Yale Emerging Climate Leaders Fellowship 2027
The Yale Emerging Climate Leaders Fellowship 2027 is a five-month fellowship for clean energy and climate change leaders from emerging and developing countries. The programme includes an in-person Yale Orientation Week, remote learning journeys, and a Paris closing week, with applications closing on Thursday, 30 July 2026 at 11:00 AM Eastern time.
Quick Overview
Programme: Yale Emerging Climate Leaders Fellowship
Opportunity Type: Fellowship
Host Organization: Yale International Leadership Center
Programme Format: In-person and remote components
Duration: Five months
Programme Dates: February–June 2027
Deadline: Thursday, 30 July 2026 at 11:00 AM Eastern time
Eligibility: Global South representatives with five to 10 years of professional experience
About the Yale Emerging Climate Leaders Fellowship
The Yale Emerging Climate Leaders Fellowship aims to create a community of committed clean energy and climate change leaders from emerging and developing countries.
Fellows engage with Yale faculty, researchers, and global authorities in the clean energy transition. The programme brings together young practitioners from Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America/Caribbean.
Each year, sixteen young practitioners are selected from multiple career tracks. Fellows may come from different professional backgrounds, including public service, entrepreneurship, energy, finance, journalism, education, research, civil society, law, and legislation.
Fellowship Structure
The fellowship combines in-person learning, remote sessions, collaborative work, and professional networking.
The programme includes:
• Yale Orientation Week in New Haven, Connecticut
• Remote learning journeys from March to June 2027
• Collaborative group project work between March and June 2027
• Paris Closing Week from June 14–18, 2027
The programme requires full participation in all parts of the fellowship.
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Yale Orientation Week
The five-month fellowship begins with a one-week in-person orientation programme at Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut.
The Yale Orientation Week will take place from February 1–5, 2027. During this week, fellows will join interactive sessions with Yale faculty and practitioners.
The orientation also introduces fellows to climate change initiatives at Yale and clean energy-related scholarship across different areas.
Remote Learning Journeys
From March through June 2027, fellows will participate in remote learning journeys with international experts.
These sessions usually take place on Wednesdays at 9:00 AM Eastern time. They focus on policy issues connected to climate change and the clean energy transition.
Possible discussion areas include:
• Global climate change governance
• Decarbonization pathways
• Renewable electricity growth
• Clean energy technologies
• Energy efficiency and behavioral change
• Climate finance
• Carbon pricing and regulatory policy tools
• Climate change communication
• Clean energy access
• Nature-based climate solutions
• Methane emissions in emerging and developing countries
Paris Closing Week
The fellowship concludes with an in-person week in Paris from June 14–18, 2027.
During the Paris closing week, fellows will meet with international climate change analysts and consolidate professional contacts developed during the programme.
Fellows will also have networking opportunities with staff members from the International Energy Agency, the Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development, French central government and municipal officials, civil society organizations, think tanks, academia, and the private sector.
They will present policy recommendations on clean energy and climate-related challenges to a global advisory board. They will also publish those findings and maintain contacts through an alumni network.
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Benefits and Financial Coverage
The Yale Emerging Climate Leaders Fellowship provides support for the in-person parts of the programme.
Confirmed coverage includes:
✓ Travel costs for Yale Orientation Week and Paris Closing Week
✓ Lodging costs for Yale Orientation Week and Paris Closing Week
✓ Round-trip airfare
✓ Hotels
✓ Transfers
✓ Most meals
The official page also states that payment of an electronic application fee is required to submit the application.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants should meet the official application requirements.
Candidates should:
• Be between five and 10 years into their professional careers
• Have demonstrated accomplishments at a regional, national, or international level
• Be representatives of the Global South
• Be fluent in English
• Be available to participate fully in all parts of the programme
• Be available for the Yale Orientation Week from February 1–5, 2027
• Be available for the Paris Closing Week from June 14–18, 2027
• Be available for six remote learning journeys on Wednesdays at 9:00 AM Eastern time
• Be available to work on a collaborative group project between March and June 2027
The official page states that there is no minimum or maximum age requirement. However, the programme is looking for leaders who are still on the rise in their careers.
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Selection Criteria
Applicants are assessed based on their professional achievements and leadership potential.
The selection criteria include:
• An established record of achievement in a profession linked to clean energy and climate change
• A commitment to making a positive impact at the local, national, or international level
• Demonstrated promise of a future leadership career at the national and potentially global level
• Interest in expanding professional networks
• Interest in exposure to global leaders in clean energy and climate change
The fellowship seeks a diverse group of fellows from multiple stakeholder groups.
Required Documents
Applicants must submit the required materials through the online application system.
Required application materials include:
• Résumé or curriculum vitae, maximum three pages
• Brief video statement
• Personal statement, maximum 600 words
• One letter of recommendation
The application process is completed entirely online. There are no paper forms to complete or mail.
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Application Process
Applicants must submit their application through the online application system.
The process includes:
• Create an account in the online application system
• Upload the required application materials
• Request the letter of recommendation
• Review all information before submission
• Submit the application before the deadline
Applicants may work on the application at any time before the deadline and submit it when ready. The official page advises applicants to submit at least 24 hours before the deadline.
Application Deadline
Applications for the 2027 cohort close on Thursday, 30 July 2026 at 11:00 AM Eastern time.
No extensions will be granted. Applicants should complete the online application before the stated deadline.
Official Link
Submit your application through the official application link below.
