No matter whether you are a child of the 70s or generation 'x' or 'y' climate change matters to you! Climate change is a global issue affecting every single one of us, either directly or indirectly. WWF has launched the "Climateers Ambassador Experiential Programme" to equip Hong Kong youth and public with a knowledge and understanding of climate change, by bringing participants to local areas of high conservation value including Mai Po Nature Reserve and Hoi Ha Wan Marine Park to witness the adverse impact. Participants will even have a chance to join WWF's exclusively-designed study tour to Yangtze River Basin in Mainland China - visiting the eco-friendly fishing projects and underwater forest restoration projects in lakes, as well as areas of special conservation value to experience, first hand, the impact of climate change on local people and natural habitats, through the interflow with the front line conservationists. The programme is free of charge and the recruitment starts today.

"The recent UN Copenhagen Climate Summit did not deliver the required fair, ambitious and binding deal to avoid dangerous climate change, which millions globally have been calling for. It is important that we do not give up, and each of us understands that the real change takes place with every individual adopting a low carbon lifestyle and encouraging friends and family to do so too," said Patrick Ho, Public Engagement Leader, Climate from WWF-Hong Kong.

The "Climateers Ambassador Experiential Programme" is conducted in two phases. Participants in Phase I are formed by members of the Junior Police Call and the Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups, and we now invite Hong Kong citizens to join Phase II of the program. This program will give participants a unique insight into how to contribute combating climate change by reducing personal carbon footprint. Through a series of seminars, workshops, field trips and competitions, participants are able to have a "hand-on experience" on how climate change affects coral and wetland habitats. Participants are also able to find out how people from different parts of the world cope with and adapt to climate change effectively. HSBC is the lead partner of the programme.

Participants also have the chance to hear local experts and celebrities, including explorer Dr Rebecca Lee, renowned chef Miss Xu Yuan, Green lifestyle supporter Lowell Lo and renowned gourmet food critic Mr Craig Au Yeung to share low-carbon tips and ways to adopt low-carbon lifestyles.

Another programme highlight is the "Low Carbon Arena" (the competition), in which participants rival each others' creativity under the theme of "My Low Carbon Living Innovation" with pictures and videos. Winners will join an overseas study tour organised by WWF. They will visit areas of special conservation value in the Yangtze River Basin to explore the impact of climate change on the local people and natural habitats. The participants will have the opportunity to visit the eco-friendly fishing projects and underwater forest restoration projects in lakes. The trip also allows them to explore carbon reduction technology and measures to mitigate and adapt to climate change at the World Expo 2010 in Shanghai. WWF will purchase the Gold Standard Carbon Offset for all the flights to ensure that the air travel is carbon neutral.