Supporting the next generation of climate leaders

An elective paper in her final year of high school changed everything for Matilda Thomas. 

That paper, Introduction to Climate Change Science, opened her eyes to the science, design, and community dimensions of climate change. Today, she’s in her second year of the University of Waikato’s Bachelor of Climate Change – and has just been awarded the Toi Moana Climate Change Scholarship.

When she began her degree, Matilda wanted to understand the science of climate change – the chemistry, the physics, the processes behind a warming planet.

But, as her studies deepened, she found herself drawn to something else: People.

“I’m really enjoying learning about the impacts of climate change on social and economic processes, and how this influences people,” she says.

“The Bay of Plenty is already experiencing the real and growing impacts of climate change, like sea level rise and more frequent and severe storms. Finding adaptation and mitigation strategies that can help communities is what excites me now.”

Bay of Plenty Regional Council Climate Change Manager, Nic Newman, say supporting local students through this scholarship helps build the skills and knowledge our region needs to face the challenges of climate changes.

“Matilda’s unique blend of both science and communications in the Climate space will help to build overall science literacy and community understanding,” he says.

The Bachelor of Climate Change at Waikato University was the first degree of its kind in the world. Covering scientific, social, cultural, and economic dimensions, the programme equips students with the breadth of understanding needed to develop effective, global climate change solutions.

The Toi Moana Climate Change Scholarship was established by Bay of Plenty Regional Council in 2023. It is for second year or above Bachelor of Climate Change students with a strong connection to the Bay of Plenty region. One $7,000 scholarship is awarded each year.