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 (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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