
Newsletter (March-April 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
Teachers' Training Program Sparks Action in Maharashtra Schools
In March 2025, Secondary and Higher Secondary Vidyamandir, Poladpur (District Raigad), conducted its first activity under the Teachers' Training Program (TTP), a flagship initiative by The Climate Project Foundation in partnership with Rayat Shikshan Sanstha, Satara. Students were guided by trained teachers to monitor and record the daily Air Quality Index (AQI), cultivating awareness around air quality and environmental responsibility. A creative session further encouraged students to repurpose old clothes into foot mats—an initiative that aimed to reduce dust in classrooms while promoting sustainable, hands-on learning.
This marks a milestone as schools from the Raigad district participated in the TTP for the first time. The program, designed to equip educators with the tools to teach climate change effectively, is now active across 20 campuses. The enthusiastic response from students at Vidyamandir Poladpur not only reflects the positive influence of the workshop but also demonstrates how young minds, when empowered, can lead meaningful change. These small yet impactful steps are nurturing a generation of environmentally conscious citizens ready to take action.
Teachers' Training at Mater Dei School Empowers Educators for Climate Action
On April 24–25, 2024, 67 educators from Mater Dei School, New Delhi, came together for an intensive Teachers' Training Program conducted by the Climate Reality Project under its flagship Green Campus Program. Led by Ms. Rekha Lalla, the sessions introduced the framework of the Green Campus Program, designed to integrate sustainability into school operations through audits in key areas—air, water, waste, energy, biodiversity, climate innovation, and community outreach. Teachers explored their vital role in driving this transformation by guiding students and shaping long-term, climate-conscious school practices.
Through a structured five-step approach—orientation, environmental audit, implementation of green practices, student engagement, and progress tracking—participants learned to initiate and sustain meaningful environmental changes on campus. The training emphasized forming eco-committees, conducting waste and energy audits, and encouraging student-led green innovations. The program also highlighted the long-term benefits of sustainability, from reduced utility bills to the development of a healthier learning environment. With strong teacher involvement and practical tools, Mater Dei is now poised to become a model of climate-smart education and community leadership.
CLIMATE CHANGE ENGAGEMENTS & ADVOCACY
Reality Tour Comes to India:
A Transformative Climate Training
in New Delhi
As part of the global ‘Reality Tour – 2025’ commemorating a decade since the Paris Agreement, The Climate Reality Project brought its signature climate leadership training to New Delhi this April in a new format. On the basis of showcasing their climate action commitments, 120 passionate individuals were selected to join a powerful day of learning, networking, and climate action. The training featured an inspiring virtual keynote by former US Vice President and Nobel Laureate Al Gore, who emphasized the urgency of phasing out fossil fuels and accelerating the global energy transition. He concluded on a positive note about the importance of individual actions, which should never be belittled and instead need to be encouraged in every possible form and format. Regional experts, mentors, and senior Climate Reality Leaders shared deep insights into South Asia’s climate journey, amplifying voices from the Global South. From interactive group sessions to the symbolic ‘Pin Graduation’ ceremony, the day offered a truly memorable and action-oriented experience. With 101 new leaders added to the global network of 56,000+, the event stood as a testament to the growing momentum for climate action in the region—delivered with precision, passion, and purpose. Here are some of the glimpses:
Celebrating Young Climate Leaders
On 4th March 2025, the ClimAct Initiative, in collaboration with UNESCO, hosted the Graduation Ceremony of the Climate Leadership Programme, honoring 41 young climate leaders for their inspiring work and commitment to sustainability. The event featured a showcase of the top five projects, spotlighting innovative, youth-led solutions to pressing climate challenges.
Representing The Climate Project Foundation (TCPF), Mr. Bhavesh Swami and Dr. Sakshi Grover engaged in dynamic conversations on collaboration and shared TCPF’s flagship initiatives—Youth for Earth 2025 and Youth 4 COP 2025. The event fostered meaningful
networking, including discussions with Ms. Heeta Lakhani (ClimAct Initiative), Mr. Abhinav (UNESCO), and Mr. Shravan Kumar (We Naturalist), paving the way for potential partnerships to strengthen youth engagement and climate action across South Asia.
Earth Day Celebrations – 2025
Though we believe that every day should be treated as Earth Day, the 55th World Earth Day served as a powerful reminder of our collective responsibility toward the planet that selflessly nurtures us. From honoring nature’s generous offerings to engaging citizens across age groups, The Climate Project Foundation (TCPF) marked the day with a spectrum of impactful activities. Events ranged from keynote addresses, expert sessions, seminars, interactive workshops, art activities, to storytelling and pledge ceremonies—all emphasizing the urgency of climate action and the role each of us plays. Whether through the inspiring leadership of Ms. Rekha Lalla in Chandigarh and Delhi, or Mr. Bhavesh Swami’s clean energy engagements with CSE and Climate Asia, the message remained consistent—our actions, no matter how small, can contribute to a greener future. From Darjeeling to Kulgam, Pune to Lucknow, and Delhi to Chennai, Climate Reality Leaders across India galvanized communities—be it through educational seminars, stakeholder discussions, or hands-on training. Children battling cancer painted a greener tomorrow at Cankids Lucknow, while students in Darjeeling pledged to embrace sustainable lifestyles inspired by the powerful Al Gore climate presentation. Leaders like Mr. Aadil Bhat and Mr. Shivkumar Krishnamoorthy tackled region-specific challenges and engaged working professionals in forward-thinking climate discussions. Others like Krunal Negandhi at the “Save the Earth Conclave” and Nikhil Kamath through literary advocacy showed how diverse approaches—from policymaking to storytelling—can amplify environmental consciousness. Earth Day 2025 was not just a celebration, it was a movement—lived, led, and loved by a wide spectrum of people united in purpose.
HIGHLIGHTS
Highlight: Climate Reality Leader in action
Anand Pendharkar
Climate Reality Leader Anand Pendharkar continues to spark change by bringing critical issues to the forefront. As a jury member at the 20th Asian Women’s Film Festival, themed "Voices of Change: Gender and Climate Resilience", he celebrated powerful narratives from the margins and led a session on "Climate Stories of the Marginalised" at the conclave. Partnering with Aradhya Sardesai, he inspired young changemakers during a dynamic workshop for PUKAR Youth Fellows on youth leadership and ecological justice. He also led a Mangrove Awareness Workshop in Virar, empowering local communities to protect vital coastal ecosystems.
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Nita Ganguly
Nita Ganguly, National Coordinator for Waste Management at Climate Reality India and South Asia, led an engaging Climate Reality session at Base Hospital Barrackpore (BHBKP). Interacting with the wives of officers, jawans, and nursing officers, she highlighted the critical role of responsible waste management in combating climate change. The session sparked thoughtful discussions and practical takeaways, empowering participants to become sustainability champions in their communities—proving once again how grassroots action drives meaningful climate impact.
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Read the article by Rituraj Phukan, National Coordinator, Biodiversity on “The Melting Glaciers-A stark warning from Nature”