Youth climate ideas to hit the ground — applications open for net-zero competition

The Presidential Commission on Carbon Neutrality and Green Growth is accepting applications through July 31 for a program that brings young people's climate ideas to life in partnership with companies, the commission announced Monday.

This year's program, dubbed the "Net-Zero Solutions Challenge," operates as an action-oriented project in which participants develop their climate-crisis proposals into concrete products and services alongside corporate partners.

Amorepacific and Pulmuone are joining as partner companies, each presenting participants with real carbon neutrality challenges their organizations are actively working to solve.

Amorepacific is asking participants to find ways to reduce the carbon footprint and expand resource recycling across the full lifecycle of its products — from planning and production through retail, use and disposal. Pulmuone is challenging participants to develop practical approaches to healthier, more sustainable everyday eating habits and improved consumer behavior.

The commission will review submitted proposals during the application period and select 16 teams, then narrow the field to eight final teams through an intensive development competition evaluating creativity and feasibility.

The eight finalists will refine their ideas into tangible outcomes through mentoring by company representatives and outside experts. Partner companies will then consider incorporating standout results into future product development, ESG management and carbon neutrality programs.

Final judging will weigh creativity, effectiveness, feasibility and performance outcomes. Winners will receive ministerial and vice-ministerial commendations along with prize money.

The top team will also receive an invitation to attend the 31st Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP31), to be held in Turkey in November.

Full details on how to apply and the program schedule are available on the commission's website.

Hong Dong-gon, the commission's deputy secretary-general, said the program would go beyond simply asking young people to propose climate solutions. "This year's Net-Zero Friends will be a new arena where youth can directly test and realize their ideas together with companies," he said. "Responding to the climate crisis is a form of social innovation that government, business and citizens must build together, and we will continue to expand opportunities for young people to grow into future climate citizens and global climate leaders."