PM’s youth awardee focused on climate change
PRIME MINISTER’S Youth Awardee and founder of the Jamaica Climate Change Youth Council (JCCYC) Eleanor Terrelonge is passionate about safeguarding the country against climate change,
She believes that her interest in and the application of science, research, and technology, along with work done through the JCCYC, will enable her to assist in shaping the future of the Jamaica of which she desires to be part of.
The JCCYC was formed in April 2017 and liaises with the Climate Change Advisory Board (CCAB) through its quarterly meetings, where both groups identify ways in which they can partner to achieve the latter’s objectives.
According to Terrelonge, the JCCYC’s establishment evolved from her eagerness to play a role in combating climate change and also advice she received from chairman of the CCAB, Professor Dale Webber, during a meeting with him.
“I went to meet with him and asked him if there was any way that young people could get involved or how we could contribute to fighting climate change because that was something that I was passionate about, and I knew quite a few young people who had the same interest,” said Terrelonge.
“I reached out on social media, and in the first couple of weeks, I realised that the passion and the interest were there among young people,” added Terrelonge.
She recently received the Prime Minister’s Youth Award for Environmental Protection, a recognition that she does not take lightly, pointing out that it would be used to increase the reach of her influence.
“I am hoping to use the platform of this recognition, that I wouldn’t have had without the award, to reach more young people and inspire them, especially because so much of my work is voluntary,” declared Terrelonge.