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.

Back Elsie Gabriel National Coordinator Ocean Conservation Elsie has been awarded the UNESCO Green Citizen-Ocean Literacy. She is the Founder President Young Environmentalists Programme with focus on youth climate and ocean education programs with focus on Lakshadweep Islands and Mumbai city institutions, while mentoring young adults in Assam,Andaman’s, Sri Lanka, RAWA Malaysia and Maldives. Ambassador for India Ocean Quest Co Founder Ocean School Professional Association of Diving Instructors-Advance Diver Director-Poseidon Handicap Scuba ADEX Speaker Elsie was invited to the plenary session at UN Ocean Conference Portugal as Speaker where she enforced ocean literacy as the key to ocean conservation and climate mitigation. Presently researching on fisherwomen and indigenous women, surfers/Divers as Agents of Change in the ocean education context. As a Diver her research has taken her to oceans in Galapagos, Philippines, Mexico, Bahamas and Jamaica, Mexico, Lakshadweep, Havelock, Australia, Thailand, Grand Cayman. Awarded Golden Award recognition by Maldives Tourism Ministry for launching Accessible Sustainable Tourism with focus on climate justice. She is also the recipient of the Mayors Award Mumbai for Limnology-Powai Lake conservation and recycling of water hyacinths into Eco bricks. Harvard University Senior Professional Management . Masters Mass Communication and Social Work. PG in Island Development and Biodiversity. Cohort Member Women Climate Collective Member Climate4Women Member Mumbai Climate Action Project Ambassador for Peace-Workhardt India Author of Book-Get Out Get Going Outdoors launched by the Governor and Mayor of Mumbai ,which aims at promoting wilderness outdoors education and digital detox. Share Profile Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Copy link

Newsletter (November-December 2025) Our newsletter provides updates on our programs, and fellow Climate Reality Leaders who are making a difference. It carries a gamut of activities carried out in two months' time, showing how each one of us can act to solve the crisis together. We would love to hear from you, your story and acts of leadership in the journey of sustainability. Every action matters! CLIMATE CHANGE EDUCATION PROGRAMME Youth Power in Action: Students’ Climate Action Conference 2025 The Students’ Climate Action Conference 2025 united a powerful cohort of 550 young leaders from 177 schools to turn climate awareness into grassroots solutions. Spanning eight states through a dynamic hybrid format, the event featured regional hubs in Bhubaneswar, Gurgaon, Chennai, and Noida, where students showcased research-driven videos tackling urgent local issues like coastal erosion and urban biodiversity. This was more than a competition—it served as a collaborative platform where student voices met expert insights, bridging the gap between classroom learning and real-world advocacy. By spotlighting diverse regional challenges, the conference empowered the next generation to take the lead in driving meaningful climate action across India. The Clean Kashmir – Swachh Kashmir Campaign 2025 The Clean Kashmir – Swachh Kashmir Campaign 2025, held from 1–20 November 2025, engaged 32 schools and 384 students across Kashmir in a collective effort to promote waste management and community cleanliness. Organized by The Climate Project Foundation in association with the Directorate of School Education, Kashmir and Wildlife Conservation Fund, YPJK, the campaign encouraged schools to undertake cleanliness drives, awareness sessions, and creative outreach through posters, videos, and street plays, both within school premises and nearby communities. Through hands-on action and structured documentation, students demonstrated leadership, teamwork, and creativity while spreading awareness on waste segregation and recycling. The campaign concluded with recognition of top-performing schools, creating a ripple effect as many institutions continued cleanliness activities beyond the campaign period. Clean Kashmir 2025 reinforced the power of student-led action in inspiring communities and advancing a cleaner, greener Kashmir. Green Campus Programme- HEI Awards CGC University, Mohali (formerly Chandigarh Group of Colleges, Jhanjheri) was awarded the Gold Category under the Green Campus Programme – HEI Awards on 17 November 2025, in recognition of its commitment to sustainability in higher education. The university was evaluated on its documented efforts in green infrastructure, energy efficiency, waste management, biodiversity conservation, and student-led initiatives. The award acknowledges CGC University’s consistent efforts in promoting environmentally responsible campus practices and setting an example for sustainable development in academia. Assam HEIs join Green Campus Programme Two colleges from Assam formally joined the Green Campus Programme (GCP-HEI) following a Principals’ Conclave held at Bhattadev University, Pathsala, in October 2025, with Nirmal Haloi College becoming the first institution to register. The conclave, organized in collaboration with the Mahabahu Climate Forum (Mahabahu Foundation), brought together around 20 Principals from affiliated colleges and helped convert awareness into concrete institutional action, strengthening the programme’s presence in the North East and paving the way for further enrolments. From Awareness to Action: Impact of Teachers’ Training Program In Maharashtra, four-hour, in-person Teachers’ Training Programs are equipping educators with climate knowledge and practical skills through sessions on climate change science, impacts, and solutions, along with hands-on activities across five domains—air, biodiversity, energy, water, and waste. These interactive trainings encourage teachers to view their campuses through a sustainability lens. The impact is evident as teachers are leading student-driven initiatives such as rainwater harvesting demonstrations, model-making exhibitions, and promoting eco-friendly birthday practices. The program bridges the gap between intent and action by providing guidance and confidence, enabling teachers to translate awareness into meaningful climate action within their institutions. GCP SCHOOLS IN ACTION Community Campaign on Waste Segregation at BHSS Gulabbagh BHSS Gulabbagh organized a Community Campaign on Waste Segregation to raise awareness among local residents about responsible waste management and the importance of segregating waste at source. Led by students and teachers, the campaign focused on engaging community members through direct interaction, awareness conversations, and simple demonstrations on separating wet, dry, and recyclable waste at the household level. During the outreach, students visited nearby residential areas and shops, explaining how proper waste segregation reduces landfill pressure, improves recycling, and contributes to a cleaner and healthier neighbourhood. The campaign received a positive response from community members, who expressed willingness to adopt these practices. Overall, the initiative strengthened school–community collaboration while nurturing environmental responsibility and leadership among students. No Plastic Campaign at Maharishi International Residential School, Kanchipuram Maharishi International Residential School, Kanchipuram, organized a No Plastic Campaign to raise awareness about the harmful impacts of single-use plastic and promote eco-friendly alternatives. The initiative saw active participation from NSS students, Scouts, and Eco Club members, who engaged with the local community to encourage responsible plastic use and sustainable daily practices. As part of the campaign, students distributed reusable carry bags to shopkeepers, pedestrians, and nearby residents, while explaining the environmental consequences of plastic pollution. Through direct interaction and practical demonstrations, the campaign received a positive response from the community and successfully reinforced the message of reducing plastic dependency. The initiative also empowered students to act as environmental ambassadors and contribute meaningfully to local sustainability efforts. YOUTH ENGAGEMENT Youth for COP Debriefing session on COP 30 The Youth for COP 2025 Debriefing Session marked the closing convening of the programme, bringing together 75 participants, speakers, and youth leaders from across the Global South to reflect on key outcomes of COP30. With insights from South Asia, Southeast Asia, Latin America, and Small Island Developing States, the session highlighted shared priorities around climate justice, adaptation, finance, and the growing role of youth in climate diplomacy. Speakers from Climate Reality branches and partner networks emphasized the importance of regional solidarity, equitable negotiations, and stronger international cooperation. Discussions highlighted key challenges including gaps in adaptation, slow delivery of climate finance, and the need for greater accountability. Speakers emphasized the vital role of youth in linking local realities with global negotiations, strengthening regional solidarity, and advancing justice and community-driven climate solutions. The session closed with a strong message that young leaders across the Global South are actively shaping a more equitable and resilient climate future. ENGAGEMENT & ADVOCACY Session on Solar for the Agriculture Sector The Climate Project Foundation served as a key resource person at the three-day residential training programme “Solar for the Agriculture Sector,” organized by the Centre for Science and Environment from 5–7 December 2025. The programme brought together government officials, grassroots NGOs, and academia to explore practical financial and technical pathways for advancing solar-powered agriculture. TCPF shared Global South insights relevant to the Indian context, highlighted initiatives of the International Solar Alliance, and showcased India’s PM–KUSUM scheme as a successful model for large-scale, integrated solar agriculture now inspiring similar efforts globally. National Energy Conservation Day: Inspiring Green Careers in Energy On 12 December, to mark National Energy Conservation Day, TCPF collaborated with Chitkara University to conduct an engaging session on green career opportunities in the energy sector for students and faculty members. The programme was well received, with practical on-field examples and real-world success stories sparking strong interest among the student community. The session also highlighted various financing avenues available to support youth-led initiatives in the energy sector. Through such interactions, TCPF continues to encourage its leaders to engage meaningfully with young people, nurturing informed career choices and future leadership in sustainable energy. CLIMATE REALITY LEADERS- HIGHLIGHTS Book Release: Climate Justice 101 Climate Justice 101: Empowering Community Leadership is a landmark publication by Rituraj Phukan, National Coordinator for Biodiversity, The Climate Reality Project India & South Asia, with contributions from regional experts. Placing Assam at the heart of India’s climate justice movement, the book was launched at Bhattadev University and later at Guwahati University during the 13th Eastern Himalaya Naturenomics Forum. Through stories from frontline communities, the book presents climate justice as a moral and social response to the crisis. Designed as a practical resource for students, educators, and citizens, it underscores the importance of local leadership, collective action, and community ownership in shaping a just climate future. The book is available on Amazon https://www.amazon.in/dp/B0FVXXWZZL Igniting Climate Consciousness at TERI SAS Shivkumar Krishnamoorthy, a Climate Reality Leader from the 2025 cohort, led an engaging 90-minute session with over 60 students at the TERI School of Advanced Studies, Delhi, in November 2025. The interaction sparked meaningful discussions on the urgency of climate action, decarbonization, and emerging climate solutions. The session covered key moments in the environmental movement, the science of global warming, industrial decarbonization strategies, 2030 climate goals, and the role of nature-based solutions in addressing the climate crisis. Ms. Dhara Thakkar Honoured with Dr. Sarojini Naidu International Award 2025 On 22 November 2025, Climate Reality Leader Ms. Dhara Thakkar was conferred the Dr. Sarojini Naidu International Award 2025 in recognition of her pioneering work in environmental conservation through butterfly-based initiatives. Butterflies, as key indicators of ecological health, play a vital role in creating microhabitats that support diverse life forms. To date, Dhara Thakkar has helped establish more than 100 butterfly zones, contributing significantly to local biodiversity and ecosystem resilience. Climate Reality is proud to celebrate and support leaders like her, whose work continues to inspire meaningful, nature-based climate action. 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Newsletter (July-August 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 Principals’ Conclave in Kashmir charts roadmap for Sustainable Campuses On 26th July 2025, The Climate Reality Project India & South Asia, in collaboration with the Directorate of School Education Kashmir (DSEK), hosted the Principals’ Conclave on the Green Campus Program (GCP) at SP Higher Secondary School, Srinagar. The event brought together over 100 participants, including 60 heads of institutions from Srinagar, Budgam, and Pulwama, GCP coordinators, District Cultural Officers, and government officials. The conclave aimed to introduce the GCP framework, build ownership among school leaders, and foster collaboration for sustainability in education. The program featured a keynote by the Director of School Education Kashmir, who emphasized the importance of integrating climate awareness into mainstream education. Breakout sessions explored the Green Campus audit framework, best practices, and opportunities for student and community engagement. More than 50 schools committed to forming Green Campus Committees, with many seeking teacher training and capacity-building support. The conclave concluded with a shared vision to make Kashmir’s schools models of green learning environments. 300+ schools to go green in Kashmir: MoU signed with Private Schools Association of Jammu & Kashmir (PSAJK) On 28th July 2025, The Climate Project Foundation (TCPF) and the Private Schools Association of Jammu & Kashmir (PSAJK) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at The Nature School, Nigeen, Srinagar. The partnership aims to implement the Green Campus Program (GCP) across private schools in the region, promoting climate literacy, sustainability education, and student-led action. The event brought together over 35 stakeholders, including educators, scientists, civil society leaders, and government representatives. The ceremony featured addresses by Mr. Aditya Pundir (Director, TCPF), Mr. G.N. Var (President, PSAJK), and other dignitaries who emphasized the urgency of local climate action. PSAJK pledged support to involve over 300 private schools in the program. The MoU marks a significant step in building long-term collaboration, empowering teachers, and fostering sustainability leadership among students in Jammu & Kashmir. YOUTH ENGAGEMENT Youth for COP 2025: Launched and Already Making Waves We are excited to share that Youth for COP 2025 was launched in July, kicking off an ambitious journey to empower over 1,500 young participants from 48+ countries. Since the launch, the program has already hosted an opening ceremony and four thematic sessions, covering topics such as the history of COP, climate finance and justice, just transition and green jobs, and adaptation and resilience. Each session engages around 250 youth, supported by guidebooks and assignments to reinforce their learning and deepen their understanding of global climate processes. The program is designed to prepare youth to actively contribute to global climate conversations, ensuring voices from the Global South are heard. With strong collaborations across 23+ partner organizations spanning India, Africa, Indonesia, the Philippines, Latin America, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Bhutan, Youth for COP fosters a truly cross-regional exchange of ideas. Upcoming sessions will explore biodiversity, indigenous wisdom, and nationally determined contributions, along with practical skill-building workshops in advocacy, negotiation, and storytelling equipping young leaders to transform knowledge into meaningful climate action. Youth for Earth award ceremony at ICSE 2025 On Day 2 of the International Conference on Sustainability Education (ICSE) 2025, the much-awaited Youth for Earth Awards ceremony celebrated the innovation and dedication of young changemakers from across India. The awards were presented in two categories – Junior and Senior – recognizing school and college teams that had worked on impactful sustainability projects. This year, a total of eight outstanding teams were acknowledged for their inspiring work, representing diverse states and regions of the country. Their projects not only showcased creativity and scientific inquiry but also demonstrated leadership and collaboration in driving real change at the grassroots level. The Youth for Earth Awards continue to serve as a platform to empower young minds, giving visibility to their solutions and motivating others to take action for a sustainable future. Click here to know the winners Click here to know the winners Junior Category- 5th- Team- Neem Crusaders from Little Flowers Public Senior Secondary School, Shahdara, New Delhi 4th- Team- Green Striders from Adarsh Public School, Vikaspuri, New Delhi 3rd- Team- EcoTree 2.0 from Kikani Vidhya Mandir, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu 2nd- Team- Badlaav from Bharat Mata English Medium Higher Secondary School, Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh 1st- Team- Flexminds from Bal Bhavan Public School, Mayur Vihar, Phase 2, Delhi Senior Category- 3rd- Project Samman from Anant National University, Ahemdabad 2nd- Project CDP Bricks from K. Ramakrishnan college of Technology, Trichy 1st-Project Ecocampus from Dr. Vishwanath Karad MIT World Peace University, Pune CLIMATE CHANGE ENGAGEMENTS & ADVOCACY Dialogue with FES on carbon responsible events On July 16th, The Climate Project Foundation (TCPF) was invited by Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) to share insights on Carbon Responsible Events. Representing TCPF, Bhavesh Swami highlighted experiences from the Reality Tour 2025 and showcased how the Foundation integrates sustainability into event planning through venue selection, waste management, water conservation, and energy efficiency. He also shared key learnings from the global Net Zero Carbon Events initiative launched at COP28. TCPF’s contribution to the dialogue reflected its strong commitment to advancing both global and local climate goals. By aligning with Net Zero aspirations while grounding efforts in local relevance, youth engagement, and replicable models, we demonstrated how sustainable event practices can inspire broader action. The exchange also underscored the importance of collective learning and collaboration in reimagining the way events are designed and delivered in India and beyond. Discussion at WRI India’s ‘Connect Karo’ Roundtable The Climate Project Foundation (TCPF) participated in a roundtable discussion at Connect Karo, the flagship initiative of World Resources Institute – India, focused on reimagining urban spaces for climate resilience. TCPF was represented by Climate Reality Leader Shivam Singh and staff member Bhavesh Swami. The dialogue examined how corporate CSR partnerships can act as catalytic drivers in addressing urban challenges, with a special focus on the Urban Heat Island effect. TCPF shared its Green Campus Percolation (GCP) model, which presents a layered approach to climate action beginning at the campus level, extending to households, and ultimately influencing the wider community. CLIMATE REALITY LEADERS- HIGHLIGHTS Climate Reality Leader Nikhil Kamath comes up with his new comic book on climate change Our Climate Reality Leader, Nikhil Kamath, has created a thought-provoking comic book on climate change titled “Where We Left Off”, which was recently featured in the Top 10 at the Verse of Short Story Contest 2023. Set in a city not unlike ours, the story follows a teenager who begins to notice the changes everyone else has learned to ignore, exploring what it means when a generation inherits silence instead of answers. Through this compelling narrative, Nikhil invites readers to reflect on the world we are leaving behind and the urgent need for climate action. Where We Left Off is now available for readers who want to engage with climate stories in a fresh, creative way. Know more about the comic book here- https://www.kinistudios.com/product-page/where-we-left-off Climate Reality Leaders Engage Tea Growers on Climate Resilience Climate Reality Leaders Rituraj Phukan, Mandvi Kulshrestha, Anand Pendharkar, and Anurag Shankar recently co-created a knowledge-sharing session for tea-growing communities at the grassroots of India’s agricultural value chain. The session highlighted the growing impact of climate change on tea production, particularly in West Bengal and Assam, where rising temperatures, erratic monsoons, and water scarcity are beginning to affect the taste and quality of India’s iconic tea blends—a vital cultural and economic resource. The leaders shared field insights from organic farming practices and community-based climate adaptation models that have successfully enhanced resilience, including proactive measures in soil health, water conservation, and agroforestry. The dialogue was further strengthened by the presence of the local Member of Parliament, who acknowledged the urgency of the issue and assured that key recommendations would be taken to policy platforms for further action. This session underscored the power of collaboration between climate leaders and local communities in building a sustainable and resilient agricultural future. 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