Who We Are
One Degree Cooler (ODC) is a global movement of passionate youth dedicated to providing the best green internship opportunities to high school and college students. Founded in 2024 by Lucas Allen after his inspiring experience at the United Nations COP 28 summit in Dubai, ODC was born from the urgent need to empower the next generation of environmental leaders. Today, with members from over 20 countries and more than 30 chapters across the globe, ODC is united in its commitment to global engagement and the belief that each of us can play a pivotal role in advancing our mission for a sustainable future.
You can reach us at [email protected]
Lucas Allen
Founder
Lucas is a student at Upper Canada College and an advocate for climate change. He attended the United Nations Climate Change Conference COP28 as part of the Youth Voices from Around the Globe panel, sharing examples of youth-led climate action. Lucas is also interested in the link between climate and health, particularly the rising incidence of dementia globally. He serves on his school’s Sustainability Council, promoting greater awareness and taking on climate initiatives in the community.
Executive Committee
Our Executive Committee is comprised of accomplished youth leaders from across the globe, each bringing unique expertise and a proven track record in climate action. They guide the vision and strategy of One Degree Cooler, ensuring our initiatives remain innovative, inclusive, and effective in combating the climate crisis. This exceptional group exemplifies the transformative power of youth leadership in building a more sustainable future.
Lucas Allen
Lucas is the visionary founder of One Degree Cooler. He applies expertise in organizational development, stakeholder engagement, and collaborative partnerships.
Jacob Bassey
Jacob is named top 50 most influential agribusiness women in Africa. She has worked in Carbon Farming, Agribusiness Consulting, Climate Change, and Rural Development.
Chao Hemajit
Chao was selected as a delegate of RCOY APAC 2024; Co-Founder at Nature Emergency Foundation, and selected by YECAP as Indigenous Fellow.
Mubashir Waheed
Mubashir is member of World Youth Parliment for Water. He has championed circular economy models, advocating for sustainable production and consumption patterns.
Benyapa Achariyakaroon
Benyapa is founder of Green Youth Thailand. Her journey began as a Model United Nations delegate, and over the past two years, she has published over 200 media pieces, reaching more than 50,000 people organically.
Atia Hussain
Atia is UNESCO’s Regional Conference of Youth (RCOY) /LCOY delegate, and a Hey campaign finalist. She is also founder of EcoArtisan and FXB climate alumni.
Claire Fernandez
Claire is Student Ambassador at WorldVision Philippines. She has actively contributed to marketing initiatives by promoting campaigns, and engaging with communities to support fundraising efforts.
Anna Maszewska
Anna has lived and worked in Europe, Canada and the United States. She has learned how to be flexible and adaptive in different work places and with diverse teams.
Our Story
One Degree Cooler was born from a pivotal moment at the United Nations COP 28 summit in Dubai in 2023, where founder Lucas Allen recognized the scarcity of internship opportunities for youth, especially high school students, to engage in meaningful climate initiatives.
Driven by the urgent need to empower the next generation in the fight against climate change, Lucas established ODC in 2024 as a non-profit organization dedicated to providing exceptional green internship opportunities for high school and college students.
What began as a vision to bridge the gap between youth and impactful climate action quickly evolved into a dynamic global movement. Our story is one of inspiration, growth, and unwavering dedication to creating a sustainable future, one degree at a time.
What We Do
At One Degree Cooler, we believe that green internship opportunities are the best real-life learning experiences, equipping students with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in the real world. Our comprehensive Green Internship Program connects high school and college students with meaningful climate action initiatives, providing hands-on experience in sustainability projects, innovative research, and environmental advocacy.
We collaborate with 100+ trusted partner organizations worldwide to secure the best internships for our members, ensuring that each opportunity aligns with their passions and career goals.
Additionally, ODC provides other climate initiatives such as hackathon, climate innovation competitions, and sustainable arts. By bridging the gap between youth and impactful climate initiatives, we empower the next generation of environmental leaders to drive transformative change and build a sustainable future, one degree at a time.
