Newsletter (January-February 2025)
Our newsletter provides updates on our programs, and fellow Climate Reality Leaders who are making a difference. It carries a gamut of activities carried out in two months' time, showing how each one of us can act to solve the crisis together. We would love to hear from you, your story and acts of leadership in the journey of sustainability. Every action matters!
CLIMATE CHANGE EDUCATION PROGRAMME
Empowering Educators for Climate Action at Prometheus School
On January 15, a Teacher Training Program (TTP) was held at Prometheus School, Noida, led by Ms. Rekha Lalla. The session enhanced climate literacy, introduced the Green Campus Program, and provided strategies for integrating climate education into the curriculum. Teachers explored key topics like climate change causes, mitigation strategies, and eco-friendly school initiatives.
The interactive Q&A session addressed practical ways to incorporate sustainability in teaching. Teachers committed to leading sustainability initiatives and fostering eco-conscious learning environments. The Green Campus Program was well-received, with recommendations for periodic workshops, interdisciplinary collaboration, and student-led projects to sustain this effort.
Training Teachers for Climate Action at Rayat Shikshan Sanstha
From January to February 2025, the Teachers’ Training Program (TTP) was conducted across 20 campuses of Rayat Shikshan Sanstha in Satara, Sangli, Pune, and Raigad. Led by Mr. Ganesh Satav and Dr. Amruta Deshmukh from The Climate Project Foundation, the half-day training focused on "train the trainer." The sessions equipped 307 teachers with skills to educate students on climate change—science, impact, and solution. Key themes included air quality, biodiversity, waste management, water conservation, and energy conservation. This training aimed to enhance climate awareness among educators for effective student engagement.
This year, Team Mahrashtra conducted a hands-on teachers’ training program. Teachers actively participated in hands-on activities to understand the implementation and documentation of TTP initiatives. A detailed booklet was shared to guide further action, encouraging schools to engage students in sustainability projects. The training received enthusiastic participation, fostering climate-conscious educators committed to integrating environmental education into their teaching.
Green Campus students leading the way
At Dharwad International School, Karnataka, students aren’t just learning about nature—they’re actively shaping it. As part of the Green Campus Program, they worked alongside teachers and staff to create a medicinal garden, herbal garden, and butterfly park, turning their school into a thriving green space. From planting medicinal herbs to designing a sanctuary for butterflies, students took ownership of the initiative, learning firsthand about biodiversity and sustainability. Their excitement was contagious, as they shared knowledge with peers and nurtured the plants with care. What began as an idea has now blossomed into a living, breathing testament to their dedication to the planet.
CLIMATE CHANGE ENGAGEMENTS & ADVOCACY
World Wetlands Day
The Climate Project Foundation, in collaboration with partner institutions, celebrated World Wetlands Day on February 3rd, bringing together over 200 attendees, including experts, students, and faculty members. The event featured insightful discussions on wetland conservation moderated by Dr. Fawzia Tarannum, National Coordinator, Water for The Climate Reality Project India & South Asia. Renowned speakers, including Dr. Ram Boojh, Advisor, Mobius Foundation, Dr. Ritesh Kumar, Director, Wetlands International South Asia; and Mr. Satyabrata Samal, Founder, Sattvik Soul Foundation, Odisha, shared their expertise on the ecological, cultural, and economic importance of wetlands. They emphasized the need for integrating traditional knowledge, maintaining water regimes, and involving local communities in conservation efforts. The session concluded with an engaging Q&A, where students actively interacted with experts on effective wetland management strategies. The event successfully raised awareness about the role of wetlands in sustaining biodiversity and combating climate change.
Prakriti 2025- 1st International Conference on Carbon Market
At the Prakriti 2025 conference, hosted by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), the Climate Project Foundation (TCPF) shared their roadmap on India’s evolving carbon markets and climate finance strategies with key stakeholders during side events. Represented by Mr. Bhavesh Swami, Lead - Clean Energy Policy and Engagements, TCPF shared their impactful works in the higher education space, especially focusing on ‘Green Jobs’. The new initiative that is finding a lot of attraction worldwide, Climate Trace, is a comprehensive emissions tracking platform built by a global, not-for-profit coalition of over 100 universities, scientists, and AI experts that was also shared during the event.
With over 1,000 industry professionals in attendance, including Climate Reality Leaders, the conference served as a vital networking and knowledge-sharing platform. TCPF explored potential partnerships with the World Bank, engaged with global experts, and shared insights for industries in helping with their decarbonization journey. The discussions and collaborations initiated at Prakriti 2025 will play a key role in strengthening TCPF’s efforts toward climate action and sustainable development.
HIGHLIGHTS
Highlight: Climate Reality Leader in action
Rituraj Phukan’s call for climate action
At the HCI Leadership Workshops: Climate Action & Innovation in Malda College, West Bengal, Rituraj Phukan, National Coordinator for Biodiversity at The Climate Reality Project India & South Asia, brought climate advocacy to an audience ready to make a difference. Engaging with students, educators, and policymakers, he emphasized the urgent need for grassroots action and collective solutions. The event, attended by MP Malda Shri Isha Khan Choudhury, Municipality Chairman and former Minister of West Bengal Shri Krishnendu Narayan Choudhury, and other key dignitaries, reinforced the power of collaboration in tackling climate challenges. Rituraj’s words left an impact, igniting hope and inspiring the next generation of changemakers.
Anand Pendharkar: Advocating for Coastal Communities in a Changing Climate
At the inauguration seminar on Technological Interventions to Mitigate Climate Change and its Impacts on Society, Anand Pendharkar brought a deep, heartfelt perspective to the conversation. In his talk on Coastal Biodiversity and the Impacts of Climate Change on Communities, he didn’t just present facts—he told the stories of people living on the frontlines of environmental change. With his trademark passion, Anand highlighted how rising seas, erratic weather, and biodiversity loss are reshaping lives, urging for technology-driven yet community-centered solutions. His words resonated, reminding everyone that behind the science are real people, struggling, adapting, and hoping for a better future.
