Flint joins effort to combat climate change with youth leadership - WEYI

Flint joins effort to combat climate change with youth leadership

FLINT, Mich.— Recent data shows a growing concern among young people in Flint about climate change.

In response, Mayor Sheldon Neeley has announced that the city will join Bloomberg Philanthropies' new Youth Climate Action Fund.

Flint is one of 100 cities selected to participate in this initiative, which aims to support community-led climate projects spearheaded by youth.

The Youth Climate Action Fund provides grants to help advance community goals, with a focus on youth leadership.

Flint will receive $50,000, which will be distributed among various local climate change projects.

Mayor Neeley emphasized the importance of environmental concern, stating, "No matter how small or how insignificant it may seem, it's a journey in the right direction."

He says, "It will populate in the minds of those individuals that will become engineers, hydrologists, environmental specialists, air quality control experts, and people that are in this space."

Neeley believes empowering youth to lead climate initiatives is crucial for creating a better future.

Seamus Bannon, the Grant Management Officer for Flint, explained that the grants awarded will range from $1,000 to $5,000.

"We're open to any projects, any ideas within this space but something around climate resilience, infrastructure planning, flood mitigation and prevention, increasing participation in recycling, and access to sustainable modes of transportation," Bannon said.

Organizations with programming focused on 15- to 24-year-olds are encouraged to apply for funding with their project outlines. The deadline for applications is July 1st.

"It may seem like a small dollar amount in perspective to what's going on. We're not asking for you to come and change the world overnight, but this gives a good opportunity for you to have a voice," Bannon stated.