Every year, climate-vulnerable countries, including Bangladesh, face severe cyclones and floods. And every year, the world looks forward to the United Nations' annual Conference of the Parties (COP) with a hope. A hope that representatives from all nations will come together to align their priorities, and make decisive commitments to safeguard people and the planet. In Solidarity for a Green World,  COP 29 was held in Baku, Azerbaijan with a focus on finance. This COP was particularly special for me because I founded Green Lead with a mission of leading for a green world. It reflects my personal and organizational belief towards ‘green leadership’ - that we need to tackle the climate crisis. The conference began on November 11 in Baku, Azerbaijan- a country located between the Caspian Sea and the Caucasus Mountains and spans both Asia and Europe. With a central focus on climate finance, this year's conference was built on two pillars. Firstly, to “enhance ambition” by encouraging countries to adopt bold and transparent national plans. Secondly, to "enable action" by focusing on implementing commitments through financing, emissions reduction, adaptation to climate change, and addressing loss and damage. As a first-time participant, I have tried to explore and gain a holistic understanding of the processes and stakeholders. I attended a session on the Global Stocktake (GST), which evaluates countries' progress toward the Paris Agreement goals. I also joined a meeting on mitigation, where I listened to key statements from the Bangladeshi delegation. On November 13, I participated in a "Capacity2Action: Youth Climate Talks" panel at the Saleemul Huq Action Research Exchange Hub (SHARE) Hub. Alongside representatives from Nepal and China, I shared insights on Green Lead’s activities in Bangladesh and learned about other climate initiatives. I urged everyone to take action against the climate crisis in their own capacity—whether through climate career or entrepreneurship—to build a climate-resilient green world. Later, I joined "Youth Gathering – To Build a New Civilization", hosted by the Government of Bangladesh at COP 29 with youths from several countries. Dr. Muhammad Yunus, the Chief Advisor, engaged with us during this event. He told us, “You must dream. Dreams are the most powerful driving force in life. If you dream, there is a chance of making a big change in life. But if you don’t dream, I can guarantee it will never happen.” His words inspired us to dream big and work towards achieving them. The summit has been dubbed the "Finance COP," where developing countries advocated for a New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG). In response, developed nations pledged to contribute at least $300 billion annually to support adaptation efforts. However, former U.S. Vice President and founder of the Climate Reality Project, Al Gore, remarked, “While the agreement reached at COP29 avoids immediate failure, it is far from a success. On key issues like climate finance and the transition away from fossil fuels, this is—yet again—the bare minimum.” COP 29 concluded with a compromise. But in the face of an existential crisis, a bare minimum approach is simply not enough. The countries worldwide continue to suffer disproportionately and the intensity of these impacts will only increase. Yet, we are done with the 29th conference and the commitment to support frontline communities remains insufficient. However, I believe optimism is our only choice. We must support these communities by utilizing every resource at our disposal. As UN Secretary-General António Guterres stated, “This agreement provides a base on which to build. It must be honored in full and on time. Commitments must quickly become cash. All countries must come together to ensure the top end of this new goal is met.” On one hand, we must continue our efforts to influence negotiations from Baku to Belém. On the other hand, disasters will not wait for decisions. They will continue to hit hard and impact lives across the globe. So we must enhance our capacity and build resilience using the resources available to us. Through my interactions with stakeholders from around the world, I have come to understand the power of solidarity in addressing the climate crisis. I was particularly inspired by the unwavering determination of young people. They have been working tirelessly to make their voices heard from COPs to their communities. As we move forward on the road from Baku to Belém, our solidarity and commitment to action will shape the future. The truth is climate change is accelerating faster than our collective response. So we cannot afford to compromise when human lives are at stake on such a vast scale. Let us hold on to the hope and demonstrate green leadership to rise above this crisis. Written by Md. Fahim Hossain Founder, Green Lead, and a Climate Reality Leader. He can be reached at fahim@greenleadglobal.org   About Green Lead: Green Lead is a non-profit organization enabling climate action through green leadership. More details can be found at www.greenleadglobal.org

Image Courtesy: iStock As you read this, India is officially chairing the G20 presidency, and the world is looking forward to this developing country on how it makes a transition in variety of domains including clean energy. Looking at the number of natural disasters that have occurred in the last year, especially in our region, it is quite clear that climate change has transformed into a catastrophic issue. No country, whether developed or developing, has been spared from the calamities taking place across the globe. The intensity of these disasters is increasing, as are their after-effects. Energy requirements are a major contributor to overall emissions and, while every country and its citizens have the right to progress for their own well-being, access to energy is fundamental to achieving this. On one hand, we see a rise in the use of fossil fuels due to changes in the world order. On the other hand, this energy crisis provides an opportunity to brainstorm ways to accelerate our transition towards greener fuels. Finding the middle path to achieve this energy transition in a sustainable manner is the key to success, akin to the Buddha’s middle path. India stands at a unique doorway, where it has removed millions from energy poverty and has also brought forward a major section of its population to adopt clean fuel (for cooking) as well; seems a small task but when we collate the overall emissions, it forms a major chunk of the pie. What else? This demand for new energy has led to scouting for newer forms of energy, and today we can proudly say that 40% energy mix comes from non-fossil fuels. This makes us stand as the world’s fourth-largest renewable energy market. However, these avenues are still not up to the mark with what India’s growth trajectory needs. We need more and at a much faster pace as we are against the timelines with respect to climate change; now the question is how to achieve this goal of faster transition. Image Courtesy: Adege, Pixabay Decentralization — The loss in transmission and distribution is still among the highest in the world, resulting in significant losses. However, decentralizing energy generation and promoting local usage can be a game-changer in the overall scheme of things. A few years ago, a central grid failure occurred due to a supply mismatch from all the regional grids. While the architecture has improved significantly and can handle such situations, promoting local generation and usage can be a step in the right direction. The 2300 and 2000 MW capacity solar-based power plants in Rajasthan and Karnataka serve as proof of the success of such a green transition. Finance — The channels created under the umbrellas of Green Climate Fund and World Bank’s line of credit are already operational, but the overall funds to facilitate a ‘Just Transition’ for developing countries remain insufficient. The commitments made by ‘Polluters of the past’ are inadequate and, even if made, are often not honored as intended. To achieve a fair and equitable world, it is crucial to transfer funds and technology. Banks like SBI and SIDBI look after green finance for clean energy and energy efficiency in local contexts, particularly for factories and manufacturing enterprises. However, accessing these loans remains a daunting task. Secured energy future — The current events worldwide are shaping our immediate priorities. The ongoing war between two nations is an example of how the entire EU is shifting back to fossil fuels, disregarding the commitments made at international forums like the CoP. Another concerning issue is the categorization of fuels based on their ease of use. For instance, some consider gas to be a clean fuel, but in reality, it involves fracking, which is a process that releases heavy emissions. To achieve a more collaborative world order, it is essential to ensure equitable access to minerals and the free flow of knowledge. Community involvement — Lastly, every action we take should prioritize the planet. Every individual and organization should consider how their actions can benefit Mother Earth. The emphasis of Mission LiFE is to inspire the wider world with sustainable actions. The energy transition should create more jobs, particularly green jobs at the local level (remember, decentralization is the key). The workforce entering the job market must acquire newer skill sets to take advantage of these opportunities. SDG–7 speaks it loud and clear. How we can “Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all”. Having the world’s youngest population and providing solutions to the world in every form and format, would be a true achievement in the times to come. About the Author Bhavesh Swami is an energy advocate who envisions India to tread on sustainability by having reliance on renewable energy solutions. Currently, he is working as the Lead — Energy in The Climate Reality Project — India & South Asia branch. He has more than seventeen years of experience working with national/international development agencies, multilateral organizations like World Bank and Global Environment Facility (The GEF), Govt bodies, finance, policy institutes, and NGOs in various capacities. He helped set the ball rolling for NCR’s biggest Renewable Energy Park in Gurgaon, a collective effort by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, the Haryana Government, and ADEME, The French Development Agency. Working on the Bureau of Energy Efficiency, Govt. of India project, he helped percolate benefits of resource efficiency among the Indian SME fraternity. His project with Indian industries has helped reduce 2 million tons of CO2 over its cumulative timeframe. These efforts got featured in India’s submission at UNFCCCs at Cop15 as a ‘Project worth emulating’. He is a Climate Reality leader, Mentor lead and keeps an active engagement with a range of stakeholders including students, teachers, high-level govt. officials and civic society representatives at national and international levels on the subject of clean energy and climate change.

Its a mixed bag of progress.. Image Courtesy: Author The recent Bonn Climate Negotiations, officially known as the 60th sessions of the Subsidiary Body for Implementation (SBI) and the Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice (SBSTA) (SB60), delivered a mixed bag of outcomes. While progress was made on technical discussions about adaptation and mitigation strategies, a major sticking point remains: climate finance. Stalemate on Climate Finance Threatens Progress Developed countries continue to fall short of the $100 billion annual target set by the Paris Agreement, leaving developing countries frustrated and struggling to access critical funding for climate action. Negotiations are underway to establish a new "collective quantified goal" (NCQG) to replace the $100 billion target after 2025. However, significant disagreements persist regarding the amount and type of funding. Developing countries' demands:  Trillions of dollars annually, with a focus on public funds from developed nations and addressing climate debt. Developed countries' approach:  A broader approach that includes private sector investments and expanding the donor base to include wealthy developing countries. They also resist specific financial targets, citing concerns about changing governments disrupting climate finance plans. These contrasting perspectives remain a major speedbraker for progress on other fronts. Resources from   https://climatenetwork.org/updates/press-releases/  (Climate Action Network) highlight the frustration of developing countries and the urgency for a solution. Adaptation Efforts: Inchworm Progress with Hiccups A framework for adaptation efforts, the Global Goal on Adaptation (GGA), was agreed upon at the previous conference, which creates a foundation for roadmap. However, discussions on practical implementation, particularly measuring progress on adaptation, stalled due to disagreements over financial indicators: Developing countries' stance:  Funding to be a core metric, as access to finance is crucial for implementing adaptation strategies. Developed countries' resistance:  Specific financial targets are avoided, focusing on equity and shared responsibility for adaptation. A compromise acknowledging this was reached, but further discussions are needed to establish a clear methodology for tracking progress. Delays in receiving financial support for National Adaptation Plans (NAPs) further hinder developing countries' ability to plan and implement effective adaptation strategies. Image Courtesy: Author Mitigation: Unresolved Issues on Fossil Fuel Transition No agreement was reached on draft conclusions for the Mitigation Ambition and Implementation Work Programme (MWP). The focal point here is whether the program should address the global stocktake call for a shift away from fossil fuels. Developed countries' stance:  The MWP should reflect the stocktake outcomes, emphasizing the need for ambitious mitigation efforts. Developing countries' resistance:  New targets or burdens are seen as hindering their development. This highlights the ongoing tension between ambitious climate action and concerns about economic development in fossil fuel-dependent countries. Just Transition Work Programme: A Stalled Engine in Need of Spark Disagreements regarding the focus of the Just Transition Work Programme (JTWP) resurfaced at Bonn. Developed countries see JTWP as job-centric:  Focusing on creating jobs in the clean energy sector during the transition away from fossil fuels. Developing countries advocate for a broader view:  Encompassing social justice and environmental sustainability to ensure a just transition for all stakeholders. Additionally, no concrete work plan was agreed upon, highlighting the need for stronger leadership and compromise from the developed nations. A more inclusive approach that addresses the concerns of all stakeholders is crucial for ensuring establishment of just transition. Looking Ahead: A Critical COP29 in Azerbaijan Despite the limited progress in Bonn, the fight against climate change continues. The upcoming COP29 in Azerbaijan, a major fossil fuel producer, presents unique challenges and opportunities. Hence, securing a new global climate finance goal and fostering international cooperation on a larger scale will be critical for the conference's success. Concerns surrounding Azerbaijan's role in the fossil fuel industry underscore the urgent need for a genuine commitment to a clean energy transition. Conclusion: Building Momentum for COP29 The Bonn Climate Talks (SB60) served as a crucial stepping stone towards COP29. While progress was limited, technical discussions advanced, and the urgency of addressing climate finance was reiterated. Bridging the gap between developed and developing countries on financing will be essential for a successful COP29. Strong leadership, increased ambition, and a commitment to a just transition are critical to achieving a more sustainable future for all. (This article presents the author's analysis and insights on the The Bonn Climate Change Conference (SB60) and not those of the publisher.) Image Courtesy: Author Resources: From the UNFCCC website ( https://unfccc.int/news/bonn-climate-conference-closes-with-progress-on-key-issues-laying-groundwork-for-cop28 ) Carbon Brief ( https://www.carbonbrief.org/bonn-climate-talks-key-outcomes-from-the-june-2023-un-climate-conference/ ) provide further details on the discussions and challenges at SB60. About the Author Vikrant Srivastava is a Climate Reality Leader, who is actively following the progress of all COP editions. He is a youth voice for sustainable planet.

Who we are In 2006, the former Vice President of USA, and the Chairman, The Climate Reality Project Al Gore sparked an international conversation on climate change with his Academy Award-winning documentary, “An Inconvenient Truth.” It was just the beginning of a climate revolution which led to the foundation of The Climate Reality Project, established in the USA. Following in the footsteps of The Climate Reality Project, The Climate Project Foundation was established in India as an independent branch in 2008 with the help of TERI. In 2009, it was incorporated as a trust in Mumbai with eminent Indians as trustees. Today, Climate Reality is a diverse group of enthusiasts who’ve taken upon themselves to solve the greatest challenge of our time. We have activists, cultural leaders, organizers, scientists, and storytellers, who are committed to building a sustainable future together. Our Mission Our mission is to catalyze a global solution to the climate crisis by making urgent action a necessity across every sector of society. We at Climate Reality believe that making people aware and empowering them with tools to act on climate change, can help in tackling the crisis. The Climate Reality Leadership Corps has trained over 49,000+ change makers worldwide since 2006. The result is a global network of activists leading the fight for climate solutions through our 12 branch offices – Australia, Brazil, Canada, Europe, India, Indonesia, Japan, Mexico, the Philippines, and South Africa and a partnership in China. The Climate Reality Leadership Corps What we do The Climate Project Foundation (TCPF) is focused on making climate action an urgent need by creating awareness amongst people and empowering them with tools to create future leaders through its meticulously designed flagship programs like the Green Campus Program, which is spearheading educational institutes on the path of a sustainable future. The India branch supports over 1500+ trained Climate Reality Leaders from India and South Asia region, who are taking climate actions at many levels, and approximately 1000 volunteers spread all over the country. The organization is also developing informative and educational content to sensitize and trigger climate action. TCPF has been working closely with partners and like-minded organizations, intending to strengthen India’s Paris commitments. Annual Reports Annual Report 2023-24 Annual Report 2022-23 Annual Report 2021-22 Annual Report 2020-21 Annual Report 2017-18 Annual Report 2019-20 Annual Report 2018-19 Annual Report 2016-17 Show More Up Show Less Up Our Board of Trustees Kamal Meattle Principle Trustee and Chief Executive Officer, Paharpur Business Centre Krishan Kalra Former Secretary General of PHD Chamber. He was earlier Additional Secretary General and Adviser, FICCI Pradip Burman Trustee, Chairman, Mobius Foundation & Ayurvet Formerly held leadership positions at Dabur. Shovana Narayan Kathak Maestro; Padmashri - 1992 and SangeetNatak Academy Awards in 1999 Kamal Meattle Trustee, Chairman Emeritus , Paharpur Business Centre & Software Technology Incubator Park. Pradip Burman Trustee, Chairman, Mobius Foundation & Ayurvet Formerly held leadership positions at Dabur. Krishan Kalra Trustee , Former Secretary General of PHD Chamber & Former Additional Secretary General and Adviser, FICCI. Shovana Narayan Trustee , Kathak Maestro, Padmashri - 1992 and Sangeet Natak Academy Awardee in 1999. Retired from IAAS. Mohan M. Deshmukh Trustee , Former President, Maharashtra Chamber of Housing Industry (MCHI) & Advisor – Dr. D.Y. Patil University, Navi Mumbai. Our Staff ADITYA PUNDIR Director The Climate Project Foundation REKHA LALLA Program Manager - Green Campus Program The Climate Project Foundation BHAVESH SWAMI Lead, Clean Energy Policy & Engagements The Climate Project Foundation GEETIKA SRIVASTAVA Program Manager - Content The Climate Project Foundation GANESH SATAV Senior Educational Officer - Green Campus Program The Climate Project Foundation DR. AMRUTA DESHMUKH Consultant, Project Officer The Climate Project Foundation RIYA DEB Engagement Officer The Climate Project Foundation SAUMYA KAUSHIK Consultant, Project Officer The Climate Project Foundation RAHUL KHANDELWAL Consultant, IT Services The Climate Project Foundation ANKUSH KUMAR Consultant, IT Services The Climate Project Foundation

WELCOME TO THE CLIMATE PROJECT FOUNDATION OUR CLIMATE IS CHANGING, SO SHOULD WE | TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE Human caused climate change is one of the biggest, most pervasive threats in the world and South Asia is amongst the most vulnerable region to impacts of climate change. Now, the onus is on us to act and mitigate the impacts of climate change for a better future for the upcoming generations. We believe that the simplest path to act on climate change is by collective committed actions however small. We have strategically aligned all our initiatives in order to create awareness, mitigate and adapt to the impacts of climate change and create leaders of the future who will be taking the baton fighting the cause. Our programmes and initiatives like Green Campus Program, Tree Plantation, Water Conservation, Teachers’ Training Program, all have been developed keeping the same in view. “Solving the climate crisis is within our grasp, but we need people like you to stand up and act” - AL GORE OUR IMPACTS 20000+ Teachers Trained 1600+ Climate Reality Leaders in India & South Asia 200000+ Trees Planted 56000+ Climate Reality Leaders, Globally SCAC: SESSION 2 The second online session of the Students’ Climate Action Conference 2025 was held on 30th August 2025. Moderated by Ms. Rekha Lalla, Lead – Green Campus Programme, and led by Ms. Geetika Srivastava, Manager – Content & Communications, and Mr. Rahul Khandelwal, Manager – IT, the session equipped students with skills to capture and communicate climate realities through creative documentation. Students learned how to structure short videos, record local climate observations, and interview community members, along with practical tips on framing, lighting, and audio. The session also introduced them to simple editing techniques, tools, and software to refine their work. These hands-on learnings will support students in producing impactful 3-minute videos that highlight vulnerabilities in their regions while presenting actionable solutions. Watch Now GCP: Campus in Spotlight The Mann School – A Platinum-Rated Green Campus The Mann School stands out as a model for environmental responsibility, holding a platinum rating under the Green Campus Program. The school integrates sustainability into all aspects of campus life, from water and energy conservation to waste and air quality management. Key initiatives include rainwater harvesting, drip irrigation, and swimming pool water recycling. Energy is conserved through solar panels, LED lighting, and natural ventilation in buildings, particularly the eco-conscious Girl’s Hostel. The campus is rich in biodiversity, with a mini forest, orchard, and regular tree plantation drives. Boarding students plant saplings on their birthdays—building a personal connection to nature. The school has banned single-use plastic and manages waste via composting, paper mache from waste paper, and segregation with color-coded bins. Students are also encouraged to reuse textbooks, avoid food waste, and maintain cleanliness. Air pollution is addressed through the use of CNG buses, smokeless chulhas, and a carpooling policy for staff. These holistic efforts not only make The Mann School environmentally sustainable but also nurture a generation of climate-conscious students. SCAC 2025: Registrations open now! The Climate Project Foundation is proud to announce the launch of the Students’ Climate Action Conference 2025, a flagship initiative under the Green Campus Programme. This unique conference aims to bring together school students from across India to explore, understand, and act on pressing local climate issues. Designed for students aged 12–17 years (classes 6th to 12th), the conference offers a platform to amplify young voices and foster climate leadership at the grassroots level. As part of the competition, participating students will be required to identify a climate-related issue in their school campus or local community, and conduct in-depth research to better understand the problem. This may include surveys, interviews, or community engagement activities. Based on their findings, students will work on implementing a small but impactful solution, and submit a 3-minute video documenting the process and outcomes of their action. Guided by a coordinating teacher, this experience will empower students to think critically, act locally, and share their stories of change. To recognize outstanding efforts, students from the top 5 schools in each of the 5 zones of India will be selected and rewarded at special zonal conferences, celebrating their commitment and contribution to climate action. Know More Register Now EVENTS World Wetlands Day Mon, 03 Feb Webinar Details International Eco-Visionary Dialogue on Advancing Sustainable Urban Future: Roadmap to COP29 Wed, 09 Oct Webinar Details Youth 4 COP - Session 5 Sat, 10 Aug Online Conference Learn more CLIMATE ACTION STORIES 8800 KILOMETRES ON BIODIESEL By CRL Avinash Narayanswamy Worldwide, biodiesel has slowly but surely gained importance as a green alternative to petroleum diesel & is thus being accepted as an environmentally friendly fuel. However, in spite of closely being related to petroleum diesel in terms of physical & chemical properties, biodiesel continues to be sidelined in many parts of the world & especially in India mainly due to various reasons such as pricing, availability & warranty on the engine & other parts of the car not being covered when switched to biodiesel from petroleum diesel. Read More BLOGS From Solidarity to Compromise: A COP 29 Retrospective Every year, climate-vulnerable countries, including Bangladesh, face severe cyclones and floods. And every year, the world looks forward... Md. Fahim Hossain Dec 2, 2024 Bonn Climate Talks (SB60) Sets Stage for COP29 Its a mixed bag of progress.. Image Courtesy: Author The recent Bonn Climate Negotiations, officially known as the 60th sessions of the... Smruti Jun 29, 2024 Connection with Nature! Are we losing it? What appeared to be a home to those happy birds, is now nothing but a cluster of hanging plastic bags. A tree with weaver birds’ nests in... Smruti Jun 25, 2024 1 2 3 4 5 LEAD ON CLIMATE CHANGE SPREAD THE WORD ON CLIMATE CHANGE Download Truth in 10 Presentation to spread awareness about Climate Change. CALL FOR A PRESENTATION Request a free presentation on Climate Change. STAY UPDATED Read our Bimonthly Newsletter 2022 (NOVEMBER - DECEMBER)

Back Nawar Nasar Khan National Coordinator Nawar Nasar Khan is an environmental science graduate with a profound commitment to environmental conservation. She is currently working as a Research Associate at Swisscontact-Bangladesh, with the focus of addressing the skills development, environmental, and social compliance needs of the RMG (Ready-Made Garments) sector. Driven by her passion for sustainability, she has co-founded 'Green and Beyond Mag,' a digital media platform that harnesses the power of storytelling to promote climate optimism and sustainable living. In her early career at the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) - in Bangladesh, Nawar designed a weather-based digital advisory for livestock and poultry, featured in the digital app 'Agvisely' dedicated for farmers' in Bangladesh. Her research further extends to sustainable aquaculture, where she and her team conducted a wet lab project identifying a herbal alternative to toxic antibiotics for sustainable aquaculture. Back in 2022, Nawar was the President of the Green Planet Club at Independent University, Bangladesh (IUB), where she actively empowered and educated young minds towards climate action for a greener future. She has also gained significant experience in the field of freshwater and community conservation through her work with organizations such as the National Geographic Society and The Nature Conservancy. Share Profile Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Copy link