There was a time when floods, heatwaves, droughts, and storms were spoken of as isolated emergencies - events that arrived, disrupted life, and passed. Today, that understanding is no longer enough. Across India, disasters are becoming more frequent, more intense, and far less predictable. What we are witnessing on the ground is not merely a disaster management challenge; it is the unmistakable face of climate change unfolding in communities every single day. As someone working closely with schools, local governments, volunteers, women’s groups, and frontline responders in the field of disaster preparedness, I have seen how climate change is no longer discussed as an environmental issue alone. It is now a livelihood issue, a health issue, a safety issue, and increasingly, a question of social equity. In village interactions, women speak of summers that have become unbearable, forcing changes in daily routines, water use, and household labor. Farmers discuss rainfall that no longer follows familiar patterns. Urban communities narrate how a few hours of intense rain can now bring entire neighbourhoods to a standstill. Frontline responders share that emergencies are no longer seasonal - they are layered, recurring, and often simultaneous. This shift is deeply significant. For decades, disaster response systems in India were largely designed around the assumption that hazards were occasional. But climate change has altered the rhythm of risk itself. Heatwaves are arriving earlier and staying longer. Flash floods are appearing in areas with weak drainage and dense construction. Water scarcity is intensifying even in regions that once considered themselves secure. Air quality deterioration, vector-borne diseases, and urban heat stress are compounding vulnerabilities, especially for children, the elderly, and low-income populations. Communities are not facing one disaster at a time anymore. They are facing interconnected stresses. And yet, one of the strongest lessons from the ground is this: resilience cannot be built only through post-disaster relief. It has to be built before the sirens. This is where climate adaptation and disaster preparedness must stop functioning in silos. When a school conducts an evacuation drill, it is not merely preparing for an earthquake or fire - it is cultivating a generation that understands risk, response, and collective action. When community volunteers are trained in early warning dissemination, first aid, and local resource mapping, they become the first climate responders long before institutional support reaches. When women’s self-help groups discuss water conservation, waste management, or household preparedness, they are contributing directly to local climate adaptation. These may appear like small interventions, but on the ground, they become the architecture of survival. In many of our workshops, one recurring realization emerges from participants: climate change feels overwhelming when discussed globally, but becomes actionable when understood locally. People may not connect immediately with terms like “mitigation pathways” or “adaptation finance,” but they instantly connect when asked: Why is summer harsher than before? Why are drains overflowing after one spell of rain? Why is clean water becoming harder to secure? Why are diseases changing with weather patterns? This is where climate communication must change. We do not need climate conversations only in conference halls. We need them in classrooms, panchayat meetings, mohalla committees, self-help groups, youth clubs, and training grounds for first responders. Climate literacy must move from abstract science to practical citizenship. Another important truth from the field is that vulnerable communities are not merely victims of climate change; they are repositories of adaptation wisdom. Local coping mechanisms, community solidarity, indigenous water practices, decentralized warning systems, and volunteer-based support structures often provide the first line of resilience. The challenge is not that communities lack solutions - the challenge is that these solutions are rarely scaled, supported, or institutionally integrated. If India is to build genuine climate resilience, we must stop seeing disaster management as a response department and begin seeing it as a climate governance imperative. Preparedness training, resilient infrastructure, school safety, water conservation, local volunteer systems, risk-informed planning, and citizen awareness are no longer optional development extras. They are climate necessities. The climate crisis is not waiting for policy language to catch up. It is already visible in the exhausted faces during heatwaves, in flooded streets after short cloudbursts, in crop anxieties, in water queues, and in the growing uncertainty communities carry into every season. The frontline reality is clear: disasters are no longer natural interruptions to normal life. They are becoming the new indicators of a changing climate. And if resilience is to be real, it must begin where the impacts are felt first - within communities.

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 protecting the environment generates tangible, dignified, and recurring incomes, turning natural heritage into sustainable livelihoods.   Global Proof, Local Promise   Globally, ecotourism contributes over $77 billion annually to local economies (TIES), with growing traction in rural and Indigenous regions. In Southeast Asia, it supports 1 in 5 tourism jobs. In Africa, community conservancies generate millions in income while protecting endangered species. In India, the Ministry of Tourism estimates ecotourism could generate 15–20 million jobs by 2030, if community ownership is embedded.   Local Success Stories: Where Livelihood Meets Landscape   India already has models that prove what’s possible when locals lead. Odisha’s Mangalajodi Wetland transformed former poachers into trained bird guides and boat operators. Today, they earn over ₹1.6 crore annually, while conserving 200+ species of migratory birds. In Chhattisgarh, tribal families near Kanger Valley and Barnawapara run rest houses and eco-safaris, strengthening forest protection and dignified incomes. Pichavaram Mangroves in Tamil Nadu support boatmen earning ₹2.5 lakh annually, creating ecological awareness and reducing overfishing. Youth in Himachal Pradesh’s GHNP region have become certified eco-guides and homestay owners, restoring both ecosystems and dignity. In Arunachal Pradesh, tribal homestays in Ziro and Tawang have boosted household incomes by 60%, while celebrating Apatani heritage.   These stories show that conservation doesn’t require sacrifice. When designed right, it rewards communities for stewardship.   A 5-Point Roadmap for Livelihood-Led Ecotourism Here's a deeper dive into the livelihood dimension, through a 5-point roadmap tailored for India’s rural transformation:   Community-Centric Policy Frameworks State ecotourism policies must mandate fair wages, inclusive training, and profit-sharing moving beyond tokenism to real empowerment.   National Mission on Ecotourism Livelihoods A centrally sponsored mission jointly led by the Ministries of Tourism and Rural Development should unify efforts, scale innovation, and incentivize sustainability.   Green Skills & Certification with Livelihood Focus Offer short, job-ready courses in eco-guiding, regenerative farming, waste-to-wealth, and community storytelling via ITIs, skill centers, and panchayats.   Integrated Land-Use Planning Foster cross-sector planning among Forest, Tourism, Panchayati Raj, and Tribal departments to designate ecotourism zones with livelihood synergy.   Social Safeguards & Impact Monitoring Implement third-party audits to assess community satisfaction, income equity, and ecological metrics, ensuring long-term trust and transparency.   From Forests to Futures   As India marches toward Viksit Bharat 2047, ecotourism must evolve from being a tourism product to becoming a national development strategy. It’s not just about attracting visitors, it’s about creating ecosystems of livelihood, learning, and leadership. India’s forests, wetlands, and tribal landscapes can become living classrooms and thriving economies. In them lies not just our heritage, but our opportunity to prove that preservation and prosperity can walk hand in hand.

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. While the Paris Agreement enshrined the principle of “common but differentiated responsibilities,” at COP30, India contends that developed countries have consistently failed to meet their obligations. The much-publicized $100 billion annual pledge remains unmet, and the new target of $300 billion by 2035, agreed upon at COP29 in Baku, has seen by India as “suboptimal” and lacking enforceability. At the third high-level ministerial dialogue on climate finance, India underscored that without scaled-up, concessional, and grant-based finance, developing nations cannot meet their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). These NDCs are central to global efforts to limit warming to 1.5°C, and India warned that the failure of developed nations to deliver finance risks derailing the entire climate ambition. India has also emphasized that climate finance must be “new and additional,” not repackaged development aid or loans that increase debt burdens. It has called out “greenwashing” and the lack of clarity in current financial flows, demanding that Article 9.1 and 9.3 of the Paris Agreement—on legal obligations and leadership in mobilization—be upheld. Despite these challenges, India has made significant progress: expanding renewable energy capacity, enhancing climate resilience, and investing in green infrastructure. Yet it maintains that domestic efforts cannot substitute for the developed world's global responsibility. India meeting one of its Paris commitments, well ahead of schedule, is testimony to that. More green power being added in 2025, than coal shows, the countries continued effort in this direction. As new climate finance challenges occur, India’s stance is clear: climate finance is not charity—it is a matter of climate justice. The road from Baku to Belém and beyond must not be paved with diluted commitments but with concrete, enforceable actions that reflect the urgency of the climate crisis and the rights of the Global South. India’s climate finance journey is not just about numbers—it is about fairness, trust, and the future of multilateralism. For me, climate finance is not about technical terms or big negotiations — it’s about real people and the communities that are affected first. Through my involvement with the Climate Reality community, I’ve seen how climate impacts can disrupt lives, especially for those who already have limited resources. When support and funding reach the right places, it truly strengthens local resilience. That’s why I feel India’s call for climate finance that is clear, fair, and reliable is not just a policy topic, but an essential step for protecting vulnerable people, given India and the neighbourhood is at the receiving end of climate catastrophes. We are a large country with diverse development needs, and it continues to contribute to climate action in its own capacity. However, without the financial support initially committed to developing countries, meeting these responsibilities becomes more challenging. India’s position at COP30 and now at the ongoing World Economic Forum, Davos highlights that climate action and climate fairness are interconnected. When developed nations fulfil their commitments, it strengthens trust and supports more balanced global progress.

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. Checkout Our Previous Newsletters 2022 2022 2023 2023 2024 2024 September - October Newsletter 2022 November - December Newsletter 2022 January - February Newsletter 2023 March - April Newsletter 2023 May - June Newsletter 2023 July - August Newsletter 2023 September - October Newsletter 2023 November - December Newsletter 2023 January - February Newsletter 2024 March - April Newsletter 2024 May - June Newsletter 2024 July - August Newsletter 2024 September - October Newsletter 2024 November - December Newsletter 2024

WELCOME TO THE CLIMATE PROJECT FOUNDATION “Solving the climate crisis is within our grasp, but we need people like you to stand up and act” - AL GORE OUR IMPACTS 24000+ Teachers Trained 1600+ Climate Reality Leaders in India & South Asia 200000+ Trees Planted 56000+ Climate Reality Leaders, Globally Youth for COP – Edition 3 is here! Step into the world of global climate action and be part of a growing movement of young leaders shaping the future. This edition offers you the opportunity to deepen your understanding of climate negotiations, learn from experts, and engage with diverse perspectives from across the Global South. If you’re passionate about climate action and ready to turn your ideas into impact, this is your moment. Build your skills, amplify your voice, and connect with a global community of changemakers. 👉 Register now and be part of the journey towards COP30. Register Now Visit the Website GCP Awards – 2nd Cohort The Green Campus Programme (GCP) Awards recognize educational institutions across India for their commitment to sustainability, including efforts in energy efficiency, waste management, water conservation, and biodiversity. On 30th March 2026, institutions from across regions—including Jammu & Kashmir, Delhi NCR, Punjab, Haryana, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra—were recognized for their impactful green initiatives. Maharashtra emerged as a key contributor, with multiple institutions recognized across Gold, Silver, and Bronze categories. Overall, the awards reflect a high level of environmental performance nationwide, highlighting the growing adoption of sustainable practices in both government and private institutions and reinforcing the role of campuses in building environmentally responsible communities. GCP Awards 2025-2026 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. BLOGS WHEN DISASTERS ARE NO LONGER NATURAL: INDIA’S CLIMATE REALITY FROM THE FRONTLINES OF COMMUNITY RESPONSE There was a time when floods, heatwaves, droughts, and storms were spoken of as isolated emergencies - events that arrived, disrupted life, and passed. Today, that understanding is no longer enough. Across India, disasters are becoming more frequent, more intense, and far less predictable. What we are witnessing on the ground is not merely a disaster management challenge; it is the unmistakable face of climate change unfolding in communities every single day. As someone worki Nitika Singla May 30 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 Pooja Chopra 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 Rajshri Deshmukh Feb 23 1 2 3 4 5 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 EVENTS Ambition to Action: Climathon Delhi Sat, 21 Feb TERI School Of Advanced Studies Details Internation Youth & Sustainability Festival Fri, 20 Feb Symbiosis Kopou Hostel Road Details Teachers Skillshare Program on Sustainability Sat, 07 Feb The Mann School Details 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 2025 (NOVEMBER - DECEMBER)

Newsletter (January-March 2026) 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 Green Campus Awards (2nd Cohort) The Green Campus Programme (GCP) Awards recognize educational institutions across India for their commitment to sustainability, including efforts in energy efficiency, waste management, water conservation, and biodiversity. On 30th March 2026, a total of 12 institutions from across the country were awarded, with strong representation from regions such as Jammu & Kashmir, Delhi NCR, Punjab, Haryana, and Tamil Nadu. Maharashtra also emerged as a key contributor, with 5 institutions recognized across gold, silver, and bronze categories. Overall, 11 institutions received Gold, 4 Silver, and 2 Bronze awards, reflecting a high level of environmental performance nationwide. The awards highlight growing awareness and adoption of sustainable practices in both government and private institutions, reinforcing the role of educational campuses in building environmentally responsible communities. Click here to know the winner names Teachers Skillshare: 20 Delhi Teachers trained On 7th February 2026, The Mann School, Delhi, hosted Teachers Skillshare– 3 under the Green Campus Programme by The Climate Project Foundation, bringing together 20 educators from across Delhi NCR. Designed as a hands-on, peer-learning experience, the session moved beyond theory, featuring student-led presentations on waste management, water conservation, energy efficiency, and eco-club initiatives. The highlight was an on-ground campus walkthrough, where participants observed real sustainability practices in action and engaged in open discussions on implementation, costs, and student involvement. The session strengthened teacher capacity, encouraged replication of practical green solutions, and reinforced the idea of “schools learning from schools” to drive meaningful climate action. Faculty Development Session, Mangalore On 28th January 2026, St. Joseph Engineering College (SJEC), Mangalore hosted a Faculty Development Session under the Green Campus Programme (GCP), engaging 21 faculty members and students. Dr. Amruta Deshmukh led an insightful session on climate change science, its impacts, and the role of institutions, while introducing the GCP framework aligned with Mission LiFE and NAAC guidelines. The session sparked meaningful discussions on student engagement, campus practices, and sustainability strategies. Faculty shared existing initiatives, and participants were encouraged to strengthen their efforts and support youth-led climate action, making it a step forward towards building greener campuses. Empowering Educators, Driving Change: A Green Milestone Across Maharashtra The Teachers’ Training Program across five districts of Maharashtra—Satara, Sangli, Solapur, Pune, and Ahilyanagar, has emerged as a powerful step towards advancing climate literacy. Built on a “train-the-trainer” approach, the initiative engaged 46 campuses and 1,315 educators through hands-on, in-person learning experiences, focusing on practical areas such as waste management, water audits, biodiversity mapping, and sustainable campus practices. Supported by leading institutions like Rayat Shikshan Sanstha, Shri Swami Vivekanand Shikshan Sanstha, and Kasegaon Education Society, the program has empowered teachers to become changemakers within their schools. By equipping educators with practical tools and strategies, the initiative is creating a ripple effect, enabling them to inspire students and drive meaningful, long-term sustainability action across classrooms and communities. GCP SCHOOLS IN ACTION Voices of Green Kashmir: Stories Rooted in Tradition and Sustainability From 15th December 2025 to 5th February 2026, Voices of Green Kashmir—an initiative under the Green Campus Programme by The Climate Project Foundation, brought together students from across Kashmir in a unique storytelling campaign. Through powerful narratives, students documented traditional practices in sustainable living, agriculture, water conservation, and crafts, reconnecting with indigenous wisdom and local environmental heroes. The campaign saw vibrant participation from both urban and rural schools, with submissions ranging from stories and poetry to artwork and videos. Beyond a competition, the initiative fostered intergenerational learning, as students engaged with elders, artisans, and communities to capture lived experiences of climate resilience. Ten outstanding student storytellers were recognized across junior and senior categories for their originality and depth. The campaign beautifully highlighted the deep interconnection between culture, heritage, and sustainability, inspiring young voices to lead climate action through storytelling. From Soil to Spoon: Cultivating Change Within the Campus At New English School, Gadegaon, in Solapur, part of the Green Campus Programme by Rayat Shikshan Sanstha, learning has moved beyond classrooms into a thriving “living laboratory.” Through the Kitchen Garden to Plate initiative, students actively grow vegetables using organic practices, gaining hands-on experience in sustainability while building responsibility and care for nature. The impact comes full circle as students harvest and consume their own produce in mid-day meals, creating a meaningful connection between effort and nourishment. Extending beyond campus, many students are now starting kitchen gardens at home, inspiring families and communities. This initiative not only grows food, but also nurtures life skills, self-reliance, and environmental stewardship. Green Campus Programme: World Water Day in Action Under the Green Campus Programme, schools across Assam marked World Water Day 2026 with impactful, student-led initiatives promoting water conservation. At NPS International School, Guwahati, students led a special assembly aligned with the theme “Water and Gender,” featuring poetry, elocution, and a pledge—“My small habits today will create a big impact tomorrow.” Awareness was further amplified through posters and campus displays, encouraging responsible water use. Similarly, North East Public School, Rowta, engaged students through poster-making, discussions, and a pledge-taking ceremony focused on conserving water and adopting sustainable practices in daily life. These initiatives highlight how the Green Campus Programme is nurturing environmentally conscious students, turning awareness into meaningful action for water sustainability. ENGAGEMENT & ADVOCACY Strengthening Urban Climate Strategies at TERI SAS As part of the Delhi Climate Action Week, a workshop was organized on 14 February at The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), bringing together policymakers, government officials, and carbon market entrepreneurs. Conducted under the Green Campus Programme in collaboration with The ClimeAct Initiative—an associate partner for Youth for COP—the session focused on strengthening understanding of city-based climate action, with special emphasis on the Delhi State Climate Action Plan. The workshop explored local emission tracking and reduction strategies using insights from Climate TRACE, showcasing sector-specific data and global examples of successful mitigation efforts. Participants appreciated the practical, data-driven approach, particularly the inclusion of often-overlooked sectors such as methane emissions and airports. Discussions also highlighted innovative financing avenues, emphasizing pooled resources to support new ideas, pilot projects, and scalable local climate solutions. CLIMATE REALITY LEADERS- HIGHLIGHTS Ms. Nikita Singla: Driving Impact in Climate Resilience Nikita Singla, a committed Climate Reality Leader, has been recognized as a Women Leader by the Asian Disaster Preparedness Center (ADPC) and TROSA-Oxfam, celebrating her contributions to climate resilience and sustainable development. Her journey reflects a strong belief in leadership as a force for meaningful change, driven by impact, collaboration, and community engagement. Through her work with institutions like the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and participation in key national dialogues, Nikita continues to strengthen connections between strategy and on-ground action. Her efforts in advancing disaster preparedness and empowering communities highlight her role in building a more resilient and sustainable future. Mr. Subba Rao: Sharing Global Learnings on Water Management Mr. Subba Rao BV, founder of SynTerra and a Climate Reality Leader, continues to bring valuable global perspectives on sustainability to diverse audiences. On 30th March, he was invited to the Environment Protection Training and Research Institute (EPTRI), Hyderabad, to conduct a session for government officers from 16 countries under a program supported by the Ministry of External Affairs. His session highlighted best practices in water management, drawing from impactful, real-world success stories. Going beyond technical insights, he emphasized the health benefits of using treated water for drinking—demonstrating how sustainable water solutions can improve public health while creating wider, systemic change across communities. Mrs. Nita Ganguly: Championing Zero-Waste Practices Across Communities Mrs. Nita Ganguly, National Coordinator for Waste Management at TCPF, is a passionate sustainability practitioner whose work reflects a deep commitment to zero-waste living. Whether mentoring, writing, or engaging with communities, she consistently promotes responsible waste practices, leading by example through her own near zero-waste lifestyle. Through her travels, she actively engages with schools, women’s groups, and even army cantonments, encouraging waste segregation and sustainable habits. Her recent initiatives in Gangtok Cantonment and Nainital brought together army families across ranks to take a collective pledge—“No waste from my cantonment”—demonstrating how community-driven action can inspire lasting change. Checkout Our Previous Newsletters 2025 2024 2023 2022 January - February Newsletter 2025 March - April Newsletter 2025 May - June Newsletter 2025 July - August Newsletter 2025 September - October Newsletter 2025 November - December Newsletter 2025 January - February Newsletter 2024 March - April Newsletter 2024 May - June Newsletter 2024 July - August Newsletter 2024 September - October Newsletter 2024 November - December Newsletter 2024 January - February Newsletter 2025 March - April Newsletter 2023 May - June Newsletter 2023 July - August Newsletter 2023 September - October Newsletter 2023 November - December Newsletter 2023 September - October Newsletter 2022 November - December Newsletter 2022