Dear AMS,

We are calling for your support in the national campaign for a Youth Climate Corps.

We ask that the AMS to adopt a motion to publicly endorse, lobby the federal and provincial governments, and advocate among its constituents for a Youth Climate Corps.

What is the YCC?

The Youth Climate Corps is a national campaign for a federal and provincial program that would train and employ young people under 35 in green jobs, including the renewable energy sector, retrofitting infrastructure, ecological restoration, and community care. Young people are calling on the federal government to commit $1 billion per year in the next federal budget.

Why does it matter to the AMS?

Endorsing, lobbying for, and advertising the YCC is an ambitious addition to our student union’s climate action, which is currently isolated to AMS Sustainability and lacks a focus on climate action and justice. AMS action for the YCC demonstrates its commitment to post-secondary graduates who face a daunting job market in the midst of a climate emergency, boosting AMS image and opinion.

There is growing momentum nationally and internationally for public youth training and employment to mitigate and adapt to climate change. While UBC is known as a leader on climate action, the AMS has yet to cultivate the same reputation as an advocate for students’ right to a clean and just future. Now is the best opportunity for the AMS to make a mark on the landscape as a leading advocate for the YCC.

Photo Credit: National Observer

The AMS would be joining a movement that has broad support and momentum.

See the open letter in support of a Youth Climate Corps.

Nationally, the Canadian Federation of Students (both in Newfoundland and Labrador and Ontario), Dawson Student Union, uOttawa Students’ Union, Lakehead University, the Canadian Association of University Teachers, and the UBC Centre for Climate Justice have signed the open letter demanding a YCC.

65% of young people aged 18-35 would consider joining the YCC, while only 6% of young people opposed the creation of the YCC, according to research by Abacus Data. Out of all people surveyed, there was a broad spectrum of support across demographics and the political spectrum.

In 2023, the Biden administration launched the American Climate Corps, which is now training and employing thousands of Americans in green jobs.

Photo Credits: National Observer

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