Our theory of change
How we’re strengthening communitIES’ resilience to climate change
We focus not just on what we produce, but on what changes because of our work. Climate Cardinals is building a world where climate knowledge flows freely, frontline leadership is amplified, and every community has the tools to lead its own path toward resilience.
The Problem
Today, more than 6.5 billion people around the world don’t speak English — but almost all climate information is written in English. This language barrier leaves billions without access to essential knowledge about how climate change affects them, how to protect their communities, or how to take action.
In many places, people have never even heard about climate change because information isn’t available in their language. Meanwhile, countless frontline communities already have powerful local knowledge and solutions — but without inclusion in global conversations, funding, and leadership opportunities, their innovations often remain isolated and unsupported.
Breaking down language barriers is essential not just to raise awareness, but to empower communities to lead the way on climate adaptation and resilience.
Our SOLUTION
We remove language exclusion barriers and invest in youth leadership so that communities can access and provide critical information, strengthen local action, and build pathways toward climate-resilient futures.
OUR OUTPUTS
Actionable Multilingual Translations — climate education and resilience resources translated into 100+ languages, enabling adaptation, advocacy, and preparedness at the community level.
Localized Chapter Mobilization — youth-led chapters deliver community climate education, organize resilience projects, and foster peer-to-peer leadership development.
Strategic Frontline Partnerships — collaborations with grassroots organizations produce co-created materials, trainings, and campaigns tailored to regional needs.
Global Youth Fellowships and Leadership Training — representative youth gain skills, mentorship, and global networks to lead and scale climate action.
Accessible Digital Platforms and Tools — multilingual hubs, dashboards, and opportunity portals connect representative youth to knowledge, leadership pathways, and resources.
OUR intermediate OUTCOMES
Communities are better prepared for natural disasters — they know what to do, how to access resources, and where to seek help.
Communities have a stronger awareness of how climate change affects their livelihoods, businesses, and families — allowing for proactive adaptation strategies.
Representative youth leaders are better connected to global networks — gaining mentorship, visibility, and resources to scale their climate solutions.
Youth leaders develop stronger mental resilience — supported by peer networks and cross-cultural exchanges with other social impact leaders.
Non-English-speaking communities actively engage in local adaptation planning, advocacy, and education efforts — driving community-driven climate resilience from the ground up.
OUR outcomes
Community members advocate for infrastructure and services that meet their needs — using translated materials and chapter support to request water storage, safer housing, shade structures, or medical access.
Community members take earlier protective actions — like relocating livestock, storing clean water, or avoiding storm-prone areas — because they have up-to-date information on climate risks and timelines.
Local disaster recovery is faster and more coordinated — because communities understand available aid systems, rights, and processes in their own languages.
Families protect key sources of income and food — such as farming, fishing, and market work — by accessing translated resources on drought-resistant crops, extreme weather warnings, or alternative income options.
Fewer children drop out of school due to disaster disruption — as youth chapters work with local organizations to maintain learning through translated climate curricula and post-disaster community support.
Representative youth are positioned as thought leaders — invited to speak, advise, and contribute to international strategies and convenings, not as tokens, but as experts.
Language access becomes an expected standard in public service provision, especially related to adaptation and disaster preparedness — organizations, funders, and local governments begin adopting multilingual practices across education, outreach, and disaster response.
our big hairy audacious goal
Thriving, resilient frontline communities with full access and leadership — permanent elimination of language exclusion in public service provision.
Why It Matters
We are not just translating information — we are transforming who holds the power to survive, adapt, and thrive in a changing world.
By breaking down barriers to knowledge and leadership, Climate Cardinals is helping create a future where resilience is local, equitable, and led by the communities most impacted.