The council will be made up of 10 Canadians between the ages of 18 and 25, who will serve a two-year term.

Young Canadians concerned about the climate emergency and their future can now apply to be a member of the country’s first Environment and Climate Change Youth Council.

Minister of Environment Jonathan Wilkinson made the announcement at Vanier Park Wednesday in Vancouver.

Wilkinson said the youth council will create opportunities for young people to discuss key issues with the federal government such as fighting climate change and stemming rapid biodiversity loss.

For example, members will help shape environmental policy and advise on enormous challenges such as how to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 and zero plastic waste by 2030.

The council will be made up of 10 Canadians between the ages of 18 and 25. Interested youth are encouraged to apply before Aug. 18 online at canada.ca.

“When it comes to the key challenges of our time—climate change, biodiversity loss, and plastic pollution—young people are calling on their governments to rise to the challenge,” said Wilkinson.

“The new Environment and Climate Change Youth Council will provide a great opportunity for young Canadians to have a voice in developing key environmental policies and plans that will shape their futures. I encourage all interested youth to apply and I look forward to engaging with the Youth Council.”

Youth council members will serve a two-year term on a voluntary basis and meet every four months. Members can expect to spend about five hours per month on council-related activities.

All applicants must be nominated by an organization such as a not-for-profit or charity, an Indigenous organization, youth or community group.

For the original story see the Vancouver Sun