Newsletter (November-December 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
Students Climate Action Conference 2025
The Students’ Climate Action Conference 2025 brought together young climate leaders from Odisha, Haryana, Tamil Nadu, and Uttar Pradesh, along with participants from other regions through a hybrid format. Held on 22 November 2025, the in-person conferences in Bhubaneswar, Gurgaon, Chennai, and Noida enabled students to present research-based videos on local climate challenges, sparking engaging discussions with experts and peers on issues ranging from coastal impacts to urban and biodiversity concerns.
The conference concluded with a national online round on 25 November 2025, connecting students from eight states. With 177 schools and 550 students participating, the event went beyond competition to become a platform for climate awareness, collaboration, and youth leadership, highlighting the power of student voices in driving grassroots climate action.
The Clean Kashmir – Swachh Kashmir Campaign 2025
The Clean Kashmir – Swachh Kashmir Campaign 2025, held from 1–20 November 2025, engaged 32 schools and 384 students across Kashmir in a collective effort to promote waste management and community cleanliness. Organized by The Climate Project Foundation in association with the Directorate of School Education, Kashmir and Wildlife Conservation Fund, YPJK, the campaign encouraged schools to undertake cleanliness drives, awareness sessions, and creative outreach through posters, videos, and street plays, both within school premises and nearby communities.
Through hands-on action and structured documentation, students demonstrated leadership, teamwork, and creativity while spreading awareness on waste segregation and recycling. The campaign concluded with recognition of top-performing schools, creating a ripple effect as many institutions continued cleanliness activities beyond the campaign period. Clean Kashmir 2025 reinforced the power of student-led action in inspiring communities and advancing a cleaner, greener Kashmir.
Green Campus Programme- HEI Awards
CGC University, Mohali (formerly Chandigarh Group of Colleges, Jhanjheri) was awarded the Gold Category under the Green Campus Programme – HEI Awards on 17 November 2025, in recognition of its commitment to sustainability in higher education.
The university was evaluated on its documented efforts in green infrastructure, energy efficiency, waste management, biodiversity conservation, and student-led initiatives. The award acknowledges CGC University’s consistent efforts in promoting environmentally responsible campus practices and setting an example for sustainable development in academia.
Assam HEIs join Green Campus Programme
Two colleges from Assam formally joined the Green Campus Programme (GCP-HEI) following a Principals’ Conclave held at Bhattadev University, Pathsala, in October 2025, with Nirmal Haloi College becoming the first institution to register. The conclave, organized in collaboration with the Mahabahu Climate Forum (Mahabahu Foundation), brought together around 20 Principals from affiliated colleges and helped convert awareness into concrete institutional action, strengthening the programme’s presence in the North East and paving the way for further enrolments.
From Awareness to Action: Impact of Teachers’ Training Program
In Maharashtra, four-hour, in-person Teachers’ Training Programs are equipping educators with climate knowledge and practical skills through sessions on climate change science, impacts, and solutions, along with hands-on activities across five domains—air, biodiversity, energy, water, and waste. These interactive trainings encourage teachers to view their campuses through a sustainability lens.
The impact is evident as teachers are leading student-driven initiatives such as rainwater harvesting demonstrations, model-making exhibitions, and promoting eco-friendly birthday practices. The program bridges the gap between intent and action by providing guidance and confidence, enabling teachers to translate awareness into meaningful climate action within their institutions.
GCP SCHOOLS IN ACTION
Community Campaign on Waste Segregation at BHSS Gulabbagh
BHSS Gulabbagh organized a Community Campaign on Waste Segregation to raise awareness among local residents about responsible waste management and the importance of segregating waste at source. Led by students and teachers, the campaign focused on engaging community members through direct interaction, awareness conversations, and simple demonstrations on separating wet, dry, and recyclable waste at the household level.
During the outreach, students visited nearby residential areas and shops, explaining how proper waste segregation reduces landfill pressure, improves recycling, and contributes to a cleaner and healthier neighbourhood. The campaign received a positive response from community members, who expressed willingness to adopt these practices. Overall, the initiative strengthened school–community collaboration while nurturing environmental responsibility and leadership among students.
No Plastic Campaign at Maharishi International Residential School, Kanchipuram
Maharishi International Residential School, Kanchipuram, organized a No Plastic Campaign to raise awareness about the harmful impacts of single-use plastic and promote eco-friendly alternatives. The initiative saw active participation from NSS students, Scouts, and Eco Club members, who engaged with the local community to encourage responsible plastic use and sustainable daily practices.
As part of the campaign, students distributed reusable carry bags to shopkeepers, pedestrians, and nearby residents, while explaining the environmental consequences of plastic pollution. Through direct interaction and practical demonstrations, the campaign received a positive response from the community and successfully reinforced the message of reducing plastic dependency. The initiative also empowered students to act as environmental ambassadors and contribute meaningfully to local sustainability efforts.
YOUTH ENGAGEMENT
Youth for COP Debriefing session on COP 30
The Youth for COP 2025 Debriefing Session marked the closing convening of the programme, bringing together 75 participants, speakers, and youth leaders from across the Global South to reflect on key outcomes of COP30. With insights from South Asia, Southeast Asia, Latin America, and Small Island Developing States, the session highlighted shared priorities around climate justice, adaptation, finance, and the growing role of youth in climate diplomacy. Speakers from Climate Reality branches and partner networks emphasized the importance of regional solidarity, equitable negotiations, and stronger international cooperation.
Discussions highlighted key challenges including gaps in adaptation, slow delivery of climate finance, and the need for greater accountability. Speakers emphasized the vital role of youth in linking local realities with global negotiations, strengthening regional solidarity, and advancing justice and community-driven climate solutions. The session closed with a strong message that young leaders across the Global South are actively shaping a more equitable and resilient climate future.
ENGAGEMENT & ADVOCACY
Session on Solar for the Agriculture Sector
The Climate Project Foundation served as a key resource person at the three-day residential training programme “Solar for the Agriculture Sector,” organized by the Centre for Science and Environment from 5–7 December 2025. The programme brought together government officials, grassroots NGOs, and academia to explore practical financial and technical pathways for advancing solar-powered agriculture.
TCPF shared Global South insights relevant to the Indian context, highlighted initiatives of the International Solar Alliance, and showcased India’s PM–KUSUM scheme as a successful model for large-scale, integrated solar agriculture now inspiring similar efforts globally.
National Energy Conservation Day: Inspiring Green Careers in Energy
On 12 December, to mark National Energy Conservation Day, TCPF collaborated with Chitkara University to conduct an engaging session on green career opportunities in the energy sector for students and faculty members. The programme was well received, with practical on-field examples and real-world success stories sparking strong interest among the student community.
The session also highlighted various financing avenues available to support youth-led initiatives in the energy sector. Through such interactions, TCPF continues to encourage its leaders to engage meaningfully with young people, nurturing informed career choices and future leadership in sustainable energy.
CLIMATE REALITY LEADERS- HIGHLIGHTS
Book Release: Climate Justice 101
Climate Justice 101: Empowering Community Leadership is a landmark publication by Rituraj Phukan, National Coordinator for Biodiversity, The Climate Reality Project India & South Asia, with contributions from regional experts. Placing Assam at the heart of India’s climate justice movement, the book was launched at Bhattadev University and later at Guwahati University during the 13th Eastern Himalaya Naturenomics Forum.
Through stories from frontline communities, the book presents climate justice as a moral and social response to the crisis.
Designed as a practical resource for students, educators, and citizens, it underscores the importance of local leadership, collective action, and community ownership in shaping a just climate future.
The book is available on Amazon https://www.amazon.in/dp/B0FVXXWZZL
Igniting Climate Consciousness at TERI SAS
Shivkumar Krishnamoorthy, a Climate Reality Leader from the 2025 cohort, led an engaging 90-minute session with over 60 students at the TERI School of Advanced Studies, Delhi, in November 2025. The interaction sparked meaningful discussions on the urgency of climate action, decarbonization, and emerging climate solutions.
The session covered key moments in the environmental movement, the science of global warming, industrial decarbonization strategies, 2030 climate goals, and the role of nature-based solutions in addressing the climate crisis.
Ms. Dhara Thakkar Honoured with Dr. Sarojini Naidu International Award 2025
On 22 November 2025, Climate Reality Leader Ms. Dhara Thakkar was conferred the Dr. Sarojini Naidu International Award 2025 in recognition of her pioneering work in environmental conservation through butterfly-based initiatives. Butterflies, as key indicators of ecological health, play a vital role in creating microhabitats that support diverse life forms.
To date, Dhara Thakkar has helped establish more than 100 butterfly zones, contributing significantly to local biodiversity and ecosystem resilience. Climate Reality is proud to celebrate and support leaders like her, whose work continues to inspire meaningful, nature-based climate action.
