Application deadline: Friday, November 8, 2024 at 12:00 PM (noon) EST
The Emerging Climate Leaders Fellowship is a five months fellowship which aims to create a community of committed clean energy and climate change leaders from emerging and developing countries, enriched by engagement with top Yale faculty and researchers, and leading global authorities in the clean energy transition from the International Energy Agency and beyond.
Yale Climate Fellows are drawn from a wide variety of professions ranging from public servants to entrepreneurs, energy company professionals, financiers, journalists, educators, researchers, civil society representatives, legal advisers, and legislators. Sixteen young practitioners are selected each year from from across Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America/Caribbean. Fellows share a common passion to become future leaders in the clean energy/climate change space, as they exchange findings and experiences with other like-minded professionals from across the Global South.
Fellows will explore the wide range of climate change initiatives housed at Yale and delve into cutting-edge scholarship on a broad range of clean energy and climate issues. They will also engage with prominent Yale faculty and a network of top practitioners to explore key issues in the global clean energy and climate change agenda.
Program Details
Yale Orientation Week | April 7-11, 2025
This five-month fellowship begins with a one-week, in-person orientation program at Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut, from April 7-11, 2025.
Among the centers and institutions which may be featured in the orientation program are the Yale Program on Climate Change Communication, the Yale Center for Natural Carbon Capture, the Yale Open Lab, the Yale Center for Business and the Environment, the Yale Center for Environmental Law and Policy, and the Yale Office of Sustainability, which manages the University’s net zero goal.
Remote Learning Journeys | May-July, 2025
From May through July 2025, Climate Fellows will organize and carry out a series of interactive remote sessions with top international experts on the full range of policy issues associated with climate change and the clean energy transition. Sessions are spirited journeys allowing for development of communities of practice in specialties and extensive mentoring opportunities.
Paris Closing Week | September 15-19, 2025
The fellowship concludes with an in-person week in Paris, from September 15–19, 2025.
Fellows will meet with top international climate change analysts; share perspectives gleaned throughout the program; and consolidate professional and personal contacts developed through peer learning and exchanges of views.
Fellows will have networking opportunities with staff members from the International Energy Agency and the Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), French central government and municipal officials, and representatives of civil society organizations, think tanks, academia, and the private sector.
Fellows will also present policy recommendations on specific clean energy and climate-related challenges to a global advisory board, publish those findings, and maintain contacts through an alumni network.
Eligibility Requirements
- Admission is highly competitive. Each cohort of fellows is geographically balanced and represents a wide range of professions, talents, experience, cultures, people, and perspectives. Applicants must be representatives of the Global South: A diverse representation from developing Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America/Caribbean.
- Applicants should be between 5 and 10 years into their professional careers: with demonstrated accomplishments at a regional, national or international level. While there is no age limit, preference is given to young leaders.
- Applicants must be fluent in English: An excellent command of the English language is essential to successfully participating in the program.
- Climate Fellows must be available: Fellows are expected to fully participate in-person for two weeks of the program. The Yale Orientation week (April 7-11, 2025), and the Paris closing week (September 15-19, 2025). Fellows must also be available to participate in the five remote learning journeys to be arranged remotely between May and early July 2025.
- An established record of achievement in a profession linked to clean energy and climate change
- A commitment to making a positive impact at the local, national, or international level.
- Demonstrated promise of a future career in leadership at both the national and potentially global level.
- An eagerness to expand and deepen professional networks and to benefit from exposure to top global leaders in the clean energy and climate change space.
How to Apply
The application process for admission to the Climate Fellows Program is done entirely online. There are no paper forms to complete or mail. There is no application fee or other cost to apply or participate. All fellows’ costs for Yale Orientation week and Paris closing week will be covered by the program (round-trip airfare, hotels, transfers and per-diem).
Applicants are required to submit a résumé/curriculum vitae (maximum three pages), a personal statement (maximum 600 words), and one letter of recommendation. Applicants also have the option of submitting a brief video statement.
Prior to the deadline, you may work on your application at any time and submit it when you are ready.
For more Information: https://jackson.yale.edu/international-leadership-center/climate/program-details/
Click Here to Apply: https://apply.worldfellows.yale.edu/apply/?sr=6192262b-b672-4d3d-9768-6ca0d1d27402
Experts Call for Sustainable Deep-Sea Mining Amidst Calls for 10-Year Moratorium at Lagos Conference
The Sustainable Ocean Alliance (SOA) convened a two-day conference on 14th and 15th September 2024 in Lagos, with the theme “A Clarion Call to Defend the Deep.” Held at Nevada Hotels, Lekki, the event gathered climate scientists, activists, CSOs, and stakeholders from various parts of Nigeria to discuss the critical issues surrounding deep-sea mining and its implications for Nigeria’s environmental sustainability.
Dr Felicia Chinwe Mogo, one of the keynote speakers, stressed the importance of adhering to regional conventions for better protection of the marine environment. “The Abject Convention Secretaries of 2016 laid the groundwork for many of the protections we have today. It is imperative we build upon these frameworks to ensure that our engagements in deep-sea mining do not compromise our marine ecosystems,” she said.
Dr Mogo also highlighted Nigeria’s involvement in deep-sea mining as a unique opportunity for economic development. “Nigeria is at a crucial juncture where we can harness our deep-sea resources to fuel our economy while maintaining an ecological balance. This is an opportunity we must seize, but we cannot afford to ignore the environmental risks. Proper environmental impact assessments and adherence to international standards are key,” she added.
The conversation at the conference also brought attention to the widespread concerns of illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) activities in Nigerian waters. Dr Mogo called for stronger policies and enforcement mechanisms to curb such practices.
Another speaker, Dr Isa Elegbede, advocated for a 10-year moratorium on deep-sea mining in Nigeria, citing the need for more comprehensive resource mapping and environmental assessments. “We need to hit the brakes on deep-sea mining until we fully understand its impacts” Dr Elegbede argued. He urged the government to prioritise sustainability, advocating for capacity building and a stronger focus on research-driven policies.
Mr Lasisi Adedoyin from the the Lagos State Ministry of Environment, also voiced the need for sustainable practices in future mining activities. “We are sitting on a potential revenue source that could significantly benefit Nigeria. But we must proceed with caution. Without comprehensive studies and stakeholder engagement, the consequences could be devastating to our marine life,” he remarked.
A key highlight of the conference was the focus on the role of seabed mining in energy transition. According to Mr Nnaji Charles, another participant and climate activist, “Deep-sea mining is pivotal to the energy transition because cobalt, an essential element in the manufacturing of lithium batteries, is typically mined from the ocean floor. However, this must be balanced with the fact that deep-sea mining also causes high levels of carbon sequestration and results in a significant loss of biodiversity. This is a delicate balance we need to manage.”
Charles went on to discuss the critical role of the Climate Change Act in ensuring that deep-sea mining in Nigeria aligns with sustainable practices. He argued that with proper regulation, deep-sea mining could become a key driver of Nigeria’s blue economy while ensuring minimal environmental impact.
The conference ended with a collective call to action from all speakers. Dr Elegbede emphasised the importance of inclusive decision-making processes, stating, “The protection of our deep seas cannot be left solely to the government. Civil society, scientific communities, and local stakeholders must be involved to ensure that our oceans are preserved for future generations.”
The event also concluded with several actionable steps, including calling on the Lagos State government to increase their surveillance and regulation of local sand mining, and the need for the Federal Government to conduct further research into the impacts of deep-sea mining.
As Nigeria continues to navigate the complexities of deep-sea mining, the message from the Lagos conference was clear: sustainable development must take precedence. Only through international cooperation, rigorous environmental assessments, and transparent regulation can Nigeria fully realise the potential of its marine resources without compromising the health of its oceans.
The Lagos SOA conference provided a forum for robust debate and reflection on Nigeria’s role in the evolving landscape of deep-sea mining and its intersection with environmental sustainability.
Stakeholders from across various sectors came together in Lagos for a critical consultation aimed at tackling the city’s pressing air quality challenges. The event is part of the CLEAN Air Project; and themed “Synthesized Pan-Sectorial Air Quality Management Recommendations for Lagos State, Nigeria”, was held at the American Corner, Ikeja, Lagos.
The consultation marked a significant step under the “Evidence Use in Environmental Policymaking in Nigeria (EUEPIN) Project,” which seeks to foster the collaboration of researchers, policymakers, and environmental advocates to improve air quality management across Nigeria, with Lagos as the starting point.
The Clean Air Project, supported by the US Department of State, is a regional initiative that advocates for cleaner air in African cities through participatory monitoring, modelling, and policy development. Its goal is to mobilize stakeholders to achieve sustainable air quality management. Dr. Rose Alani, one of the contributors to the project, highlighted the significance of the effort: “This project is called Clean Air for Healthier Cities: Scaling up participatory monitoring, modelling, and Advocacy towards achieving clean air in West and East African Cities. Although we are beginning with Lagos, the intention is to eventually expand to other cities across the country as resources become available.”
Dr. Alani further emphasized that while air pollution is a recognized issue, policies to address it have been inadequate. “There’s a serious problem of air pollution, but little has been done in terms of policies to manage air quality effectively. This is why we are gathered here today—to brainstorm and formulate recommendations that can drive meaningful change in Lagos’ air quality management.”
Participants at the consultation included researchers, policymakers, environmental practitioners, and civil society representatives, who engaged in robust discussions aimed at formulating actionable solutions to Lagos’ air pollution crisis. The event focused on addressing pollution from various sources, including vehicular emissions, industrial activities, and domestic practices.
Dr. Olatokunbo Christopher Okiki provided insight into the Working Group (WG) methodology employed in the study, which includes systematic reviews, content analysis, and peer-reviewed literature. “The WG method consists of several key components, including a systematic review, content analysis, and information retrieval. We are assessing peer-reviewed articles, conference papers, reports, theses, and dissertations to identify evidence-based solutions for air quality management,” said Dr. Okiki.
Meanwhile, Dr Temitope Sogbanmu elaborated on the importance of collaboration across sectors to ensure that the recommendations are comprehensive and actionable. “We are not trying to replicate what others have done; rather, we are consolidating and pushing for actionable recommendations. This is a pan-sectorial activity where we have brought together stakeholders from various sectors to ensure all critical areas of air quality management are addressed,” Dr Sogbanmu explained. She also acknowledged the limitations of academic researchers in influencing policy directly, stating, “We are not policymakers; we are brokers. Our role is to facilitate interactions between evidence producers and users, but the actual policy development lies with the government.”
Mr Chrales Nnaji drew attention to several overlooked yet critical issues affecting air quality in Lagos highlighting the potential of the Nigerian Climate Change Act 2021 to serve as a framework for environmental governance.
Mr Nnaji emphasized the need for initiatives such as Clean Cooking Programs to improve indoor air quality, particularly in densely populated areas. He raised concerns about the environmental impact of ageing mass transit vehicles, which have become significant sources of CO2 emissions. Rather than being recycled, these vehicles are often sold to commercial operators, perpetuating the problem. He addressed the growing number of unregulated food vendors who use firewood for cooking indoors and outdoors, further contributing to poor air quality in many neighbourhoods.
The consultation was both a continuation of and a build-up of previous discussions held during the Clean Air Forum 2024, where similar topics were addressed. The goal of these meetings is to synthesize findings and provide evidence-based recommendations to Lagos State policymakers that can drive tangible improvements in air quality management.
Dr. Alani noted, “We are laying the groundwork for an improved air quality management system in Lagos. The work we do here is crucial, not just for Lagos but as a model that can be scaled across other Nigerian cities facing similar challenges.”
With ongoing support from the US Department of State and international collaborators, such as Makerere University in Uganda, the CLEAN Air Project aims to establish a strong foundation for sustainable air quality management in Lagos and beyond. The recommendations from this consultation will be synthesized into a formal policy brief, which will be presented to the Lagos State government with the hope of influencing future environmental policies and practices.