2025 International Climate Development Institute (ICDI)
Host Organization: International Climate Development Institute (ICDI)
Website: https://www.icdi.network/
Organization Profile: The International Climate Development Institute (ICDI) has been at the forefront of addressing climate change and its impact on various social issues since its establishment in 2015. As an international non-governmental organization with 20 associates, ICDI is dedicated to providing developmental solutions for climate-related challenges and advocating for the right of climate development amidst the changing climate landscape.
Our organization's primary focus encompasses a wide spectrum of issues, including environmental, health, safety, urban sustainability, and energy concerns linked to climate change. The environmental issues we tackle range from the degradation of natural habitats to the adverse effects on human living spaces. Rising temperatures have led to significant global impacts, particularly in sub-tropical and tropical regions, posing a threat to ecosystems and human well-being.
Furthermore, we recognize the disproportionate impact of climate change and environmental hazards on communities and vulnerable groups in terms of health and safety. These challenges not only jeopardize physical and mental well-being but also undermine security. Additionally, the interplay between climate change, energy, and urban sustainability has resulted in excessive carbon emissions over the past few decades, further exacerbating the climate crisis.
In line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), ICDI is committed to leveraging its expertise in climate governance to offer policy recommendations, innovative technologies, and research outcomes. We aim to empower communities, businesses, governments, and international cities to develop capacity for adaptation and mitigation strategies. By advancing the concept of "climate action for all," we aspire to facilitate a transition towards a climate-resilient and sustainable society.
In conclusion, ICDI remains steadfast in its dedication to promoting climate development rights and contributing to global efforts aimed at combating climate change. Through our collaborative initiatives and strategic interventions, we strive to foster a world where individuals and communities can thrive in harmony with a changing climate.
ICDI is committed to advancing climate action on a global scale, encompassing policies, practices, and international connections. Our focus extends to Taiwan's climate initiatives and the development of climate talent and education. Additionally, we are dedicated to driving the growth of the climate service industry, facilitating climate finance, and supporting the transition to a green economy. Through a range of activities including publications, policy research, technological innovation, and community involvement, our goal is to address climate governance issues in diverse and impactful ways, with a keen emphasis on local considerations within an international context.
City: Taipei
Internship format: In-person
Internship Department: Policy Research and Analysis Department
Department profile: The Policy Research and Analysis Department is dedicated to assisting the government in its efforts to address climate change through informed policy planning and decision-making. Our core services include offering expert consulting services and providing valuable policy advice based on thorough research and analysis. We develop comprehensive action plans and propose effective implementation measures for various policies aimed at mitigating climate change. Moreover, we facilitate forums and expos to facilitate the exchange of practical experiences and to encourage stakeholders to invest in climate change mitigation efforts while also raising public awareness. Additionally, we offer specialized training and capacity-building programs tailored for both public and private sector professionals at different organizational levels. Our ultimate goal is to support the government in creating and implementing sustainable climate change policies that will have a positive impact on the environment and society as a whole.
Project description:
- Project 1: Climate Service Project of Green Buildings-climate data website service for energy use analysis of green BIM
BIM (Building Information Modeling) is an intelligent 3D model-based process that gives architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) professionals the insight and tools to better efficiently plan, design, construct, and manage buildings and infrastructure.
In the realm of global energy-saving practices, leveraging weather forecasting data for energy management of new or existing buildings has become a pivotal strategy.
By integrating localized weather data into energy analysis software, buildings can model and optimize heating, cooling, ventilation, lighting, and water systems to enhance energy efficiency. This approach has been exemplified by the GreenBIM project's collaboration with the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, resulting in the development of the Building Efficiency Targeting Tool for Energy Retrofits (BETTER) and its adaptation for specific conditions in Taiwan, known as "Taiwan BETTER."
These initiatives demonstrate the potential of incorporating hourly local weather data to simulate the thermal environment and energy consumption of buildings, enabling adjustments to the original design for increased efficiency.
*Task: Collecting global energy-saving cases or practices regarding energy management of new or existing buildings utilizing weather forecasting data.
- Project 2: Research of Community-Based Adaptation in Taiwan-Study on Climate Risk Adaptation Options of Communities and Implementation Strategy Recommendations
Since 2016, ICDI has been actively engaged in collaborative efforts with local governments, community colleges, and civil communities to provide crucial assistance in capacity building, energy transformation, and the development of adaptation strategies for disadvantaged groups.
The primary goal of these initiatives is to facilitate the transition of these groups towards a sustainable lifestyle with a strong emphasis on climate resilience. One of the key objectives of the project is to support local governments in formulating inclusive policies by gathering and analyzing pertinent international data.
The project aims to empower local communities by assisting them in the development of effective adaptation strategies. Through these concerted efforts, ICDI is committed to fostering an environment where all members of society, particularly those facing disadvantages, are equipped to thrive in the face of climate-related challenges.
*Task: Collecting case studies of global CBA practices of vulnerable groups.
- Project 3: A study of Taiwan's strategy development of international cooperation on meteorology under global climate change issues
This report collects information on international meteorological organizations across the world (e.g. WMO, ECMWF, IFMS, UNFCCC etc.) and other important activities (e.g., COP, APEC). The report aims to provide concrete advice to the Central Weather Bureau (CWB) based on the collected information. In addition, this project helps CWB and the Taiwanese Government to participate in international conferences, to develop international cooperation with APEC members, NGO’s, and other countries and societies.
*Task: Collecting information concerning the COP meeting, such as its trends and issues, its future development under the current political situation, and topics/ important issues/ development/themes about the 2025 COP meeting.
- Project 4: Climate Change Adaptation for Asia-Pacific Region and International Cooperation on Meteorology
This project assists the Central Weather Administration (CWA) of the Taiwan Government in supporting Asia-Pacific Countries by enhancing their capacities of climate change adaptation and identifying opportunities for international cooperation.
*Task: Collecting information on new Climate Change (or SDGs) projects implemented in the Pacific/Southeast Asia region. Identifying active players in the region and analyzing their strategies; (2) Supporting strategy development for CWA in cooperation with other key players
- Project 5: 2025 Taiwan Climate Action Expo (TWCAE)
The TWCAE is a leading exhibition regarding climate-related issues in Taiwan. A series of forums and activities taking place during the Expo., gathers the people in Taiwan who care about the impact of climate change, including professionals, policymakers, NGO workers, climate activists, entrepreneurs from industries, government, academia, and research institutions. The Expo provides a great platform for people to initiate dialogues and showcase their strategies and experiences of climate adaptation and mitigation.
The 2025 expo will be held in October in Kaohsiung. During the 3 days exhibition, there are a series of events and forums related to climate issues to attract the public to exchange and share their experiences.
*Task: Assisting the preparation work of the expo and forums.
- Project 6: Publications and E-newsletter
As public attention to climate issues rises, ICDI publishes an E-Newsletter to provide information on major global climate developments and raise citizens’ knowledge of climate change.
Climate and Finance bimonthly report: This publication aims to provide the latest global trend of climate safety, sustainable development, and green economy issues, such as of Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD)'s reports, in order to make Taiwan more resilient.
Since debuting in December 2020, the Climate and Finance bimonthly report has been recognized by experts and is shared by Facebook users.
*Task: Collecting global climate finance policies, cases and practices.
ICDI newsletter
The International Climate Development Institute publishes “ICDI E-Newsletter” to provide information on major international climate developments, aiming to promote citizens’ awareness of climate change, and learning from global climate change actions.
Subscribed readers are from academic institutions, civic groups, private enterprises, etc., and this continues to increase.
*Task: Collecting global climate change news, reports, and activities.
Number of Opening(s): 2
Work Hours and Internship Start/End Dates: (Monday to Friday, June 16 – August 8, 2025): Full Time (40hours) /Five days a week
preference to have a longer internship period from June 9 to August 30, 2025
Work attire: Smart Casual
Local language: Mandarin
Local language level needed: Basic reading, writing, and speaking (one-year level at Stanford)
Additional desired intern qualifications:
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Willing to learn and interested in climate change issues.
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Responsible for research and providing insights into the Taiwan Climate Change Policy.
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Responsible for tracking tasks, meeting deadlines, and providing necessary support to the research team.
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Ability to identify and analyze problems, and provide solutions to improve the project.
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Basic Mandarin skills, including reading, writing, and speaking.
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- Travel Reservations: All interns are strongly encouraged to utilize Stanford Travel, a centralized booking program, when booking airfare, hotels, or rental cars for their internship experiences. StudentUniverse is best for special student rates.
- Students must be enrolled at Stanford in the quarter when they apply for an internship opportunity (Winter), and will need to be enrolled in undergraduate study in the quarter when grant funding is disbursed (Spring). Applicants participating in off-campus Stanford programs are welcome to apply, but it is the responsibility of the applicant to compile, collate, and submit a complete application.
- Internship participants must certify that they are in good academic standing, and may not participate in the program or receive or retain internship stipends if they are on suspension.
- International students must consult with Bechtel about interning in the U.S. or traveling out of the U.S. in the summer.
- Each applicant can apply for a maximum of two program-arranged positions. If you apply for more than two positions, we will only consider the first two positions submitted. EXCEPTIONS: your application for program-arranged positions in Belgium, Estonia, and Latvia, are exempt from this restriction. Although you are allowed to apply to multiple positions in these countries and you might be selected for multiple positions, you can only be awarded with one internship.
- The Program is open to all undergraduate students. Seniors* or co-terms are eligible as long as they do not confer their undergraduate degrees until after they complete their internships to remain eligible. Coterm students must still have undergraduate status. Positions in South Asia and Iranian Studies are also open to Master's students in all majors. Positions in East Asia are open to MA students majoring in East Asian Studies. Note*: Only seniors who will be returning to co-term for all of next year, are eligible to apply for positions in Belgium and Estonia.
- Participants must be current Stanford students during the internship period. Seniors and graduating Master's students must postpone graduation paperwork until the internship ends, but may participate in commencement. For summer graduation requirements, including details regarding enrollment requirements and information about participation in the June commencement ceremonies, students should contact their major department's student services office and Registrar's Office for graduation quarter petition.
- Local language skills are based on the internship description requirements.
- Global Studies minors receive preference for the program.
- Preference will be given to students who have not had similar internship experiences in the same country or region i.e., students who haven’t already participated in an internship in this country or region.
- Students who have not been accepted into the Global Studies Internship Program should refrain from contacting any of the partner organizations listed in the internship list until they receive direction from Stanford Global Studies.
- Preferably, before beginning their internships, selected candidates should have taken at least one course regarding the internship region. The course can be taken in the quarter prior to the internship.
- Interns must commit to full-time work (a minimum of 35 hours per week) for at least 8 weeks.
- To be eligible for a stipend, students must maintain health insurance for the duration of their internship.
- Violations of Global Studies Internship Program policies are also violations of the Fundamental Standard and may be referred to the Office of Community Standards. Students who fail to abide by the policies set forth by the Global Studies Internship Program, Stanford Global Studies, and Stanford University, will have low priority or no longer be eligible for future Stanford Global Studies funding opportunities and programs. The Global Studies Internship Program reserves the right to rescind funding at any given point and time should they be apprised of any policy violations as outlined above.
For more information, please see Eligibility and Stipend.
For more internship positions provided by the Stanford Global Studies Internship Program, please see our internship listing.
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