Mogale City residents aged 15 to 24 could soon have the opportunity to secure funding and support for projects aimed at tackling local environmental challenges through an international climate initiative.

Mogale City Local Municipality (MCLM) has been selected to participate in the Bloomberg Philanthropies Youth Climate Action Fund. This global programme provides funding and technical support to municipalities to help young people design and implement innovative climate solutions.

According to MCLM head of communications Adrian Amod, Mogale City is one of 300 cities worldwide taking part in the programme, which aims to empower young people to address climate challenges and contribute to more resilient communities.

He said the fund has tripled in size since its launch in 2024 following the success of youth-led projects in 98 municipalities across 34 countries.

Through the Department of Integrated Environmental Management (DIEM), the municipality will launch an open innovation competition inviting young people to submit climate-focused project proposals aligned with municipal priorities. The call for proposals is expected to open on July 15.

Successful applicants will have access to a share of the Youth Climate Action Fund allocation of US$50 000 (about R826 000), as well as technical assistance and mentorship to help implement their projects.

Municipal officials will work with successful project teams throughout implementation to turn their ideas into practical outcomes. Projects may focus on creating and improving public spaces, strengthening infrastructure, reducing environmental risks, improving climate resilience and promoting sustainable development.

Amod said the first phase of the Youth Climate Action Fund delivered measurable results globally. Research among programme participants found that trust in local government increased from 61% to 83%, while confidence in their ability to address environmental challenges rose from 65% to 90%. Nearly three-quarters of participants also said their municipality values young people’s input on climate-related issues.

The programme has also changed how municipalities engage with young people. More than half of the participating cities established formal structures such as youth councils, advisory boards and participatory budgeting processes to encourage ongoing youth involvement in decision-making.

Young people aged 15 to 24 are encouraged to apply once the call for proposals opens. Further details on the application process and submission requirements will be announced by the municipality.

Since its launch, more than 300 000 young people across five continents have participated in the Bloomberg Philanthropies Youth Climate Action Fund, contributing to the creation of more than 1 600 green spaces, the planting of over 1.8 million plants and 235 000 trees, the development of nearly 5 000 gardens, the establishment of 268 composting stations, and the collection of more than 405 000 pounds of waste and recyclables.

According to Amod, these projects have helped improve communities, strengthen environmental sustainability and encourage greater youth participation in local climate action.

Young people who would like to get involved or find out more about the initiative can visit the municipality’s website.