Yale Jackson School Emerging Climate Leaders Fellowship 2026: An Opportunity for Cape Verde
Cape Verde, an archipelago vulnerable to climate change, faces significant challenges such as rising sea levels, desertification and water scarcity. In this context, the Yale Jackson School Emerging Climate Leaders Fellowship, with its 2026 edition, represents a unique opportunity to empower Cape Verdean leaders to face these challenges in an effective and innovative way.
What is the Yale Jackson School Emerging Climate Leaders Fellowship?
The Yale Jackson School Emerging Climate Leaders Fellowship is an intensive leadership development programme designed to equip talented individuals from around the world with the skills, knowledge and networks needed to drive climate action in their communities and countries. The programme offers:
- Intensive training in leadership, climate policy and innovative solutions.
- Access to a global network of climate leaders, experts and policy-makers.
- Opportunities to collaborate and develop projects with real impact.
- Individualised mentoring by renowned experts.
Why is this scholarship crucial for Cape Verde?
Cape Verde, as a Small Island Developing State (SIDS), is particularly exposed to the adverse impacts of climate change. The scholarship offers an opportunity to:
- Strengthen national capacity: Empower Cape Verdean leaders with the knowledge and skills needed to develop and implement effective climate policies.
- Promote innovation: Encouraging the creation of innovative solutions to Cape Verde's specific climate challenges, such as water management and renewable energy.
- Building resilience: Increasing the resilience of Cape Verdean communities to the impacts of climate change, through projects and initiatives led by scholarship holders.
- Amplify Cape Verde's voice: Giving Cape Verdean leaders a platform to defend the country's interests in international climate forums.
Examples of Impact: Success Stories from Previous Grantees
Although we don't have specific examples of Cape Verdean grantees (as the scholarship is relatively new), we can look at the impact of grantees from other countries in similar situations. For example, a grantee from the Maldives developed a coastal adaptation project that helped protect vulnerable communities from coastal erosion. Another grantee from Kenya implemented a sustainable agriculture programme that increased food security and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.
How to Apply for the Yale Jackson School Emerging Climate Leaders Fellowship 2026
The application process is competitive and requires candidates to demonstrate:
- A strong commitment to climate action.
- Proven experience in leadership and social impact.
- An innovative project or idea to tackle climate challenges.
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
Candidates must prepare a complete application that includes:
- A detailed CV.
- A motivation letter describing your commitment to climate action and your goals for the future.
- A project proposal that addresses a specific climate challenge and presents an innovative solution.
- Letters of recommendation from individuals who can attest to your leadership qualities and your potential for impact.
Relevant Statistics for Cape Verde and Climate Action
According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), Cape Verde is facing..:
- A projected rise in sea level of up to 1 metre by the end of the 21st century.
- An increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, such as droughts and storms.
- A decrease in the availability of fresh water, which will affect agriculture and public health.
Investing in climate leadership is crucial to mitigating these risks and building a sustainable future for Cape Verde.
Conclusion: A Call to Action for Cape Verdean Leaders
The Yale Jackson School 2026 Emerging Climate Leaders Fellowship is a unique opportunity for Cape Verdean leaders to empower themselves, innovate and drive climate action in their country. We encourage all talented individuals who are passionate about a sustainable future for Cape Verde to apply for this scholarship. The future of our archipelago depends on our ability to face climate challenges with courage, creativity and collaboration.
Don't miss this opportunity to make a difference!
For more information and to apply, visit: https://jackson.yale.edu/emerging-climate-leaders-fellowship/
Application deadline: 01 August 2025
**Apply for the Yale Jackson School Emerging Climate Leaders Fellowship 2026!** [Learn more](https://jackson.yale.edu/international-leadership-center/climate/).
