Youth – Knowledge Sharing Platform

Panel discussion at the No Borders for Climate Action event

The No Borders for Climate Action event in St. Gallen, Switzerland, brought together students and experts from Switzerland, Brazil, the UAE, and Zambia for a day of dialogue, learning, and collaboration on climate solutions. From Youth Climate Dialogues to a high-level panel, participants explored the inextricable link between education and action.

Read on to find out more.

Last Thursday, 23 October 2025, the Kantonsschule am Burggraben (KSBG), a secondary school in St. Gallen, Switzerland, became a vibrant hub of global connection and climate action during the No Borders for Climate Action event. The day brought together around 150 students, teachers, and experts from around the world to learn, share, and reflect on how everyone, regardless of age or background, can contribute to solving the climate crisis.

The event was a year in the making and based on a long-standing collaboration between UNITAR and KSBG. The event was particularly well-timed, giving momentum ahead of the global climate meetings at COP30 in Brazil in November. The venue itself carried historic significance: ten years ago, KSBG hosted the very first Youth Climate Dialogue, a UN CC:Learn initiative that has since grown into a global initiative with more than 70 dialogues held across dozens of schools worldwide, reaching thousands of students and fostering international exchange on climate change.

On this occasion, UNITAR took the opportunity to thank the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) for its 15 years of continuous support to UN CC:Learn and to climate education efforts around the world.

“One of the things that the Swiss Government has done is to invest in climate education, recognising that universal action on climate can only be achieved through shared understanding of the issues – and this begins in schools.” – Angus Mackay, Director, Division for Planet, UNITAR

Angus Mackay addressing the audience at the No Borders for Climate Action event. Photo credit: Lorenzo Franchi / UNITAR

The day kicked off with the arrival in St. Gallen of Swiss students from the Italian-speaking region of Lugano, Ticino. The two Swiss schools met for lunch, which created a friendly and relaxed atmosphere ahead of the afternoon programme. From there, they took part in a series of activities designed to spark dialogue and curiosity among students from other countries who joined online from Brazil, the United Arab Emirates, and Zambia. The afternoon included an introductory Q&A session, a Climate Classroom on International Climate Negotiations, and four Youth Climate Dialogues held in parallel, connecting classes from Switzerland with GEMS Legacy School in Dubai, the British School in Rio de Janeiro, and Chelstone Secondary School and State Lodge B Secondary School in Lusaka, Zambia.

YCD between Liceo di Lugano 3, Switzerland, and Chelstone Secondary School, Zambia. Photo credit: Lorenzo Franchi / UNITAR

The students exchanged ideas, shared personal experiences of climate impacts in their regions, highlighted climate action in their countries, and reflected on what meaningful action could look like in their daily lives. For many, this was a rare and enriching opportunity to connect with students that they (almost certainly) otherwise might never have met. The excitement was palpable, and the sense of solidarity that emerged from these conversations was a highlight of the day.

YCD between Liceo di Lugano 3, Switzerland, and GEMS Legacy School, UAE. Photo credit: Lorenzo Franchi / UNITAR

All of this supported students’ preparation for a high-level panel discussion that brought together a diverse group of experts and young voices. Moderated by Katrin Muff, Director of the Institute for Business Sustainability, the panel featured Michael Götte, Member of Parliament (SVP); Chantal Felder, Head of Climate, DRR and Environment at the SDC; Leilani Dulguerov, Associate Scientific Officer at the World Meteorological Organization (WMO); and Michael Lütolf, Principal of KSBG. Two students, one from KSBG and one from Liceo di Lugano 3, also joined the discussion, ensuring that youth perspectives remained front and center.

The panel discussion at the No Borders for Climate Action event. Photo credit: Lorenzo Franchi / UNITAR

The debate was lively and engaging, touching on themes such as the urgency to scale up climate efforts, youth engagement, the responsibility of politicians to drive change, and the importance of individual action. Despite different views on how to better address the climate crisis, there was consensus that it’s happening and that efforts must be ramped up.

“Imperfect action is better than no action” – Leilani Dulguerov, Associate Scientific Officer, WMO

The students particularly appreciated being part of the dialogue (most of whom were below voting age), where their ideas and concerns were taken seriously by decision-makers and experts alike. They stressed that experiences like this are better and more meaningful than watching climate documentaries in class.

“We believe that education must go beyond the classroom. We need to educate everyone, so everyone knows to protect the climate, especially those who may not have the necessary resources (…), and that’s what this Dialogue is about: learning, acting and working together.” – Julie Jensen and Leilani Bozinov, KSBG students

Julie Jensen and Leilani Bozinov, from KSBG, wrapping up the panel discussion. Photo credit: Lorenzo Franchi / UNITAR

The No Borders for Climate Action event was more than just a day of activities. It was a platform for exchange and reflection, and, above all, a channel for Swiss and international students to engage directly with their leaders on an issue already shaping their lives and futures. It showed that when education, dialogue, and participation come together, the boundaries between classrooms and global change begin to disappear.

Students from Ecuador and Germany came together to discuss what climate change means in their countries, how they are facing the impacts of climate change, and what actions their countries are already taking to address the impacts. The online meeting provided a lively discussion on the indigenous community knowledge, mobility, food security and recycling.

On June 24 2025, an inspiring and heartfelt Youth Climate Dialogue (YCD) brought together students from Ecuador and Germany, as part of the global initiative UN CC:Learn. The event was held in parallel to Ecuador’s ongoing efforts to develop its National Strategy for Action for Climate Empowerment (ENACE).

The exchange was made possible through the facilitation of the National Directorate for Pedagogical Improvement of the Ministry of Education of Ecuador, in collaboration with UNICEF. The cross-cultural dialogue, held in Spanish, connected students from the Unidad Educativa Intercultural Bilingüe Miguel Egas Cabezas in Otavalo, Ecuador, and the HeleneLange Gymnasium in Fürth, Germany.

YCD between Ecuador and Germany. Photo credit: Ecuador

The Ecuadorian students addressed pressing topics such as the impact of climate change on the food sovereignty of Indigenous rural communities, the disruption of ecosystems and the loss of sacred natural resources, as well as the importance of ancestral knowledge and practices as a response to climate change. From Germany, students reflected on what climate change means in their local reality, exploring issues such as mobility, quality of life, and adaptation challenges in an urban context.

Over the course of two hours, the dialogue blossomed into a space of mutual learning, empathy, and deep respect. Both groups came prepared and curious, sharing not only what they know, but what they experience — from school gardens in Otavalo, to local climate advocacy initiatives in Fürth. Their words echoed commitment and care for the planet, showing that climate action has many forms, and begins close to home.

The event concluded with closing remarks from Sebastián Concha, National Director for Pedagogical Improvement, who highlighted the importance of these participatory spaces in shaping meaningful and transformative climate education.

After listening to the students, we are left with a sense of hope. Their energy, their thoughtful preparation — nearly a month long — and the joy they expressed at being part of this event were moving. Their connection with nature, climate action, and civic participation shone brightly throughout the dialogue.

This was the first such exchange between the two countries. The Youth Climate Dialogue reminds us that the path to a more just and sustainable future is also paved with conversation, connection, and mutual understanding across borders.

Presentation during the St.Gallen student's visit.

Sixteen students from Kantonsschule am Burggraben St.Gallen visited UNITAR as part of their annual trip to International Geneva, and engaged in a series of activities with UN staff.

Read on to find out more.

Last week, UNITAR’s Green Development and Climate Change Programme (GCP) and the Communications and IT Support Unit (CITSU) welcomed 16 students from Kantonsschule am Burggraben St.Gallen. This visit marked the sixth time the school brought its students to the UNITAR office as part of their annual two-day trip to International Geneva, where they explore global governance through UN simulations and interactive sessions.

The students spent two dynamic hours with Mr. Lucas Terra from GCP and Ms. Sophie Mills from CITSU, engaging in a series of activities designed to introduce them to the work of the United Nations and UNITAR. The session kicked off with an introduction to the UN’s mission, followed by an interactive SDG game. Using a spinning wheel featuring all the Sustainable Development Goals, students took turns answering questions about different SDGs. Each correct response earned them points and small rewards to keep the energy levels high.

Presentation by Mr. Lucas Terra and Ms. Sophie Mills. Photo credit: UNITAR.

Student spinning the SDG wheel during the SDG game. Photo credit: UNITAR

Following the SDG game, the students participated in a speed networking session with five UNITAR staff members from different departments. Divided into small groups, they had five-minute discussions with each professional, asking questions about their careers, experiences, and insights into working at the UN. This fast-paced exchange allowed the students to gain diverse perspectives on career paths within the organization and beyond.

Speed networking session. Photo credit: UNITAR

The visit wrapped up with a hands-on problem-solving exercise, where students tackled real-world challenges that UNITAR staff encounter in their work. Split into two teams, they brainstormed solutions and presented their ideas to their peers, simulating the kind of strategic thinking and collaboration essential in international organizations.

Before leaving, the students gathered for a group picture, marking the end of another visit. Their time at UNITAR provided a valuable glimpse into the work of international organizations, including cooperation and diplomacy, inspiring them to pursue a career in this field.

Group picture - St. Gallen Students and UNITAR staff

Group picture with the students, Mr. Lucas Terra and Ms. Sophie Mills. Photo credit: UNITAR

Nine inspiring 2024 UN CC:Learn Champions shared their diverse climate stories during three engaging sessions, showcasing how individual actions drive collective change.

Read on to find out more.

Last week, the UN CC:Learn community came together for a series of events that brought climate stories to life. Over three dynamic sessions, held on 10 and 11 December in English and 12 December in French, nine of the 2024 UN CC:Learn Champions showcased their inspiring work in the field. With an audience of nearly 1,000 engaged alumni from around the globe, these 90-minute events showcased inspiring examples of climate action in different shapes and forms.

Each event followed an engaging structure that kept the energy high. The Champions—Afifa, Sagaitu, and Vathanak in Event 1; Alan, Hannah, and Varnessa in Event 2; and Jules, Souhayata, and Wadley in the French session—each had 10 minutes to share their unique climate stories. Their work painted a compelling picture of leadership in climate action, from reforestation projects to educational comic books. Following these presentations, an active and engaging Q&A followed. The Champions answered thought-provoking questions from the audience, sparking deeper dialogue about the challenges and successes of their climate actions. The conversations were rich and left participants inspired by the diverse ways individuals can make a difference.

The events closed with an insightful exercise. Participants were asked to submit a pledge answering the question, “What climate action do you pledge to carry out after being inspired by the UN CC:Learn Champions?” Participants bought into the idea and pledged several different things, from “increased community engagement through grassroots initiatives” and “more capacity building on climate change” to “scale up renewable energy” and “reduction carbon footprints,” to name a few.

These events highlighted how individual actions can motivate broader changes within larger groups. Building on this momentum, UN CC:Learn is planning similar events in 2025 featuring Spanish and Portuguese-speaking Champions.

Mastering International Climate Negotiations: All You Need to Know is an accessible and interactive guide to international climate negotiations. It empowers participants—especially youth—with essential knowledge for meaningful involvement in the UNFCCC process.

Enroll

Climate Change
Youth

Self-paced course

3.5 hours

English

Mastering International Climate Negotiations: All You Need to Know is a new e-course designed to guide participants through the intricate landscape of global climate negotiations as we approach COP29.

Created in collaboration with the UNFCCC Secretariat and the COP28 UAE Presidency Youth Climate Champion, it makes international climate negotiation principles more accessible, especially for newcomers and youth delegates.

With an emphasis on simplifying often complex themes, the course covers key topics within the UNFCCC framework, such as implementation mechanisms of the Paris Agreement and the Convention, which influence the policies and decisions shaping climate action worldwide.

“Mastering International Negotiations” is not just about learning but also about empowerment. It emphasizes youth empowerment in the negotiation process, supporting meaningful engagement on equal footing. Through 12 fun and engaging video-based lessons, participants will get critical insights into the UNFCCC process, gaining both the theoretical foundation and the practical knowledge to participate effectively in climate negotiations.

Young people have repeatedly raised that capacity building is a key priority for their meaningful participation during our global youth consultations. This partnership responds to that clearly identified need. COP28, UNFCCC, and UNITAR’s collaboration on climate education demonstrates our commitment to empower the younger generation and foster their active involvement in tackling the global climate crisis.“ – H.E. Shamma Al Mazrui, COP28 Youth Climate Champion

UNFCCC is committed to fostering global climate literacy and empowering people everywhere to participate in climate policymaking and decision-making processes. Developed with the COP28 Presidency and UNITAR, this new the vital role of young people as agents of change in accelerating climate action at a time of spiraling climate harms for people of all ages, and massive climate costs for all economies. The course provides learners with essential knowledge about the intergovernmental climate change process. Join us in helping to nurture the skills and expertise needed to ensure impactful climate action, now and in the future.” — Simon Stiell, Executive Secretary, UN Climate Change

What will you learn?

By the end of the course, participants will be able to:

Describe the international climate negotiation process and institutional structure under the UNFCCC;
Discuss the rationale, key provisions and activities within the various thematic areas of negotiation under the UNFCCC;
Explain expected key issues and activities taking place at COP29
Identify how to engage in climate policymaking processes at national and international levels across different thematic areas;
Navigate the UNFCCC website and find information on specific UNFCCC processes.

Who is this course for?

The course is primarily designed to build capacities of delegates, particularly youth negotiators, youth-led and youth-focused organizations in the climate negotiation space as well as anyone else interested in learning more about the thematic areas in international climate negotiations.

The course at a glance

1. Introduction to the course

2. Mitigation

3. Adaptation

4. Transparency

5. Climate Finance

6. Technology Mechanism

7. Capacity Building and Action for Climate Empowerment (ACE)

8. Just Transition

9. Agriculture and Food Security

10. Gender

11. The Ocean

12. In Practice: How to Navigate the UNFCCC Website and App

Final Quiz

Will you get a certificate?

The course contains knowledge checks within each lesson to strengthen the learner’s understanding of the content.

A final assessment will be available at the end of the course. A certificate of completion is awarded to learners who complete:

All videos, interactive lessons, and activities;
Final quiz with a 70% or higher score within three attempts;

Once these conditions are met, the certificate will automatically become available for participants to download on the platform in the “certification” tab.

The “Becoming a Climate Champion” e-course strives to empower you to put in place or ramp up your climate initiatives by enhancing your skills in five key areas: leadership, project management, resource mobilization, leave no one behind and communications.

Enroll

Youth
Climate Change

Self-paced course

3 hours

English

Are you ready to drive impactful climate action?

“Becoming a Climate Champion” is an interactive online course designed to equip you with essential skills for excelling in climate action in five key areas: leadership, project management, resource mobilization, leave no one behind and communications.

You will learn from high-level experts how to apply these skills to your climate and environmental projects, transforming your initiatives into successful, meaningful contributions to a sustainable future. Whether you are an entrepreneur, student, government official or NGO worker, this course empowers you to take your work to the next level and ramp up action against climate change.

“Becoming a Climate Champion” was developed by UN CC:Learn and UN Climate Change’s Youth4Capacity.

Enrol today to take the first step to becoming a Climate Champion!

What will you learn?

The e-course aims to build people’s capacities in five key areas – leadership, project management, resource mobilization, leave no one behind and communications – to support them in climate-related projects.

After completing the course, you will be able to:

Devise an inclusive climate action project or initiative that contributes to global efforts to tackle climate change.
Outline a brief communications plan to promote climate-friendly projects and initiatives.
Identify the resources needed to successfully implement a climate project or initiative.
Describe key elements to consider when conceptualizing and implementing inclusive and gender-responsive climate projects and initiatives.
Make use of different leadership styles in climate action projects and initiatives.

Who is this e-course for?

This course caters for everyone who wishes to learn more about leadership, project management, resource mobilization, leave no one behind and communications. However, it will be particularly useful to:

Young people, such as students, entrepreneurs and professionals, who are acting, or intend to act, on climate change and would like to start or enhance their projects and initiatives.
UN CC:Learn alumni and Youth4Capacity beneficiaries who are already taking or wish to take concrete steps to act on climate change.
Everyone interested in playing an active role in addressing climate change and would like to benefit from these skills in their projects and initiatives.

The course at a glance

The course is self-paced and takes around three hours to complete.

The course has five interactive and engaging modules, one for each of the areas it covers. The course features video lessons, interactive online lessons, a final quiz and various additional resources.

Module 1: Leadership
Module 2: Project Management
Module 3: Resource Mobilization
Module 4: Leave No One Behind
Module 5: Communications
Final Quiz & Project Idea Submission

Get your Certificate

Upon completing the five modules, participants will be asked to complete a final quiz covering the content of all the modules. A certificate of completion is awarded to learners who complete:

All videos, interactive lessons and activities.
The final quiz with a score of 70 per cent or higher.

The certificate will be available upon completion of the course. Once conditions are met, the certificate will automatically become available for download.

CYNP participants at COP29. Aerial view.

In 2024, UN CC:Learn and the Future Leaders Network trained young negotiators through the Climate and Land Youth Negotiator Programmes. These initiatives prepared youth for key roles at COP29 (UNFCCC) and COP16 (UNCCD), equipping them with essential skills and knowledge.

Read on to find out more.

2024 was a remarkable year for UN CC:Learn’s partnership with the Future Leaders Network to deliver two unique and dedicated training programmes for young negotiators around the world. The Climate training programme focusing on negotiations under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) ran for its third year with UN CC:Learn as a partner. We welcomed the pilot Land Youth Negotiator Programme that focused on negotiations under the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) in collaboration with the UNCCD Secretariat.

Both the Climate and Land training programmes ran in parallel from June – November/December 2024 and offered a unique opportunity to explore the synergies between 2 of the 3 Rio Conventions and build the skills of young negotiators to navigate the complex and fast-evolving multilateral landscape, with a vision to enhance the critical role that the youth play in the decision-making process at a global level. The aim was to prepare young negotiators with mandates within their national delegation for the upcoming negotiations at the 29^thUNFCCC Conference of Parties (COP29) in Baku and the 16^th UNCCD Conference of Parties (COP16) in Riyadh, combining an intensive and engaging programme with pre-learning courses, expert online workshops, community building sessions and knowledge repository in the UN CC:e-learn platform.

Youth Negotiators at COP29. Photo credit: Future Leaders Networks

This year’s Climate Youth Negotiator Programme (CYN) saw 257 young negotiators take part across the fundamental and Advanced training tracks, with 111 of them being integral members of their official negotiating teams at COP29. The first-ever Land Youth Negotiator Programme (LYNP) also engaged young negotiators from 35 countries in the Fundamental training track, and several took part in the COP16 negotiations.

With a growing number of well-equipped young negotiators, there is no doubt that the time to invest in our youth is to build intergenerational climate justice through dedicated training programmes like the CYNP and LYNP to secure our combined futures.

Photos can be found on the social channels here.

Climate Youth Negotiator Participants at COP29, in front of COP29 sign.

Climate Youth Negotiator Participants at COP29. Photo credit: Future Leaders Network.

“Becoming a Climate Champion” is a free e-course designed by UN CC:Learn and UNFCCC’s Youth for Capacity to empower young people and aspiring changemakers with five essential skills: Leadership, Project Management, Resource Mobilization, Inclusivity, and Communications.

Read on to find out more.

The world is facing a climate crisis of unprecedented proportions, with global temperatures on track to rise well beyond the 1.5°C limit set by the Paris Agreement. As the impacts of climate change intensify, the need for bold, innovative, and inclusive solutions has never been more urgent. Young people are at the forefront of this challenge, demonstrating their potential as leaders and changemakers in communities worldwide. To empower this next generation of climate leaders with the knowledge and skills to drive meaningful action, UN CC:Learn and UNFCCC’s Youth4Capacity, with support from the Governments of Switzerland and Italy, have developed the “Becoming a Climate Champion” e-course.

This groundbreaking collaboration between UN CC:Learn and UNFCCC’s Youth4Capacity Programme builds on years of experience of the two organizations working with youth to address climate challenges. The course leverages insights from experts and practitioners to provide a comprehensive yet accessible learning experience. It is tailored to equip young people with five critical skills: Leadership, Project Management, Resource Mobilization, Leave No One Behind (inclusivity), and Communications. Together, these skills form the foundation for designing and implementing transformative climate projects that are effective, inclusive, and sustainable.

Collage - Module 4 on Inclusivity (Leave No One Behind).

Accessible in just 3 to 3.5 hours, the course features five modules, each divided into multiple lessons, and includes videos, interactive content, further resources, and knowledge checks to reinforce learning. A final quiz allows participants to test their knowledge, and learners can submit their own climate project ideas upon completion. Designed with youth in mind but open to all, the course equips participants with practical tools to turn their passion for the planet into impactful action. With its engaging content and focus on real-world application, “Becoming a Climate Champion” is a call to action for the next wave of climate leaders.

Read on to find out more about the course.

What will you learn?

After completing the course, you will be able to:

Devise an inclusive climate action project or initiative that contributes to global efforts to tackle climate change.
Outline a brief communications plan to promote climate-friendly projects and initiatives.
Identify the resources needed to successfully implement a climate project or initiative.
Describe key elements to consider when conceptualizing and implementing inclusive and gender-responsive climate projects and initiatives.
Make use of different leadership styles in climate action projects and initiatives.

Who is this course for?

Young people, such as students, entrepreneurs and professionals, who are acting, or intend to act, on climate change and would like to start or enhance their projects and initiatives.
UN CC:Learn alumni and Youth4Capacity beneficiaries who are already taking or wish to take concrete steps to act on climate change.
Everyone interested in playing an active role in addressing climate change and would like to benefit from these skills in their projects and initiatives.

Will you get a certificate?

Upon completing the five modules, participants will be asked to complete a final quiz covering the content of all the modules. A certificate of completion is awarded to learners who complete:

All videos, interactive lessons and activities.
The final quiz with a score of 70 per cent or higher.

Take the course today!

Collage - Module 5 - Communications

Varnessa Kayen Varlyngton’s journey as a 13 years old environmental advocate began in the bustling streets of Port Harcourt, Nigeria, where her deep connection to nature was evident from an early age. At just 10 years old, she penned her first book, Amama, which highlighted the importance of saving wildlife and addressing deforestation. This early literary effort was the start of a lifelong passion for environmental advocacy. As Varnessa grew, her awareness of environmental issues deepened. She was moved by the struggles of the Ogoni people, who faced pollution and environmental degradation due to oil spills. Witnessing the daily pollution and harsh living conditions in her country, she was inspired to fight for the basic environmental rights of vulnerable children.

Every day on my way to school with my family, I would look out the car window and see a world filled with pollution and children living in squalor. Overwhelmed, I asked myself, are we neglecting the basic rights of these children when it comes to the environment?

This passion led her to advocate for change. To further equip herself for this mission, Varnessa enrolled in UN CC:Learn’s course on climate change greatly expanded her understanding of climate change and environmental policies, honing her problem-solving and diplomacy skills. Empowered by this knowledge, Varnessa took bold actions, including launching her Children4Climate Initiative, a project aimed at educating young minds about climate change and environmental stewardship. Through creative animations and ecofiction stories, she has reached over 23,000 individuals, emphasizing her belief that: gen alpha can still make a change.

I refuse to stand idly while the lives and futures of young people are jeopardized by the neglect of those in power. I channeled my passion into action, raising awareness, advocating for change, and inspiring others to join me. It was the relentless drive that motivated me to create a better world for future generations.

In addition, Varnessa initiated TreeTrek, an effort to restore the greenery of Nigeria’s Port Harcourt through tree planting. She also advocated for climate education in schools by writing an open letter to the Nigerian government and organizing school workshops that taught children about deforestation. Her commitment to environmental storytelling continued with the launch of the RISECT Podcast, where she discusses environmental threats. Recognized as a UNICEF Nigeria Young Influencer, she also earned a fellowship with RippLED Africa, both badges of honor she wears proudly. Beyond her advocacy, Varnessa’s interests extend into ecofiction writing and animation, allowing her to communicate important messages about the planet in creative and impactful ways. Varnessa remains a fierce advocate for children’s rights in the fight against climate change, continuing to inspire others to take action for a more sustainable future.

Start your learning journey:

Join Varnessa and hundreds of students and start learning today:

*The views expressed in this story are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policies or positions of the United Nations or any of its affiliated organizations.

Hannah Townley has always had a unique blend of passions and expertise, seamlessly integrating her background as an academic feminist security researcher and environmental justice organizer. Now, working as a contractor in the USA, she supports earth data and observation operations to maximize the use and benefit of these operations for both science and society. Her journey, however, reveals a story of intersecting interests and unwavering dedication to sustainable development and gender equity. Hannah’s climate story begins in rural Florida, where her love for the outdoors and her family’s farming instilled in her a deep connection to nature. During college, she became a fervent advocate for immigrants’ rights, organizing and researching for farmworkers’ rights.

This experience highlighted to me the critical link between climate action and environmental justice, underscoring the necessity for intersectional research that combines science with community experiences to create comprehensive models for sustainability.”

As she delved deeper into feminist security studies, Hannah enjoyed her work but hadn’t yet fully explored the overlap between gender and climate action in advancing sustainable development goals. Her transition to working as a contractor and project coordinator seemed like a move toward climate security, temporarily sidelining her gender-focused work. That changed when she discovered the UN CC:Learn platform and its courses on integrating a gender perspective into climate action.

These courses were transformative for me, helping me articulate the importance of a gender perspective in my work, especially in identifying data inequities.”

Hannah and her team as part of their work on transforming Earth data from satellite collections to the actionable insights used by communities. (Hannah is second from right)

Working with environmental data, Hannah recognized the need to understand not only earth science impacts but also their socioeconomic consequences. By adopting a data-feminist approach, she could better grasp how crises, such as those caused by climate change, affect different genders differently and create gender-sensitive solutions. This approach became pivotal in her current role and her volunteer work with the Surfrider Foundation, where she continued her activism for climate and environmental justice. This fall, Hannah began a Master’s of Public Policy with a concentration in human security policy. She aims to center human rights discussions in a field often focused on “grand strategy,” driving policy solutions that meet Sustainable Development Goals. Her graduate research will revisit and expand upon her undergraduate thesis, which modeled how violence against women contributed to democratic backsliding in Mexico. She now seeks to study how climate crises exacerbate gendered violence and democratic backsliding, emphasizing climate change mitigation policy as a multiplier for sustainable development across multiple sectors. Through her academic pursuits and continued community organizing, Hannah Townley aspires to be a force for good in the sustainability policy sector.

I believe that to address the climate crisis effectively, our approach must be truly interdisciplinary.”

Her journey from rural Florida to graduate school showcases her commitment to integrating gender and climate perspectives in addressing global challenges. Her work exemplifies the power of intersectional research and advocacy in creating resilient, equitable, and sustainable futures for all.

Start your learning journey:

Join Hannah and hundreds of students and start learning today:

*The views expressed in this story are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policies or positions of the United Nations or any of its affiliated organizations.

No Borders for Climate Action: Connecting Youth Across Continents for a Greener Future

Youth Voices for Climate Action: Ecuador–Germany Youth Climate Dialogue Inspires Hope

A Day at UNITAR: A Hands-On Experience for St.Gallen Students

Keeping 1.5°C Alive: UN CC:Learn Champions Inspire Action

Mastering International Climate Negotiations: All You Need to Know

What will you learn?

Who is this course for?

The course at a glance

Will you get a certificate?

Becoming a Climate Champion

What will you learn?

Who is this e-course for?

The course at a glance

Get your Certificate

Empowering Young Negotiators: Building Skills for Climate and Land Solutions

Get the skills you need to get your climate project off the ground with the new Becoming a Climate Champion e-course.

What will you learn?

Who is this course for?

Will you get a certificate?

Gen Alpha can still make a change: A call to the new generations

Start your learning journey:

How One Advocate Brings Gender and Climate Justice to Earth Data

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