Climate Cardinals is a global, youth-focused organization focused on making climate action accessible to non-English speakers through large-scale translation and education initiatives.
Its mission is to break language and action barriers in the climate movement so every community can take action and protect their future.[1][2]
Since its launch, Climate Cardinals has grown into one of the world's largest climate education organizations. The organization has mobilized over 16,000 volunteers across 145 countries, trained 250 young leaders in nonprofit operations, and translated millions of words of scientific and policy information into 105+ languages—reaching over 19 million people globally.
History
Climate Cardinals was founded in 2020 by climate activist Sophia Kianni, the youngest-ever United Nations advisor on climate change, together with a group of high school friends.
The idea emerged from Kianni's experience visting relatives in Iran, where she discovered that her family—and billions of others—had little access to climate information in their first language. Kianni learned that the vast majority of peer-reviewed climate research is published in English, despite the fact that the majority of the world’s population does not speak it whatsoever.[3][4]
A small volunteer initiative quickly scaled into a global movement. Early founding member Hikaru Wakeel Hayakawa played a key role in developing the organization’s structured programs and later became the organization's first full-time Executive Director.[5]
Climate Cardinals runs the largest translation project in the climate sector, making climate information accessible in 105+ languages. Volunteers and professional linguists work together to provide free translations for grassroots organizations and affordable services for larger institutions. Revenue from translation services fuels youth-led climate education efforts.[8][9]
Chapters Program
The organization coordinates more than 68 student-led chapters in 20+ countries, with 84% located in the Global South. These chapters focus on local climate education, advocacy, and action tailored to community needs.[10]
Fellowship Program
The Fellowship Program trains the next generation of social impact leaders. Since its launch, 250 fellows have completed the program, with alumni going on to advise the WHO Director-General and receive scholarships to leading universities.[11]
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