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.

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

Newsletter (March-April) 2023 Our newsletter will provide updates from our programs, our fellow Climate Reality Leaders who are making difference and how each one of us can act to solve the crisis. And, we would love to know your story and act of leadership, because every action does matter. Launch of Green Campus Program at Akal University, Punjab The Climate Project Foundation’s (TCPF) first online introduction meeting with Akal University took place in March 2023, which is a major step towards building a green and sustainable world by initiating the Green Campus Program (GCP) in Bathinda Punjab. The program was officially launched for the University with a presentation by Aditya Pundir, Director - The Climate Reality Project India & South Asia branch, who underlined the urgency of addressing climate change and the role that universities can play in promoting sustainability. The project aims to create awareness about climate change and encourage the adoption of sustainable practices at its campus in Sabo ki Talwandi Bhatinda. The launch was followed by a visit in the first week of April 2023. Mr. Pundir visited Akal University, Talwandi Sabo, as a part of the GCP implementation along with Rekha Lalla, GCP Manager, TCPF. The university is dedicated to creating a sustainable future, and a committee has been formed for the same. The visit was a significant step towards that goal. 2-Day Capacity Building and Training Workshop A two-day capacity building and training workshop for Eco Club members of Chandigarh on climate change, waste, and water, was conducted by By Rekha Lalla, Manager – Green Campus Program, The Climate Project Foundation. The training workshop was organized by the Department of Environment, Chandigarh in association with The Climate Project Foundation (TCPF) on 18th March 2023. The objective of this program was to support capacity-building activities and to impart skills to students (schools and colleges) and teachers of Eco-club on various thematic areas like Bio-diversity conservation, Waste Management, and the concept of 4Rs – Reduce, Reuse, Recycle & Recover, 17 Sustainable Development Goals, and climate change-related issues with a focus on Adaptation and Mitigation, and pollution control. 250 teachers from Eco Clubs of Chandigarh participated on the theme Zero Waste City. Students from the Government and Private Schools and Eco Club Heads participated in this workshop followed by group discussions and visited Horticulture Waste Processing Plant, and Construction and Development Plant, Chandigarh. Implementation of Green Campus Program in Karmaveer Bhaurao Patil Vidyalaya Aitawade, Sangli The Climate Project Foundation, in collaboration with Rayat Shikshan Sanstha, Satara, has implemented the Green Campus Program (GCP) at Karmaveer Bhaurao Patil Vidyalaya Aitawade (Bk), Taluka – Walwa, District Sangli. The campus has installed 5 kW solar panels, resulting in an annual savings of approximately Rs 60,000. A rooftop rainwater harvesting (RWH) system has been set up, collecting 1,13,700 litres of water from a 2000 sq. ft rooftop, which is used to recharge the borewell and well. Energy-efficient measures include the installation of 43 LED bulbs and tubes. The campus manages wet waste through a 432 cubic feet compost pit, generating around 2 tons of organic fertilizer annually. Color-coded bins facilitate waste segregation, and a 5684 sq. ft herbal garden with 20 plant species has been developed. The implementation of GCP has transformed the campus into an eco-friendly environment, fostering behavioral and attitudinal changes among teachers, students, and the community. Click here to have a glimpse of the campus transformation. Principals’ Conclave at S.D Vidya School, Noida On 27th March 2023, The S D Vidya School in Noida hosted The Principal's Green Conclave for Climate Crisis and Sustainability Education for a Safer Planet. The event featured esteemed guests Aditya Pundir, Director of the India & South Asia branch, and Ms. Rekha Lalla, Program Manager of Green Campus at The Climate Project Foundation. Mr. Pundir provided an overview session on climate change, discussing its causes, impacts, and solutions. The choir performed a song celebrating Earth, while Ms. Rekha Lalla delivered a presentation on creating and practicing sustainable environments in educational institutions. Additionally, students from SD Vidya conducted cultural program, including dance performance showcasing the five elements of nature: Earth, Water, Fire, Air, and Space, under the theme Panchbhutas. Click here to have a glimpse of the conclave Work Green Conclave in Bengaluru The Work Green Conclave was organized in Bengaluru by Green Footprint Trust and Advanced Workplace Associates (AWA) on February 24. It aimed to raise awareness about the impacts of climate change on hybrid workplaces and daily life, particularly due to vehicle emissions and infrastructure projects. Rekha Lalla, Program Manager of Green Campus at The Climate Project Foundation, highlighted the transformation of workplaces. She emphasized the importance of environmental sustainability globally, urging companies to switch to 100% renewable energy, encourage employees to use public transportation, and responsibly conserve energy, water, and resources. Creating a healthy environment would reduce companies' ecological footprint and safeguard valuable resources. Production of Bio-fertilizer – ‘Azolla’ The Climate Project Foundation (TCPF) partnered with Rayat Shikshan Sanstha, Satara, to organize a session introducing students to Azolla, its benefits, and cultivating techniques. Students and teachers collaborated to create a structure for growing Azolla, consisting of a pit (1.5m long, 1.5m wide, and 20cm deep) covered with a plastic sheet and earthen roofing tiles. They prepared a mixture of cow dung, soil, and water, added 50gm of single super phosphate, and planted Azolla seeds in the mixture. Azolla offers multiple advantages, including carbon sequestration, sustainable livestock feed, nitrogen fixation, and increased yields for paddy and other crops. World Water Day 2023 The Climate Project Foundation (TCPF) collaborated with Wednesdays for Water to raise awareness about water conservation on the eve of World Water Day. The theme focused on addressing the global water crisis and accelerating change. Col. Shashikant Dalvi (Retd.), National Coordinator - Water, TCPF, shared his project of making 100 villages in Maharashtra water self-sufficient. He shared how the journey started with TCPF coming on board to support the first experiment at Kamkheda in Beed Maharashtra and later at 4 villages of Ambegaon taluka in Pune. Ms. Shubhi Kesarwani, Co-Founder and CEO of Gurujal Society discussed their efforts to bring water positivity to water-starved regions through a unique public-private partnership model. Ms. Fawzia Tarannum, National Coordinator - Water, TCPF, highlighted how different stakeholders are coming forward to bridge the industry–academia gap, thus creating a pool of water professionals that can take up the challenges faced by the industry. International Youth Sustainability Festival 2023 The Climate Project Foundation partnered with ExploreiT to organize the International Youth Sustainability Festival 2023, with the following objectives: To expose students to current development in various fields of sustainability and provide them with an opportunity to present their innovative ideas in the form of posters and models. To create an event with a low carbon footprint, which is a mix of academic and youth-oriented segments. To foster youth partnerships toward the attainment of Sustainable Development Goals The festival was inaugurated by the "Water Man of India" Dr. Rajendra Singh and Dr. Ujjwal Chauhan, Additional Commissioner, Income Tax, Mumbai. Aditya Pundir, Director - The Climate Reality Project - India and South Asia branch, graced the inaugural function along with Dr. M.S. Shejul, Registrar of Symbiosis International (Deemed University), who delivered the welcome address and felicitated the guests. Young People’s Climate Conference 2023 The two-day Young People's Climate Conference 2023 took place in April 2023, aiming to promote sustainability education to the mainstream and encourage students to incorporate sustainable practices in their daily lives and work on ‘Do It Yourself’ (DIY) projects. Sectoral experts highlighted the importance of breaking down climate change into smaller segments for effective action. The conference was inaugurated by Sh. Sheelam Seth, CEO of Shri Educare, and Mr. Aditya Pundir, The Climate Reality Project - India and South Asia and both emphasized the preservation of the environment through traditional and technological methods. Bhavesh Swami, Lead - Engagements and Clean Energy, The Climate Project Foundation, presented the first session titled ‘Clean Energy projects for Students,’ where he shared about how newer forms of energy are competing with traditional power generation and ‘grid parity’ has been achieved in the case of solar energy with an added advantage of almost negligible emissions. Nadeem Qadri, who has set up a Nature University in Pampore, shared how students differentiate between activism and advocacy. Over 400 students participated in the conference. Earth Day Celebrations At Rotary Club Gurgaon Rotary Club of Gurgaon Greens, a new club formed under the aegis Rotary International invited The Climate Project Foundation (TCPF) to commemorate Earth Day 2023 and brainstorm areas of collaboration. Bhavesh Swami – Lead, Clean Energy and Engagements, TCPF addressed the forum and shared the wider perspective of climate change and its day-to-day impacts leading to solutions that TCPF is working on, ranging from tree plantation to rainwater harvesting to Green Campuses. Members showed a great interest in all the mentioned areas and wanted to visit the locations where these projects have been implemented and foresee the possible collaboration roadmap. A Webinar for the Students at Chitkara University A webinar was held at Chitkara University in partnership with Earth Day Network, Association of Professional Social Workers & Development Practitioners (APSWDP), and Chitkara University to commemorate Earth Day 2023 with the theme “Invest in Our Planet”. Ms. Neelam Majumdar, Director of Education & Outreach, Earth Day Network, discussed the evolution of Earth Day as a movement of collective change. Bhavesh Swami, Lead of Engagements and Clean Energy at The Climate Project Foundation, shared the importance of investing in the environment for the future, while Dr. Charu Khosla, Assistant Dean of International Affairs, Chitkara University, and Mr. Hitesh Kumar Gulati, Director General, APSWDP, discussed the Green Campus Program and its benefits. Mr. Hitesh Kumar Gulati, Director General, APSWDP, and a senior climate reality leader shared how he is imbibing green practices in HR and other Faculty Management/Development programs and able to see the positive results achieved. More than 200 students participated in the webinar. Webinar on Children for Greener Planet On the eve of Earth Day 2023, the Early Childhood Development Forum (ECDF) conducted a webinar titled, "Children for Greener Planet" in collaboration with the Child Education and Development Research Centre and The Climate Project Foundation (TCPF). Educators worldwide participated, and expert panelists, including Nita Ganguly and Dr. Ketna Atul Matkar, both Climate Reality Leaders, shared their opinions, knowledge, and experiences. Ms. Ganguly emphasized the importance of sustainability education and storytelling to engage children and foster their connection with nature. Dr. Matkar highlighted the significance of children's involvement in promoting behavioral and attitudinal change toward nature. The session was moderated by Smruti S Samantray, Manager - Communication, TCPF. Click here to view the recording of webinar Leadership Acts Pond Rejuvenation – Sunil Mysore Ponds arrest the rainwater runoff that can be used for irrigation. As they slowly recharge the shallow aquifer which can be tapped from a nearby shallow well. On the outskirts of Nagarahole forest, a pond was recharged. The entire runoff from the farm is channeled into this unlined pond. A withdrawal well is made 40 feet away from this pond. The well is 6 feet in diameter and 45 feet deep. Good potable Water is always available in this well throughout the year thanks to rain, soil, and the pond. Col Shashikant Dalvi (Retd.) receives Jal Prahari Award Col Dalvi. (Retd.) was conferred with the "Jal Prahari" award on 29 March 2023, held at New Maharashtra Sadan, New Delhi. He addressed the attendees and explained about the rooftop rainwater harvesting system in urban and rural areas and "Jal Atmanirbhar Abhiyan" in 100 water-starved villages of Beed District, Maharashtra. Now, around 5 Lakh villagers will be free from tanker water and will have a water supply throughout the year. Vidhi Vohra as Panel Speaker A discussion on 'Circularity in Plastics' with industry experts was held at the 3rd Plastics Recycling Conference, Asia (PRCA) on the 28th April 2023 at The Lalit, Mumbai. The session served as a platform for unique insights, fresh perspectives, and thought-provoking ideas where she discussed about 'The today & tomorrow of Plastics Circularity to achieve Sustainable Goals.' Elsie Gabriel at C20 Summit & L'Oréal Women Climate Championship Ms. Gabriel was invited to contribute to the C20 working committee for G20 Global Summit on Environment and Disasters, Gender Equality & Disability Working Group Summit. Policy discussions and consolidation of policy recommendations for each of the 7 sub-themes covered by the Gender Equality & Disability Environment and Disasters Working Group were: Economic Empowerment & Sustainable Livelihoods Education & Skill Development Environment & Disasters She propagated messages for waste segregation. She also conducted ocean clean-up drives with intensive research on ocean plastics in Powai Lake, Mumbai. Her journey started with her selection as part of the first 20 women’s climate cohort by the Maharashtra Government of India. L’Oréal has recognized her efforts for one of the honourable accolades awarded by L'Oréal, i.e., “L'Oréal Women Climate Champion”. Checkout Our Previous Newsletters January - February Newsletter 2023 November - December Newsletter 2022 September - October Newsletter 2022

Climate Justice Climate justice refers to the idea that all people should have equal access to the Earth's resources and be protected from the impacts of climate change. It encompasses a wide range of issues, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions, protecting vulnerable communities from the effects of climate change, and ensuring that the costs of addressing climate change are shared fairly. Climate justice also includes the protection of human rights, the rights of indigenous peoples, and the rights of future generations. It also addresses issues of social and economic inequality and aims to ensure that the most marginalized and vulnerable communities are not disproportionately affected by climate change. At The Climate Project Foundation, we have adopted Climate Justice as a movement to address inequities with adaptation strategies and long-term mitigation. All our initiatives are strategically built on the ethos of utilizing solutions at hand while optimizing adaptation. To do so, we tag the opportunities of empowerment with our initiatives. Making Maharashtra Villages Water-sufficient The climate change-induced diminishing monsoon is expanding to the drought prone-areas of Maharashtra. The water bodies in the affected parts of Maharashtra continue to recede during the pre-monsoon season, affecting the villagers especially women, who are responsible to fetch water for the daily household chores. Water crisis has forced women in some parts of Maharashtra to walk long distances every day and even risk their lives to fetch drinking water by climbing down deep dried wells. The Climate Project Foundation under the guidance of Col. Shashikant Dalvi (Retd.) took up the task of making the villages in Maharashtra water sufficient through rainwater harvesting technique. The project was initiated in the 4 villages (Koregaon, Kurvandi and Thugaon) of Ambegaon Taluka in Pune district. With the kind support from ICICI, MAPS Industries, Vasundhara Sanvardhan, Pune, member of the Panchayat Samitis, Sarpanch, local officials, village residents and other on-ground partners, we have been able to complete the Rainwater Harvesting project at the four villages of Ambegaon Taluka in October 2021, making them tanker-free. Empowering the Local Communities in Odisha Climate change has led to an increase in the frequency and intensity of the extreme weather events like cyclones, and floods in the coastal states. Odisha, the eastern coastal state of India, witnessed three cyclones in the year 2021. Super cyclones like Yaas caused heavy rainfall, sweeping and damaging the houses, farmlands and uprooting the trees on its way. The cyclones impact lives and livelihoods of lakhs of people especially the poor coastal communities. To help these coastal communities in Odisha, The Climate Project Foundation launched ‘Mission One Million fruit trees’ in 2019. The mission was launched to help the small and marginalised farmers by generating sustainable livelihoods and ensuring food security through plantation of fruit trees. During 2019-2021, 8.30 lakh trees were planted in the Puri district alone. In the long term, the mission would also help in climate change adaptation and mitigation. Climate Change Education in rural districts of Maharashtra The Climate Reality Project India focuses on education and capacity building in a fight against climate change through its Education Programs i.e. Teachers Training Program and Green Campus Program. The Education programs aim at sensitizing the educators and students about climate change impacts and solutions at hand. We prioritize local solutions and empower educational institutes to take climate action. We collaborated with one of the biggest educational societies in Maharashtra, Rayat Shikshan Sanstha with 444 Secondary Schools to take climate change education for deeper engagement in rural districts of Maharashtra. Our Teachers Training Program is being implemented in 50 schools and Green Campus Program in 5 schools from 5 districts (Satara, Sangli, Kolhapur, Solapur and Pune) of Maharashtra in its first phase. This will ensure that the educational institutions have capacities to teach about climate change and create a green and sustainable environment for students to learn and take the message of sustainability forward through climate actions.