Nova Scotia Youth Climate Council
Representing youth voices on Nova Scotia’s climate plan.
What's the NSYCC?
The Nova Scotia Youth Climate Council (NSYCC) provides a platform to connect youth directly with government on climate change challenges and opportunities.
The NSYCC is made up of youth in Nova Scotia, age 14-24. With support from Clean Foundation, the council is helping advise the Government of Nova Scotia on its response to climate change and engaging young people across the province in climate action.
What does the NSYCC do?
Members of the Nova Scotia Youth Climate Council serve a 10-month term from September to June. Throughout their term, members of the NSYCC work together to:
- Advise the Minister of Environment and Climate Change on government response to climate change.
- Engage with 50 Nova Scotian youth at annual Youth Climate Summit.
- Offer a micro-granting program to support youth climate action projects.
- Offer a bursary program for NS youth.
Join the NSYCC
Applications to join the council open annually in May/June! Check back for more information in May 2025.
Funding opportunities
The Nova Scotia Youth Climate Council is proud to provide funding opportunities to support youth climate action and reduce barriers to entry in Nova Scotia’s clean economy.
Nova Scotia Youth Climate Bursary
The Nova Scotia Youth Climate Bursary provides financial support for young adults in Nova Scotia to pursue post-secondary education or professional training that will help to address climate change. Four awards of $2,500 each are disbursed annually. The bursary will be available again in Spring 2025.
The bursary is open to young adults (age 24 and younger) who are currently living in Nova Scotia and whose education will lead to employment in the province’s clean economy.
2024 Bursary Winners
Congratulations to our 2024 Nova Scotia Youth Climate Bursary recipients!
Sappho Thompson
After graduating from Cobequid Education Centre in Truro, where she is the Environmental Club Vice President and the Music Club Co-President, Sappho will be commencing her studies at Acadia University, pursuing a Bachelor of Community Development and Music.
Sappho is passionate about using music and the arts as an avenue for climate action, especially to uplift the voices of under–represented groups in the climate movement.
Maggie MacLellan
Maggie holds a Bachelor of Chemical Engineering degree from Dalhousie University and will continue to pursue a Master of Applied Science degree in Hydrogen Applications.
Through her studies, Maggie is motivated to develop innovative clean energy solutions that will help our province move away from fossil fuels and meet our energy transition goals. Maggie has previously worked at both a research lab and a local start-up company with goals to improve plastic recycling and reduce plastic waste.
Zane Collins
Zane will be starting a Bachelor of Science degree at Saint Mary’s University in September 2024, after graduating from Citadel High School in Halifax. Zane has completed the OceanWise Youth to Sea program, which included creating a textile arts project on the theme of ocean conservation. Zane also works as an animal care volunteer at the Museum of Natural History, which sparked her passion for ecological sciences.
In her future career, Zane hopes to work for the provincial government to develop mitigation and emergency response plans for when wildfires or other climate disasters strike.
Mishell Itkind
Mishell holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology degree from the University of Guelph and will be furthering her studies this year in Dalhousie University’s Master of Resource and Environmental Management program. Mishell has volunteered extensively in wildlife conservation and is currently studying habitat connectivity for wildlife in the Chignecto Isthmus Region (Nova Scotia-New Brunswick border).
Mishell aspires to run her own environmental consulting firm specializing in community-driven climate change mitigation strategies for Nova Scotian communities.
Events
The Nova Scotia Youth Climate Council is pleased to organize and host events to inspire and support youth climate action.
Nova Scotia Youth Climate Summit
The first-ever Nova Scotia Youth Climate Summit took place on May 13 -14, 2024.
This event brought together 50+ like-minded youth (ages 14-24) from across Nova Scotia for two days of learning and discussion about climate change challenges and opportunities in our communities.
Meet the Council
Profiles of 2024-25 council members are coming soon!
Message from the Minister
Timothy Halman
Minister of Environment and Climate Change
“The Youth Climate Council is fueled by passionate individuals, who directly advise our government on climate change. This council is your platform, your voice directly connecting with us, the government, on the challenges and opportunities surrounding climate change. It is not just a platform for voicing concerns; it is about shaping policies, fostering personal and professional growth and creating tangible change today.
Your energy and ideas are driving Nova Scotia toward a brighter future—keep the passion alive, keep sharing brilliant ideas and let’s continue making a lasting impact together.”
Contact us
Have questions? If you’re interested in learning more about the Nova Scotia Youth Climate Council, reach out to us.
The Nova Scotia Youth Climate Council is funded by the Province of Nova Scotia.
