The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) supports and works with global youth networks and young environmental leaders to increase their leadership in interventions addressing the triple planetary crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution.
Tide Turners Plastic Challenge
The Tide Turners Plastic Challenge was developed as part of UNEP's Beat Plastic Pollution campaign with a focus on building the capacities of young people to tackle plastic pollution. Designed as an engaging, multi-level challenge, it builds young people's skills and environmental awareness, awarding badges and certificates to recognize their leadership. Since its launch in 2018, more than 950,000 young people have participated in the challenge across 61 countries. But this isn't just any challenge – it's a dynamic, fun-filled quest designed to inspire young minds. More information
We are Nature: Youth Biodiversity Challenge
The We Are Nature: Youth Biodiversity Challenge is a collaboration between UNEP and Greenpop, supported by the Captain Planet Foundation and co-designed with young representatives from over 20 global youth networks. This initiative has been designed to inspire global youth, including Indigenous youth and youth from local communities, to take leadership roles in biodiversity action. The initiative aligns with and will contribute to the fulfilment of the Global Biodiversity Framework’s (GBF) aim to address biodiversity loss by 2030, toward reaching the 2050 vision of living in harmony with nature. More information
Young Champions of the Earth
The Young Champions of the Earth award is UNEP's leading initiative to engage youth in tackling the world’s most pressing environmental challenges. UNEP coordinates and hosts the annual awards. Since its inception in 2017, Young Champions has recognized 28 environmental trailblazers who are between 18 and 30 years old.
