Formerly known to many as the Kennebunkport Climate Initiative, this organization now takes on the name, The Climate Initiative (TCI), with a goal to activate 10 million youth ambassadors across the globe by 2025. This organization finds its roots in Kennebunkport, Maine, and has strong connections to climate initiatives along the Gulf of Maine. TCI looks to youth to find solutions for global climate problems. According to their website, their mission is to, “educate, empower, and activate youth.” 

If you went to Kennebunkport Consolidated School, you may remember taking field trips with Leia Lowery to explore our diverse ecosystems along the coast. Now, as high schoolers, many students continue these research trips associated with the Gulf of Maine Field Studies class. Leia Lowry is the Director of Programs and Outreach for TCI, and she plays a key role in involving students in climate studies. Many Kennebunk/Kennebunkport youth get involved in the organization by becoming youth ambassadors. Ambassadors work with Volunteer Coordinator, Ariel Maldonado, to engage in outreach and find opportunities to be involved in tackling climate issues at a local level. To become an ambassador, click here! 

This passionate organization strives every day to amplify youth voices in efforts to #slowtherise of climate change.  They also highlight a wide range of climate issues, such as invasive species, extinction, protecting pollinators, sea-level rise, and ocean acidification. 

If you feel that you have any interest in these issues, becoming involved can not only help the Earth, but connect you with millions of like-minded youth across the country. As an ambassador, I have attended a seminar on energy equity with Shalnda Baker, and written an article about seaweed for the TCI blog! 

To learn more about TCI and its mission, you can visit their website here.