Climb-it for Climate 2015
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About the Trip
Climate change is already affecting Nepalese communities as glaciers melt, monsoon patterns change and crop yields diminish.
This is your chance to challenge yourself on the ultimate alpine trek and to take action against climate change. On this adventure, you will trek for 13 days through forest, across rivers and along narrow mule tracks to Everest Base Camp—the gateway to the highest mountain in the world. As we trek, accompanied by a local Himalayan Climate Initiative representative, you’ll witness firsthand the toll climate change is taking on the Himalayas and local villages.
With our incredible challenge complete, we’ll return to Nepal’s capital city, Kathmandu, to volunteer with HCI. Together with locals, we will work on community sustainability projects and have the opportunity to learn from young leaders in Nepal.
About our partnership with the Himalayan Climate Initiative
In 2009, AYCC helped to organise a conference in Copenhagen for over 500 young climate change leaders from around the world. Here, AYCC’s Co-Founder Amanda McKenzie and previous National Director Ellen Sandell ran a workshop on how to start a youth climate coalition. They hoped to share with others their insights and experiences from starting the AYCC.
One attendee, Avishek Sthresha—a passionate climate advocate from Nepal—was so inspired, he founded Nepal Youth for Climate Action. In just two short years, NYCA grew into a powerful voice for sustainable development in Nepal and central Asia. Avi went on to work for the Himalayan Climate Initiative, and from here we developed our strong partnership.
What we achieved together in 2013
In 2013, this partnership became a reality. 27 young Australians trekked to Mt Everest base camp to take action on climate change. Together they raised over $106,000 for AYCC and HCI and witnessed firsthand the devastating effect climate change is having on Nepal.
“The Himalayas are extraordinary. They are so imposing; they look invincible. But the environment we saw is not invincible. The conditions there are incredibly fragile and battling on the front line of climate change.” Max Smith, Climb-it for Climate 2013.
“Every day our guide would point out the ever-changing landscape due to climate change, including tracks that were no longer accessible because of flooding and landslides.” – Millie, Climb-it for Climate 2013
The funds raised on the Climb-it for Climate 2013 were instrumental in allowing HCI to expand their Hamri Bahini Green Angels project—which our 2013 team worked on while in Nepal. The project is a social enterprise that gives Nepalese women the skills needed to sustain a green business. Women are taught how to make and distribute cloth and paper shopping bags to help eliminate the use of plastic bags—a big contributor to Nepal’s current litter crisis.
Join us in 2016
Next year we’ll be undertaking an exciting new adventure! If you missed out this year and want to challenge yourself and take action against climate change – you’ll want to register your interest below for next years incredible challenge.
We will be releasing more details about this amazing opportunity shortly.
Register your interest!
Once you register your interest we’ll be in touch with more information before you need to make a final decision.
Watch the video!