Keeling Curve

Primary Project Category:

Secondary Project Category:

Name of Project:

Year Project Originated:

Project Summary / Description:

Our Climate mobilizes and empowers young people to educate the public and elected officials about science-based, equitable climate policy solutions that build a livable world. Our project uplifts the voices of frontline youth and builds public & political support to advance impactful climate solutions. Our Climate advocates for 3 policy principles that are science-based, equitable in content, and equitable in process; 1) Precisely vetted and enforced renewable energy targets, 2) Strong, specific corporate polluter fees to equitably fund a just transition, and 3) Environmental Justice legislation that provides specific protections and resources for environmental justice communities.

Country or Countries of Operation:

Regions of Operations:

Best Estimate of GHG Avoidance/Reduction of This Project (Tonnes CO2 Equivalent/Year):

Sustainable Development Goals:

Impact on Underrepresented Groups:

Our Climate empowers young adults ages 14-24 who are passionate about protecting our planet and raising awareness about the intersecting effects of the climate crisis and the disproportionate impacts on communities of color. We also collaborate with adult allies and coalitions in the climate movement. 

We are committed to proactively engaging constituencies that have been underrepresented in the climate movement, including rural and low-income students, students of color, and immigrants or children of immigrants. Our Climate is truly a youth-led organization; More than half of our Fall ‚ 20-Spring ‚ 21 Fellowship cohort are students of color; and we are supporting many of them to become more deeply involved with our organization and step into leadership positions. 

While Our Climate has historically been known as a white-led organization working on an intersectional issue that disproportionately impacts communities of color, we are now a Black-led organization working on a complex, multifaceted issue that disproportionately impacts frontline communities. 

Our evolution as an organization has been possible because we understand racism is a part of the very institutions we‚ re a part of. Furthermore, we must acknowledge that bias and unintentional harm will be perpetuated if we do not make an explicit effort to incorporate Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice (DEIJ) into our organization. We‚ re dedicated to climate justice and prioritizing equity, diversity, inclusion, and justice is key to achieving the vision we dream of. 

In 2020, Our Climate launched our NorthLight Scholars opportunity as part of our Fellowship program. Our Climate financially supports young leaders who would not otherwise be able to access the opportunities we offer or to dedicate time to advocate for science-based and equitable climate policies. For the Fall ‚ 20 - Spring ‚ 21 Fellowship program, we offered one needs-based paid Fellowship position in each of our state programs (NY, FL, OR, MA, WA, NE). Each NorthLight Scholar is paid $15/hour for up to 7 hours a week. This program has been a great success and has allowed us to financially compensate youth leaders, who would not otherwise be able to access and contribute to the critical work of addressing the climate crisis. 

Our youth leaders are part of decision-making processes at every level of the organization; several program alumni serve on our Board of Directors, and we regularly invite youth leaders to serve on various committees and task forces. We consistently seek qualitative feedback from youth leaders to track the personal and professional impact our work has on their lives. Our Climate collects feedback through forms, one-on-one conversations, and focus group discussions. We are committed to continued improvement in racial, socioeconomic, and geographic diversity among our team and in outreach practices to students and other young folks.

Sub-Categories: