Our organization

OUR STORY

Climate Cardinals was envisioned by Sophia Kianni, who first recognized the need for climate translation during a middle school trip to Iran. Shocked by severe pollution that obscured the stars and alarmed by the Middle East’s rapidly rising temperatures—more than twice the global average—Sophia realized the urgent need for accessible climate information. When she voiced her concerns to her relatives, she was stunned to learn they knew little about climate change due to the lack of resources in their language.

Determined to bridge this gap, Sophia began translating climate information for her family. Inspired by her work, her relatives became supporters of Iranian environmental defenders and eager learners of climate solutions. Realizing the transformative power of language, Sophia gathered friends and youth passionate about creating change—Hikaru Wakeel Hayakawa, Rohan Arora, Joe Hobbs, and others—, leading to the creation of Climate Cardinals.

What began as a movement to translate climate information into over 100 languages has grown into a broader mission. Today, Climate Cardinals not only breaks language barriers but also connects youth and non-English-speaking communities to global networks and resources. By building agency and fostering leadership, the organization ensures these groups can lead the climate movement and drive long-term change.

 OUR MISSION

Climate Cardinals empowers youth and the global majority of 6.5 billion non-English speakers to lead climate solutions.

With 16,000 volunteers, we translate climate information into 105 languages for partners like UNESCO and UNICEF, lead grassroots climate education initiatives at universities worldwide, and create multilingual climate action campaigns.

We are a fiscally sponsored project under Future Incubator, a joint program between Registration Nation, a registered 501(c)(3) organization, Tax ID (EIN) 87-3891341, and Future Coalition, a registered 501(c)(4) organization, Tax ID (EIN) 82-3045346.

OUR THEORY OF CHANGE

Young people are driving climate action, but language barriers make it harder to access knowledge, funding, and leadership opportunities. Most climate information is in English, which limits collaboration and prevents many youth, especially those on the frontlines, from accessing critical knowledge and sharing their ideas and solutions.

At Climate Cardinals, we believe in the power of youth and collective knowledge. By removing language barriers and creating spaces for connection, we help young people share ideas, support one another, and shape a more just and effective climate movement.

At Climate Cardinals, we’re changing that by:

  • Expanding Access to Climate Knowledge – Translating and adapting climate information into 105+ languages so youth everywhere can use and share knowledge that strengthens their communities.

  • Connecting a Global Network of Young Leaders – Supporting 16,000+ youth across 134 countries by fostering relationships, sharing resources, and creating opportunities to grow together.

  • Uplifting Youth Voices in Climate Spaces – Helping young people navigate and reshape decision-making spaces, while also building new, more inclusive networks for climate leadership.

We work alongside young changemakers across languages and borders to build a climate movement where knowledge is shared, collaboration grows, and every young person has the support to create change.

OUR PRograms

Language Equity

Translations
We translate climate information into 105+ languages, making it accessible to communities worldwide. Our tiered system provides free translations for grassroots organizations while offering professional services for larger groups, using the funds to support youth empowerment programs.

Ambassadors
With 40,000 sign-ups across 134 countries, this is one of the world’s largest multilingual climate networks. The program empowers young people to share climate knowledge in their communities.

Chapters
Our 150+ student-led chapters bring climate education and action to schools and universities, creating one of the most diverse youth-led networks. 81% of our chapters are in the Global South, ensuring frontline communities lead climate solutions.

Capacity-Building

Youth Fellows
This fellowship provides mentorship, skills, and resources to the next generation of climate leaders. Our 85+ fellows have launched initiatives, advised global leaders like the WHO Director-General, and earned full scholarships to top universities worldwide.

Thought Leadership
We place young climate leaders in high-impact advisory roles and on global stages. Through engagements with UN leaders, environmental CEOs, and officials like Michael Regan, we ensure youth voices shape climate policy and decision-making.

Climate Calling
This digital hub connects 70,000+ young people with climate-related opportunities, including funding, mentorship, and career pathways, making it easier for youth to take action.

OUR values

  • Knowledge for Everyone – Climate information should be open and accessible to all, not just those who speak English.

  • Equity in Action – Everyone deserves a seat at the table. We amplify youth voices, support local solutions, and ensure that leadership in the climate movement is as diverse as the communities it serves.

  • Optimism and Possibility – The climate movement is full of energy, creativity, and determination. We focus on what’s possible and celebrate the work that young people are doing every day.

DONATIONS

Please use the link below to donate directly to Climate Cardinals.