Newsletter May-June 2024 | The Climate Project

Newsletter (May-June 2024)

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!

Gender and Climate Change Workshop
for Room to Read

On 15th May 2024, Ms. Rekha Lalla was invited to deliver a presentation on "Climate Change and Green Campus Transformation". The session's objectives were to sensitize, educate, enthuse, and empower participants towards climate action while throwing light on transforming the lives of millions of adolescent girls from rural, peri-urban, and urban low-income communities across twelve states.

The idea is to catalyze climate resilience through gender justice, equity, and climate literacy, with an inclusive and engaging feminist climate curriculum. Later the audience took it in groups to discuss the climate actions undertaken by the schools during the climate crisis.

TTP for Loreto College, Kolkata

The Climate Project Foundation signed an MoU with Loreto College, Kolkata to implement the Green Campus Programme. The collaboration kick-started with an online Teachers’ Training Program (TTP) conducted for the Loreto College, Kolkata faculty members as a part of the Green Campus Programme (GCP). The session began with an introduction of the faculty members and their areas of expertise followed by a session on Mr. Bhavesh Swami wherein he discussed the causes and impact of the Remal Cyclone on Kolkata, linking it to climate change. He elaborated on the science behind climate change, its effects, and solutions, emphasizing rising temperatures and environmental calamities.

Dr. Sakshi Grover highlighted the benefits of the GCP for Higher Education Institutions, advocating its alignment with UGC, NAAC, and Mission LiFE norms. She encouraged designing their own Green Policy to support these goals.

National Coordinators Meet

An online “National Coordinators Meet” was held on 22nd May 2024, attended by current and new national coordinators. Mr. Aditya Pundir, Director of The Climate Project Foundation (TCPF), discussed the headquarters' strategies and four key areas: reducing emissions, international cooperation, financing a just transition, and combating greenwashing. He also presented TCPF’s Green Campus Program and encouraged collaborations among coordinators to leverage expertise. National Coordinators expressed their interest in contributing to these focus areas and the Green Campus Program.

Below is the list of new National Coordinators:

Sathya Natarajan, Urban Rejuvenation
Madhu Bhatnagar, Sustainability Education
Rituraj Phukan, Biodiversity Management
Alka Tomar, Communications
Seema Bali, Sustainability Education
Nita Ganguly, Waste Management
Sumit Ramesh Arora, Waste Management
Vikrant Srivastava, International Cooperation
Pradeep Karuturi, Clean Transport
Shivam Singh, Youth Initiatives
Swayamprabha Das, Policy Management
Fawzia Tarannum, Water Management
Prafulla Dhal, Livelihoods
G. Krishna Kumar, Clean Energy
Neeraj Chawla, Clean Energy
Anshita, Communications
Elsie Gabriel, Oceans Management
Pooja Chopra, Youth & Eco-Tourism
Vivek Trivedi, Livelihoods
Raj Mohan, Reforestation
Nikhil Kamath, Communications
Bharti Chibbar, Sustainability Education
Sheetal Antil, Nature Based Solutions

Community Training on Climate Change
at Kusumbi Village, Maharashtra

Despite heavy downpours and conflicting schedules, Community Training on Climate Change was conducted in Kusumbi, Satara, Maharashtra on 20th June 2024. The event saw active participation from the community members, especially women showed great enthusiasm and eagerness to learn.

Ganesh Satav led the training in the local language for seamless communication, providing expert insights into the climate emergency and the importance of community contributions with real-life examples and local references. All the participants, including (the Head of the village) Sarpanch of the Kusumbi village who attended the training program, were encouraged to engage in discussions about local environmental issues and potential solutions, fostering a sense of community involvement. They were equipped with the tools to implement sustainable practices and address climate change effectively. Specially designed kits were created in the local language for training purposes, which were explained and distributed among participants to help them understand key concepts of climate change.

The Sarpanch expressed strong support for community actions and encouraged the attendees to address climate change, including a pledge to make the village plastic-free.

An Interactive Workshop on
Delhi's Environment

A workshop on "Problems and Solutions for Delhi's Environment," organized by Ms. Rekha Lalla on 29th June 2024 at ML Khanna-DAV School, Dwarka, convened 30 enthusiastic teachers to address critical environmental issues plaguing Delhi. The event focused on four main areas: Air Quality, Water Management, Waste Management, Biodiversity Conservation, and Energy Efficiency. Each group of teachers delved into these topics, presenting their findings and solutions through creative and informative presentations, demonstrating their dedication to finding sustainable solutions for Delhi's environmental challenges.

The workshop's highlight was the group presentations, wherein teachers were divided into separate groups based on these 4 areas and showcased their innovative solutions. The Air Quality Group emphasized the need for stricter emissions regulations, promoting electric vehicles, and increasing green cover. The Water Management Group proposed rainwater harvesting, reducing water wastage in schools, and educating communities on water conservation. The Waste Management Group focused on waste segregation at source, recycling, upcycling, and reducing single-use plastics. Lastly, the Biodiversity and Energy Group highlighted the importance of preserving green spaces, creating urban forests, promoting renewable energy sources, and integrating environmental education into the curriculum. Furthermore, based on the outcomes of the activities, the participants were encouraged to implement these solutions in their schools, monitor progress, and share best practices in future workshops.

Awareness Program on GCP
at J&K House, New Delhi

To commemorate World Environment Day, The Climate Project Foundation and Hello J&K collaborated to raise awareness about climate change, its science, impacts, and solutions along with the Green Campus Programme (GCP). They promoted eco-friendly practices such as recycling and tree planting, aiming to inspire community conservation efforts among commission staff, young students at the commission’s office, and students connected online.

World Environment Day in
Ayesha Ali Academy

The Ayesha Ali Academy, Kulgam collaborated with TCPF to organize a painting competition, cleanliness drive, & slogan raising on the eve of World Environment Day. Ayesha Ali Academy and Dubai Grand School participated in the painting competition. The events witnessed active engagement of students and teachers who were aware of their responsibilities towards the environment and the urgency of climate action.

We Signed MoU with AIC-Sangam

The Climate Project Foundation and AIC-Sangam Innovation Foundation signed an MoU for the Earth Tech Incubation Program. The Earth-tech Incubation Program 2024 was launched in June to support early-stage startups working in the domains of climate change. The program spans six months and encompasses focus areas including:

Energy Access
Energy Efficiency
Electric Mobility
Circular Economy
AI, ML, IoT, Deep tech
Carbon Capture and Utilization

Participants will engage in virtual sessions covering crucial aspects such as Customer Discovery, Product Market Fit, Lab-to-Launch Transition, and Impact Measurement. Additionally, the program facilitates interactions with industry experts and successful startups through expert sessions, fostering an environment conducive to innovation and growth.

The program culminates in a demo day, providing startups with a platform to showcase their progress and achievements to potential impact investors.

WED Celebrations & Eco Care Campaigns for 250+ Participants in Bangladesh

The Climate Reality Project - India & South Asia and SERAC Bangladesh's collaborative initiative, "Eco Care Campaign" raised climate awareness among 250+ participants (including students and teachers).

The World Environment Day (WED) marked the inaugural Session in the coastal region of Jhalakathi district in Bangladesh. More than 95+ students, teachers from the neighbouring schools and community leaders joined in the Abdus Somed High School, Kathalia Upazila, Jhalakathi District, Bangladesh. Mohammad Nayeem Hossain - National Coordinator for Green Campus Programme took the session and delivered insights on Climate Change affecting coastal communities and gave solutions for mitigation through the Green Campus Programme.

This was followed by campaigns conducted in 3 schools in Dhaka: Ahmedabad High School (Dhaka), Janani Kindergarten High School (Kamrangirchor), and Baby Education High School and College, (Nandipara, Khilgaon). More than 160+ participants joined the sessions from these schools. Our National Coordinators in Bangladesh - Tasnia Ahmed and Nayem Khan led the impactful dialogues with them and gathered information from the teachers and principals about the green initiatives conducted in their respective schools.

Webinar on World Environment Day

In partnership with the Mobius Foundation, The Climate Project Foundation organized a webinar on the eve of World Environment Day 2024, which focused on the theme: Land Restoration, Desertification, and Drought Resilience. The webinar was attended by the Youth4Earth participants.

The webinar featured notable partners and speakers from The Climate Project Foundation (TCPF) and the Mobius Foundation (MF). Key speakers included Mr. Aditya Pundir, Mr. Bhavesh Swami, Dr. Sakshi Grover from TCPF, Ms. Priyanka Sharma, Dr. Bhagyashree Kesarwani, and Mr. Shravan Kumar from MF. The event aimed to address critical environmental issues and engage participants in meaningful discussions about restoring our planet's land and combating desertification.

Mr. Aditya Pundir spoke extensively about the current climate change scenario, highlighting the pressing problems of desertification and land degradation. He emphasized practical solutions such as tree planting, addressing local environmental issues, and restoring wetlands. The program attracted a diverse audience, including Y4E participants, faculty, and students from GCP-registered colleges and universities. With 1006 registrations for the webinar from India, Nepal, and Bangladesh, the event saw approximately 520 participants actively engaging in the discussions.

Dr. Bhagyashree Kesarwani and Dr. Sakshi Grover provided detailed explanations of the Y4E project reporting guidelines, format, and evaluation criteria. This was followed by an interactive session where Mr. Bhavesh Swami and Mr. Shravan Kumar addressed participants' questions, offering insights and clarifications. The comprehensive program not only educated attendees on the challenges of land degradation but also equipped them with the knowledge and tools needed to contribute to land restoration and drought resilience efforts.

Launch of Net Zero Campus Initiative
in Nepal

On the eve of World Environment Day, the journey towards creating Net Zero campuses in Nepal commenced with the registration of Lord Buddha Secondary School. This institution became the first school in Nepal to join the Green Campus Programme. It began with the celebrations of the day with a session focused on climate change and climate action.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by Phurpa Lama, Country Coordinator for Nepal, The Climate Reality Project - India & South Asia, and Niranjan Lama, Principal of Lord Buddha Secondary School, Nepal. The signing event marked a significant milestone in promoting sustainability and environmental stewardship in educational institutions across Nepal.

The launch of this initiative on World Environment Day underscored the commitment to fostering green practices in Nepalese schools, setting a precedent for other institutions to follow.

Acts of Leadership by
Climate Reality Leaders

Anand Pendharkar

Anand Pendharkar's SPROUTS Monthly Lecture 'Connections Naturally' featured Karthikeyan S, discussing mysterious links between plants, invertebrates, birds, and mammals. He was also invited as a guest speaker by ECO Club & Department of Geography, Wazir Ram Singh Government College, Dehri for the National Webinar on the Role of Youth in Climate Action and Ecological Restoration on the occasion of World Environment Day, on June 5, 2024.

Mr. Pendharkar also delivered a lecture in Hindi on World Environment Day (June 05, 2024), on the Role of Youth in Climate Action & Nature Conservation for WRS Govt College, Kangra (Himachal Pradesh).

gri-Col-Shashi-G-Dalvi-retd-parjanya-e1542502364152.jpeg

Dr. Ketna Atul Matkar

Dr. Ketna Atul Matkar, actively engaged in capacity building and training of municipal officials and elected representatives, trains them on solid waste management and sanitation within the Swachh Bharat Mission 2.0 framework. Her commitment to advocacy is evident in her active participation as a panelist and expert speaker in multiple conferences and workshops, wherein she addresses pivotal topics like Circular Economy and Solid Waste Management to underscore the importance of sustainable practices.

Senator PKC Bose

Senator PKC Bose met with Manish Prabhat, India's Ambassador in Denmark. Mr. Prabhat is on a mission to bring Danish technology-driven companies to India, especially those working in the domains of green energy, environment, and water. Denmark is at the forefront of green energy and ESG learning, making this collaboration highly significant.

Meghna Joshi

Meghna Joshi empowers rural micro women entrepreneurs through the 'Mera Business Programme,' training over 200 women in Haryana and expanding to Rajasthan with various foundations' support. Her work bridges gaps, fosters holistic development, and promotes workforce inclusion. With backing from the ACIC BMU Foundation, Hinduja Foundation, Ambuja Cement Foundation, and Ashok Leyland Group, she continues to uplift and support women entrepreneurs.

Shivam Singh

Through his organization ExploreiT, Shivam co-organized a plantation & cleanliness Drive with Symbiosis International (Deemed University) at Deccan College on 5th June. The Climate Project Foundation & Climate Troopers were the co-partners for this event.

Col. Shashikant Dalvi (Retd.)

Col. Shashikant Dalvi (Retd.) was invited by the Ranjangaon Industry Association (RIA) at MIDC Ranjangaon to participate in a tree plantation drive on World Environment Day. The event saw the planting of 1,000 trees by staff from various industries, as well as students and staff from local colleges. Col. Dalvi delivered a presentation on rainwater harvesting and MIDC policy, emphasizing the importance of sustainable water management. He also wrote an article on World Environment Day 2024, further contributing to the awareness and advocacy for environmental conservation.

Nita Ganguly

Ms. Nita Ganguly was invited as a guest Speaker for a Webinar conducted by Shop for Change NGO on World Environment Day. She addressed the Farmers' Community about Climate Change & solutions. She has also conducted sessions for the corporates on World Environment Day.

Swayam Prabha Das

Ms. Swayam P Das was invited to the workshop on World Environment Day, aimed to introduce the Underwater Domain Awareness (UDA) initiative and provide broad exposure to the cutting-edge efforts driving sustainable maritime practices to inspire the next generation of ocean-conscious leaders.

Mohammad Nayeem Hossain

Mohammad Nayeem Hossain, recently appointed National Coordinator of the Green Campus Programme, The Climate Reality Project India & South Asia, organized a seminar on environment and climate change at Abdus Samed Secondary School in Kathalia Upazila, Jhalokathi District, Bangladesh, in observance of World Environment Day 2024. Despite the area's impact from Cyclone Remal, he traveled from Dhaka to address students, teachers, community leaders, and neighboring school heads on environmental issues, climate change, and the preservation of the Sundarbans. He initiated a plantation drive among students, to be monitored for three months, and distributed food using sustainable packaging. Over 95 participants attended, and he plans more seminars in Dhaka with National Coordinator Ms. Tasnia Ahmed in late June.

Varsha Rajkhowa

Varsha Rajkhowa's interview was published in the Pune newspaper "Navbharat," where she discussed the impact of ocean pollution on biodiversity. She shared her experience of removing 31 kg of garbage during a single dive, highlighting the severity of marine pollution. Rajkhowa emphasized the ocean's significance to the economy and the detrimental effects of deteriorating tourism on marine environments. She urged people to engage in mindful and sustainable tourism practices to protect and preserve ocean biodiversity.

B. Subbarao

B. Subbarao conducted an awareness session on “Megha: Disasters at Himalayas”

Read Our Latest Blogs

Ecotourism for Livelihoods: Turning Landscapes into Lifelines

As climate crises, joblessness, and rural-urban migration reshape our world, India faces a critical choice. Instead of concrete corridors, the answer may lie in conservation corridors through a livelihood-first model of ecotourism that puts communities at the heart of sustainability. What is a livelihood-first model? It’s an approach where local communities aren’t just custodians of nature, but beneficiaries and business owners of ecotourism. This model ensures that protect

Apr 17

Climate Finance – The way forward for India and the Global South

At COP30 in Belém, Brazil, India has emerged as a leading voice for climate justice, championing equitable and accountable climate finance. Representing the Like-Minded Developing Countries (LMDCs)—a bloc that speaks for over half the world’s population—India has forcefully articulated the urgent need for predictable, transparent, and legally binding financial support from developed nations. India’s climate finance journey has been built on a decade of persistent advocacy. Wh