken steps to reduce our carbon footprint including working to plant trees through our One Million Trees program, introducing hybrid buses to our MiWay fleet and reducing our use of single-use plastics,” said Mayor Bonnie Crombie. “Youth are powerful advocates for climate change action and sustainability, and will be instrumental in solving some of the biggest climate concerns facing Mississauga.”

The Youth Challenge uses four pillars to engage youth in climate action:

• Learn: Explore climate change impacts from local, regional and global perspectives
• Innovate: Demonstrate leadership by engaging and empowering youth in collective participation and action around climate change in Mississauga
• Transform: Implement tactics and strategies from the City’s Climate Change Action Plan
• Connect: Facilitate and encourage connections and networking amongst youth, industry, municipal leaders and staff, community groups and NGOs

“In recent years, we’ve seen more and more youth become advocates for climate change and sustainability, insisting on action from all levels of government, which is why we developed this youth challenge,” said Jodi Robillos, Director, Parks, Forestry and Environment. “We’re hoping the challenge will bring together and engage youth to brainstorm climate solutions to address real problems being faced not only in Mississauga, but in cities around the world. We want youth to be empowered to take further climate change action and be inspired to pursue future careers in this field.”

Throughout the challenge, students will have access to mentors and subject matter experts, where they can help youth brainstorm ideas and provide feedback on their climate change solutions. The program will conclude with a virtual summit event that will bring together youth, community members, local government leaders and industry leaders to celebrate and showcase their innovations.

The Youth Challenge will allow students to create climate solutions for the City to consider, connect with others, network with expert mentors, expand knowledge and skills and learn about implementing United Nations Sustainable Development Goals in the local community.

Challenge Details:

What:

Climate Change Youth Challenge “Mission to Earth.” The virtual challenge is categorized into four themes with two challenge questions per theme. The themes include Electric City, Connected Communities, Nature and Wellness and Circular Waste.

Who:

The challenge is open to high school and post-secondary students (ages 14-25). Participants must register as a group.

When:

• Climate Change Youth Challenge
  • October 19, 2020 to March 31, 2021
• Climate Change Youth Summit
  • April/May 2021

Registration:

For high-school participants, a teacher or adult sponsor must register each group and act as a supervisor for the challenge.

Learn more about the Climate Change Youth Challenge and the Climate Change Action Plan.

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Tags

• Climate Change
• Plans and Strategies
• Students, Children & Youth