Applications for the Climate Action Leadership Programme are currently closed.

Application to join the next iteration of CALP will be announced by the end of March 2025
The application deadline will be the end of April

Climate Action Leadership Programme

Empowering Young Leaders for Climate Action

Since 2014, 2050 Climate Group has been on a mission to empower Scotland’s young people to lead action on climate change.

Announcing the new Climate Action Leadership Programme!

In 2024, after building on the remarkable success of our Young Leaders Development Programme (YLDP), from 2016 to 2023, we launched our new and improved Climate Action Leadership Programme. We've enhanced and reimagined the programme to be more impactful than ever. From September 2024 until March 2025 saw the first-ever cohort participate and complete CALP.

Who We Are

2050 Climate Group is a dynamic, youth-led, volunteer-driven charity with over 70 passionate volunteers across Scotland. Guided by a committed Board of Trustees and supported by a dedicated operational team, we’re committed to driving change every day. Our small but mighty staff team ensures our volunteers' vision becomes a reality.

What is the Climate Action Leadership Programme?

The Climate Action Leadership Programme equips young people with the leadership skills and climate change knowledge needed to take effective action. Here's what you can expect:

Immersive Learning: Engage in a mix of in-person and online workshops, inspiring talks, and interactive training sessions.
Exploratory Field Trips: Hands-on experiences to deepen your understanding of real-world climate actions.
Thriving Community: Connect with a network of like-minded young people taking action in the climate space, and join our vibrant Leaders Network with over 600 like-minded members, ready to support and inspire you.

Our Mission

We aim to inspire, empower and unleash the potential of young people in Scotland. Our goal is to equip you with the tools and knowledge to lead the way to a sustainable, low-carbon future. Leadership isn't about titles; it's about making a real difference in your community, workplace, or home—you don't need to be a chief executive or MSP to have an impact.

Programme Highlights

Duration: 6 months (September 2025 to March 2026)
Format: A blend of full-day weekend events, interactive online workshops, field trips, and fun social activities.
Cost: The programme is available at no cost to all participants. There will be opportunities to donate to the programme, but this is optional.

Join us to develop your leadership potential, expand your climate knowledge, and be part of a movement shaping Scotland's sustainable future. The future needs leaders like you - let's make it happen!

Who Can Join the Climate Action Leadership Programme?

We value diversity, enthusiasm, and a passion for driving change. If you’re eager to lead and learn, we want you on our team! There are only two simple criteria to be eligible for the programme:

Be aged between 18-35 years old
Based in Scotland

Participation Fund

At 2050 Climate Group, we believe everyone should have the chance to participate, regardless of financial or physical barriers. That’s why we’ve created our Participation Fund to help cover costs like transport, accommodation, and childcare. Whether you need travel tickets purchased in advance or reimbursement afterwards, we’re here to support you.

Application & Accessibility

The application includes questions about why you want to join the Climate Action Leadership Programme and what you hope to gain from it.

We aim to make the programme and application process as accessible as possible. You can submit answers to the core application questions by uploading a voice or video file. Throughout the programme we’ll put in place reasonable adjustments to meet participant needs and ensure the programme is accessible and inclusive for all.

So, what are you waiting for?!

We are looking for diversity, enthusiasm, and a passion for driving change. If you’re eager to lead and learn, we want to hear from you!

Reflections from the sixth and final Young Leadership Development Programme. Produced by Cameron Mackay.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will the next round of applications be open?

The current iteration of the programme will run until March 2025, we will be opening applications for the 2025-26 Climate Action Leadership Programme in spring 2025.

What is the structure of the programme?

The Climate Action Leadership Programme includes a mix of core and optional modules. To complete the programme, you must take part in two core modules and commit to taking part in a climate action either individually or in a group. If you can't attend the in-person days, you can watch recordings of the core content online. As long as you commit to the core content in your own time, you can still participate.

Below are the rough timings for CALP, these are provisional and will be confirmed with successful applicants.

Important dates for your diary:

Application Deadline: August 2025
Notification of Outcome: Early September
Online Induction: early September (weeknight evening for a few hours)

In-Person Modules
Core Module 1: Saturday, October 2025
Core Module 2: Saturday, early February 2026

The exact locations of the core in-person modules will be confirmed closer to the date. They will be held in central Scotland with good public transport links. We will provide as much notice as possible.

In-Person Field Trips
Field trip 1: Saturday, October 2025
Field trip 2: Saturday, February 2026

Field trips will have good public transport links or transportation provided from a central location to the field site.

Online Modules
Online modules will be held on weeknight evenings for 1-2 hours and will be recorded.
Online Module 1: October 2025
Online Module 2: November 2025
Online Module 3: February 2026

Q: What if I can’t make all the dates?

A: To complete the programme, you need to participate in:

Two core modules
A climate action, either individually or in a group

If you can't attend the in-person sessions, you can watch recordings of the core content online. You can still participate if you commit to engaging with the core content on your own time.

Q: How much does it cost?

A: We offer the Climate Action Leadership Programme completely free of charge. While similar courses can cost up to £2,000, we believe in making this program accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial situation. Our work is funded by donations and grants from supporters of our mission to empower Scotland’s young people to lead climate action.

You will have the option to donate to 2050 Climate Group, but only if you wish and can. Any donations help us keep the course free for future participants.

Q: Do I already need to be a climate change expert to apply?

A: No, we welcome people with varying knowledge about climate change. All we expect is a commitment to learn and a desire to take action. We are looking for a diverse range of participants.

Q: How will you decide who gets onto the programme?

A: We select applicants based on their application responses. We aren't just looking for those with extensive climate change knowledge or those working in related fields. Our goal is to have a diverse group of participants from various backgrounds and with different levels of understanding. What’s most important is your commitment to the programme, willingness to learn, and readiness to take action.

Q: What if I live outside the Central Belt of Scotland?

A: Great! We aim to include participants from all over Scotland. You must attend at least two core modules in person and either one online module or a field trip. We can assist with travel and accommodation costs through our Participation Fund. For more information, email us at contact@2050.scot.

Q: Do I need to be in a leadership position to apply?

A: No, you don't need to be in a traditional leadership role, such as a politician or CEO. We believe that leaders are people who influence others, and anyone can be a leader. The Climate Action Leadership Programme will provide you with the leadership skills needed to make a change, no matter who you are or what you do.

2024/2025 was the first year of the Climate Action Programme (CALP) and we’re so thankful to all the participants for making it such a success! Check out some of the group photos from in person events below.