Established in 2020, the YCA is a democratic and youth-led initiative supported by Welsh Centre for International Affairs (WCIA) in partnership with Size of Wales. YCA members come from all corners of the country.
The YCA works closely with Welsh Government and the Senedd to represent youth voices at the highest levels of Welsh politics. They also work with the Future Generations Commissioner for Wales, local government, schools, businesses and Non-Governmental Organisations.
The Youth Climate Ambassadors’ 2023 priority campaigns have been:
- Campaigning for the recognition of climate refugees
- Supporting Indigenous Peoples and nations.
- Raising awareness about biodiversity among young people in Wales.
Key accomplishments so far:
- Building a relationship with the United States Embassy in the UK. In April 2022, the YCA visited the Embassy in London to discuss issues such as climate funding for Indigenous Peoples and the USA’s commitment to global climate targets.
- Attending the COP26 global climate summit in Glasgow. Pressuring decision-makers from Wales, the UK and beyond to step up their efforts to tackle the climate crisis.
- Hosting Wales’ first ever Youth Climate Summit in 2020, giving a voice to young people and a platform to hold Welsh decision-makers to account.
- Building links with Indigenous groups overseas, engaging with communities heavily impacted by the climate crisis and deforestation.
- Speaking at the Welsh Government’s Net Zero Wales Plan launch in 2021.
- Successfully influencing the Welsh Government’s Public Behaviour Change Strategy that will ensure Wales becomes Net Zero by 2050.
- Helping to establish and Co-chairing the Senedd Cross Party Group on Climate, Nature and Wellbeing.
- Appearing regularly in the Welsh media and at climate events to represent young people on the issue of climate change.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the Youth Climate Ambassadors for Wales?
The Youth Climate Ambassadors of Wales exist for give young people a voice on the issue of climate change and to campaign for climate justice in Wales and across the world.
What age groups does the YCA represent?
YCA welcomes members between the ages of 13-25 years old.
Who organises the YCA?
Size of Wales and the Welsh Centre for International Affairs (WCIA) facilitate and support the YCA. However, all key decisions are made by members.
How are decisions made?
Members make all decisions democratically, including elections for key roles such as the Chair.
How can I get involved?
Email yca@sizeofwales.org.uk if you’d like to join YCA’s consultation group. Send a short paragraph explaining why you are passionate about taking climate action and why you’d like to join the YCA. Include your name, pronouns, age, email address, and phone number.
Do I need to have lots of knowledge about climate change to get involved?
Not at all. Being part of the YCA should be an educational and empowering experience. Through participating, you will learn more about these issues and get the opportunity to make your voice heard.
How do I get in touch with any questions?
To get in touch with the Youth Climate Ambassadors for Wales please email YCA@sizeofwales.org.uk or use the below contact form.
How can I receive news and updates about YCA?
YCA regularly post on Twitter and Instagram. You can also receive YCA’s newsletter which is released on a quarterly basis, by signing up here