The Yale Emerging Climate Leaders Fellowship offers an opportunity for 16 young climate and clean energy practitioners from across the Global South to broaden their technical skills, deepen their professional networks, and exchange views with top global clean energy and climate change leaders.

Climate Fellows are drawn from a wide variety of professions, ranging from public servants to entrepreneurs, energy company professionals, financiers, journalists, educators, researchers, civil society representatives, legal advisers, and legislators.

This five-month, three-part initiative is based out of Yale’s International Leadership Center with partnerships throughout the university. Fellows engage with prominent Yale faculty and a network of top practitioners to explore key issues in the global clean energy and climate change agenda.

Summary

1. Application Deadline: 01 Aug 2025
2. Type: Fellowship
3. Sponsor: Yale Young Global Scholars
4. Gender: Men and Women

Eligibility Criteria for 2025 Yale Emerging Climate Leaders Fellowship

Applicants should be between five and 10 years into their professional careers, with demonstrated accomplishments at a regional, national, or international level. While there is no minimum or maximum age requirement, we are looking for young leaders who are still on the rise in their careers.

Applicants must be representatives of the Global South. We look forward to welcoming a diverse representation from developing Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America/Caribbean.

Applicants must be fluent in English. An excellent command of the English language is essential to successfully participating in the program.

Climate Fellows must be available to fully participate in all parts of the program, including in-person for two weeks of the program: the Yale Orientation week (February 16-20, 2026), and the Paris closing week (June 15-19, 2026). Fellows must also be available to participate in the five remote learning journeys and to work on a collaborative group project between March and June 2026.

Selection Process

Yale Orientation Week | February 16-20, 2026

1. This five-month fellowship begins with a one-week, in-person orientation program at Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut, from February 16-20, 2026.
2. Fellows will engage in a series of interactive sessions with prominent Yale faculty and practitioners to set the terms of the global climate change debate.
3. Fellows will explore the wide range of climate change initiatives housed at Yale and delve into cutting-edge scholarship on a broad range of clean energy and climate issues.

Remote Learning Journeys | March-June 2026

From March through June 2026, Climate Fellows will organize and carry out a series of interactive remote sessions with top international experts on the full range of policy issues associated with climate change and the clean energy transition. Sessions are spirited journeys allowing for the development of communities of practice in specialties and extensive mentoring opportunities.

Paris Closing Week | June 15-19, 2026

The fellowship concludes with an in-person week in Paris, from June 15–19, 2026.

Fellows will meet with top international climate change analysts, share perspectives gleaned throughout the program; and consolidate professional and personal contacts developed through peer learning and exchanges of views.

Benefits of 2025 Yale Emerging Climate Leaders Fellowship

1. Engage with top Yale faculty and international climate experts
2. Participate in in-person leadership weeks at Yale and in Paris
3. Join global peer networks
4. Work on collaborative climate projects
5. Receive mentorship and professional development

How to Apply

For more details, visit Yale Emerging Climate Leaders Fellowship webpage

Application Deadline

August 1, 2025

Application Link(s)

• Apply for 2025 Yale Emerging Climate Leaders Fellowship