From wildfires, to atmospheric rivers, to drought and habitat loss, climate change is affecting people right across British Columbia. Youth, in particular, are reporting surging rates of climate anxiety.
Enter, the Youth Climate Corps of BC, (YCCBC), a province-wide network of youth-led climate action initiatives that create meaningful employment, pay a living wage and help communities respond to local climate challenges.
*Youth Climate Corps BC connects young people with paid, hands-on climate work in their own communities. Each team focuses on local climate priorities, with projects ranging from wildfire risk reduction and ecosystem restoration to energy efficiency, food security, community engagement, and the sharing of Traditional Ecological Knowledge.
The success of the program is made possible through strong partnerships with local governments, non-profit organizations, and First Nations. Current partners include the municipalities of Courtenay, Squamish, Vernon, Kamloops, Kelowna, and Richmond; organizations such as the BC Parks Foundation, Wildsight, Skeena Watershed Conservation Coalition, ZEIC, and PICS; and First Nations partners, including the ‘Namgis First Nation, with additional partnerships continuing to develop.
Demand for the program continues to outpace available positions. During the recent 2026 hiring season, YCCBC received more than 600 applications for approximately 60 placements, a ratio of ten applicants for every available position. The overwhelming interest highlights the growing desire among young people to take meaningful action on climate change while gaining valuable skills, experience, and connections in their communities.*
* from YCC July 25/26 News Release “YCC Launches Fifth Season.”
How did YCCBC begin? How does a community become a partner? What’s it like as a young person to be part of the program and help create a liveable future? That’s just some of what we explore in this episode. Have a listen.
