#Japan #Chiyoda #Japan Climate Alliance #Climate Legal Fellows #Climate Change Law

Japan Climate Alliance's New Initiative: Climate Legal Fellows Program

In an effort to address the pressing issues of climate change, the Japan Climate Alliance (JCA), headquartered in Chiyoda, Tokyo, has recently announced its innovative Climate Legal Fellows Program (CLP). This program aims to recruit legal professionals who are passionate about utilizing the power of law to tackle climate change challenges.

The Need for Legal Professionals in Climate Action

Globally, particularly in the Western regions, a growing number of lawyers are affiliated with NGOs and think tanks. They engage in various legal actions aimed at influencing policies and corporate behaviors in response to climate issues. However, in Japan, the presence of legal experts specializing in climate law within the non-profit sector remains starkly limited. This absence has resulted in a considerable gap in the legal responses and actions regarding climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies.

JCA recognizes the critical need to increase the number of lawyers involved in legal actions related to climate change in collaboration with diverse organizations striving to address this global crisis. The initiative, therefore, seeks to enhance Japan's legal capacity to respond to climate challenges by fostering legal expertise through the fellowship program.

Program Overview

The Climate Legal Fellows Program is primarily designed for individuals who possess a Japanese law license and share a deep commitment to contributing to climate change solutions. The program offers:

• - Career and Project Opportunities: Participants will gain access to new career paths and get involved in impactful projects aimed at resolving climate issues.
• - Engagement in Non-Profit Sector: Even those without prior experience are welcomed to kickstart their professional journeys in prestigious international think tanks and NGOs.
• - Real-World Experience: Fellows will actively participate in non-profit activities centered on solving climate problems, allowing them to accumulate valuable hands-on experience.
• - Networking in Climate Law: Given the nascent stage of climate law in Japan, participants will have the unique chance to build a specialized network in this field.
• - Foundational Work Environment: Engaging in a sustainable work environment will provide a solid foundation for career transitions.

Program Timeline and Details

Applications for the Climate Legal Fellows Program are officially open, with all interested candidates encouraged to apply before the deadline of February 27, 2026. It’s important to note that the recruitment process may close without prior notice once the desired number of fellows is reached.

Additionally, an online information session regarding the program is scheduled for January 29, 2026, from 9:30 to 10:30 AM. This session aims to furnish participants with a comprehensive understanding of the CLP, featuring notable guest speakers, including Mika Kudo, a research fellow and lawyer from the Natural Energy Foundation.

For those unable to attend the online session, the JCA offers individual consultations to discuss the program in detail. Interested individuals can apply for these consultations through JCA's website.

About the Japan Climate Alliance

Established in 2022, the Japan Climate Alliance strives to build a society not threatened by climate crises. This initiative focuses on nurturing and supporting skilled professionals committed to resolving climate issues. The Alliance's core activity involves discovering, supporting, and co-creating with individuals and organizations that possess the will and skills to challenge the status quo and rapidly transform social systems.

For more information about the Climate Legal Fellows Program and application details, please visit JCA's official website.