Barclays.comBarclays International Climate Challenge
The Barclays International Climate Change programme (BICC) launched in 2008, challenging young people around the world to understand the impact of global warming and inspire them to make a difference.
The three-year scheme seeks to raise awareness of climate change among 16 to 19-year-olds in the UK, Kenya and India through a range of educational activities. Participants learn about the devastating effects of climate change and are encouraged to develop projects to take positive action on environmental issues.
Among the initiatives launched as a direct result of the programme are projects to reduce food waste at a school in India, plant trees in school grounds in Kenya and minimise electricity use at a school in the UK.
A BICC Change-Makers Conference was held in London to mark the end of the programme’s first year, and recognise 20 of the most creative projects to have come out of the scheme. Young delegates were given an opportunity to debate climate change issues with adults at the forefront of industries from film-making to engineering and politics.
A booklet collating the views and hopes of BICC participants is available to schools in the UK, Kenya and India, and will be distributed at major climate change events. The most inspirational BICC participants are also set to take on mentoring roles to encourage more young people to get involved in promoting environmental awareness.
BICC is supported by key government agencies and non-government organisations in the three regions in which it operates, and is delivered by non-profit organisation Interclimate Network Limited.
