I am from Honduras, which is considered as one of the most climate vulnerable countries in the world, even though it contributes almost nothing to global emissions. Here climate change is a reality that shapes our daily lives in our food supply, our economy and our safety. Over the past few years, we have been through hurricanes that left us incredible damages such as floods and climate driven displacement. For us adaptation is not optional, it is a matter of survival. Honduras’ Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) emphasizes the urgent need to strengthen resilience in agriculture, water management, forest protection, and disaster response. This is why COP30 is deeply important for Honduras. Through my participation in this program Youth for COP under  the Climate Reality Project, I have learnt a lot about important topics such as climate finance and justice or just transitions and green jobs but I think the impactful thing for me is that we are all witnesses that climate impacts are accelerating faster than our actions to get through the problem. Honduras has plenty of ideas and commitment. Our NDCs are based on clear and practical plans to protect mangroves, sustainable forest management, which is required is stable, reachable, and grant-based finance to go from ideas to make them real. Adaptation projects often are delayed, because international funding is complicated, deficient, or slow. While local communities do their best with, they have in their hands, international cooperation systems remain too slow to respond to our urgent crises. This is something that COP 30 must convert from promises to actions. In November 2020, Honduras was hit by hurricanes Eta and Iota within a span of two weeks, the already devastated people of Honduras were again swept away by mudslides and overflowing rivers. Over 2 million people in Honduras were affected which analysts presume cost 10 billion dollars in damages. Some 1,000 homes were destroyed, more than 6,000 were damaged and more than 88,000 were affected.  Ninety per cent of the damage was recorded in the agricultural sector and 10 per cent in the livestock sector. ((IFRC)., 2022)  International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. (2022, December 5). Central America: Hurricanes Eta & Iota – Final report (MDR43007). ReliefWeb. https://reliefweb.int/report/guatemala/central-america-hurricanes-eta-iota-final-report-mdr43007 This wasn’t a simple damage, this was what years of accumulation of underinvestment resilience caused, and this could be prevented if the funds weren’t so complicated to access so more resources had been available. We know that Loss and Damage Fund, is financial mechanism was designed to provide crucial support to vulnerable nations facing the brunt of climate-related challenges and climate justice is focused on addressing the unequal impacts of climate change by prioritizing the health and safety of those who face the greatest risk, we can not continue waiting time and this fund must be functional and easy to access. And finally three urgent actions  what leaders must prioritize are: Provide strong grand based funding for climate adaptation in Honduras and the Global South. Make Loss and Damage Fund works effectively Support and ensure of NDCs specially in countries most at risk.

Growing up in Odisha, climate change has never felt like a distant headline. It is the cyclone warning on the radio and TV, the flooded streets after heavy rains, and the stories my elders talk about how the land and forests used to be more predictable. Every year, our state support for storms like Fani (2019) or Yaas (2021), and each time I see how vulnerable communities, especially Indigenous groups carry the heaviest burden. As the world heads into COP30 in Brazil, I believe one of the most urgent priorities is to recognize and integrate Indigenous knowledge into climate governance. For India, and for Odisha in particular, this is not just about preserving traditions, it is about survival, resilience, and justice. In Koraput, tribal women from the Gadaba and Bonda communities have long practiced mixed cropping and forest stewardship. They know which plants survive erratic rainfall, which trees protect soil, and how to share resources fairly. Recently, some of these women created “dream maps” to tract disappearing water sources and plan restoration. These maps are not just drawings, they are living testimonies of how Indigenous knowledge adapts to modern challenges. India’s NDCs, emphasize on ecosystem based adaptation and afforestation, which denotes a direct connection. What our communities are already doing aligns with national priorities. The challenge is that their voices rarely reach the negotiation tables at COP. Closer to the coast, in Kendrapada district in Odisha, villagers have formed “climate panchayats” to restore mangroves in Bhitarkanika. These mangroves are natural shields against cyclones like Yaas, while concrete embankments cracked, the mangrove belts stood firm. This is how the Indigenous governance take action that is collective decision making and mass participation rooted in ecological wisdom. Yet, when global leaders talk about adaptation, they often focus on technology or finance. Why not also learn from communities who have been adapting for centuries? COP29 Baku Workplan recognized Indigenous leadership, but implementation remains weak. Indigenous communities in Odisha contribute almost nothing to global emissions, yet they face displacement from floods, deforestation, and mining. This is the injustice at the heart of climate change. Recognizing their knowledge is not charity, it is justice. It is about valuing those who protect ecosystems that benefits all of us. As a citizen of the country, I believe COP30 must put Indigenous knowledge at the centre of adaptation strategies, ensure climate finance reaches communities directly, not just through bureaucratic channels, bridge India’s NDC communities with local practices like mangrove restoration and tribal farming, creating real spaces for youth is not an abstract policy, it represents the difference between the loss of homes to future cyclones and the possibility of dignified survival. Indigenous knowledge gives reliable ways to stay resilient based on justice. At COP30, the world must listen because when Indigenous wisdom and global governance walk together, climate action becomes not only stronger but fairer.

The first time I truly felt climate change was during a Pune heatwave so intense, the ground looked like it was breathing. But the second time I noticed it at a textile factory when I saw the purple and grey water drained from water-dyeing into open channels. India ranks second in worldwide textile exports, and our environmental narrative is woven into every piece of clothing we make. The reason I care about COP30 is that it represents a turning point in the understanding of our consumption habits, particularly in the fashion sector, which, in turn, is accelerating the climate crisis while the less privileged Global South bears the burden. Nationally determined contributions by India highlight a 45% reduction in emissions intensity and the attainment of 500 GW of renewable energy by 2030. But somehow, we are missing something in how we address one of our largest industrial sectors: textiles. Fashion is responsible for 10% of global carbon emissions and is the second-largest water consumer in the world. In India, where more than 45 million people work in the textile industry, the climate-livelihood equation becomes inseparable. Through Youth for COP with The Climate Reality Project, I have witnessed the ways in which fast fashion's environmental cost plays itself out in Indian communities. Rivers run with chemical-laced water near textile hubs like Tirupur and Surat. Cotton farmers from Gujarat face severe water scarcity due to the intensive cultivation of cotton. Garment workers working in Delhi's poorly ventilated factories in 46°C heat make clothes destined for global markets that would be discarded within months. This is not an abstract environmental degradation-it is a justice issue. India produces clothes that the world consumes, but our communities are absorbing the pollution, water stress, and health impacts. It's not a trend, but an adaptation imperative. And that's where COP30 needs to act: through the establishment of enabling frameworks by governments that make sustainable living accessible, not aspirational. India's textile heritage is not just limited to khadi, handloom, natural dyes, and zero-waste draping techniques associated with sarees, but it is a collection of eco-friendly, low-carbon practices that can create dignified jobs for people. These conditions have prevailed in the case of traditional weavers who cannot make their products because the prices of fast fashion are very low due to a mix of factors including government support and environmental ignorance. COP30 is therefore, in a way, the turning point where it is essential to back up the fashion industry with policy mechanisms such as Extended Producer Responsibility, carbon cost reflecting the actual environmental impact, pro-sustainable textiles green procurement policies; waterless dyeing and renewable-powered manufacturing technology transfer among others. A circular economy approach for India is outlined in the waste management targets of our NDCs. But for implementation, it takes finance. The Global South countries need support in transition of industries without sacrificing livelihoods-not vague promises, but the $100 billion in adaptation finance that remains largely undelivered. Young people have already begun building that future. I've spoken with designers upcycling textile waste, entrepreneurs inventing rental platforms for traditional wear, and activists demanding supply chain transparency from big brands. I also started a blog to increase awareness about these matters “The Neuve”. But individual action can never replace structural change. When a garment worker barely earns enough to survive, "sustainable fashion" is a privilege. When renewable energy costs burden small manufacturers while fossil fuels stay subsidized, green transitions stall. This is where government leadership becomes critical. India needs to integrate textile sustainability into our NDC targets explicitly. We need national frameworks that provide support to circular fashion, worker protections during green transitions, and investments in traditional textile clusters. We have to demand internationally that fashion brands-mostly headquartered in high-income nations-take accountability for supply chain emissions and finance clean production in manufacturing countries. COP30 has a simple test: will it accord adaptation and implementation the same weight as pledges? Will climate justice be seen to include the right to sustainable livelihoods? Will it finance the transition towards systems in which the communities, like our own, will no longer need to choose between economic survival and environmental protection? Climate change is already reshaping India's textile belt. The question is whether COP30 will enable us to reshape it sustainably or leave us cleaning up the world's closet while paying the climate cost. It means if COP30 matters, it must treat sustainable living not as an individual virtue but as a collective infrastructure-woven into policy, funded adequately, and The Fabric of Change: Why COP30 Must Address with centrality given to the people who have contributed least to the crisis but suffer most from its unraveling.

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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Newsletter (November-December 2024) 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 Green Campus Programme Maharashtra Awards 2024 The Climate Reality Project India & South Asia organized the Green Campus Programme (GCP) Awards in Maharashtra to celebrate the inspiring efforts of campuses driving sustainability forward. Five campuses from Rayat Shikshan Sanstha, namely, Karmaveer Bhaurao Patil Vidyalaya Aitawade, Sangli (Gold), Dahiwadi College, Dhiwadi, Satara (Silver), Shri Raosaheb Ramrao Patil Mahavidyalaya Savlaj, Sangli (Silver), Mahatma Gandhi Vidyalaya Rukadi, Kolhapur (bronze), and Mahatma Gandhi Vidyalaya Kale, Satara (Certified), were honored with trophies and certificates during the awards ceremony. In Pune, Fergusson College and Ahilyadevi High School for Girls from the Deccan Education Society received their awards through a personal felicitation. These campuses have made remarkable strides in improving air quality, conserving biodiversity, managing waste, and adopting renewable energy. Their dedication reflects the positive impact of collective action for a greener future. The generous support from the Maharashtra Foundation and Nisarg Foundation made it possible for these institutes to embrace green infrastructure. Their contributions helped install solar panels, set up rainwater harvesting systems, implement waste management initiatives, and create botanical, butterfly, and medicinal plant gardens, empowering campuses to take meaningful steps toward a sustainable future. CLIMATE CHANGE ENGAGEMENTS & ADVOCACY Reflections from Baku: COP 29 Debriefing Session On December 7, 2024, The Climate Reality Project India and South Asia hosted an engaging session to reflect on the outcomes of COP 29. Led by Mr. Aditya Pundir, the session brought together over 250 passionate participants, including youth leaders, climate experts, and stakeholders from 13 countries. The diverse panel of speakers shared insights on the challenges and opportunities from COP 29, emphasizing climate finance, equity, and the critical role of young voices. The interactive Q&A segment sparked meaningful discussions, leaving attendees inspired to take local actions for global impact. The session ended with a powerful reminder: collaboration is key to a sustainable future. The session featured a distinguished panel of speakers, including experts from global organizations such as The Climate Reality Project Africa, CANSA, UNDP BIOFIN Europe, the Fossil Fuel Treaty Initiative, and the Indigenous People's Climate Justice Forum. IYCN, NYCA Nepal, and Bangladesh, along with achievers from our Youth 4 COP program like Shaik Imran Hussain Choudhary, also shared their invaluable insights. Clean Rides, Bright Futures: Electrifying India’s Campus Fleet As part of National Energy Conservation Week, a dialogue on "Clean Rides, Bright Futures: Electrifying India’s Campus Fleet" was held on December 11, 2024. Moderated by Mr. Pradeep Karuturi and Mr. Bhavesh Swami, the session brought together over 300 participants, including representatives from four partner universities. Esteemed speakers discussed opportunities and challenges in transitioning to electric buses (e-buses) for educational institutions. Key topics included battery efficiency, behavioral shifts, skilling, and financial barriers. The dialogue emphasized innovation, collaboration, and actionable steps toward sustainable campus transport. The session concluded with a call to action to embrace clean energy solutions, paving the way for a brighter and more sustainable future. It emphasized the need to lead the journey of decarbonization and a just transition through clean transportation initiatives. Inspiring Young Changemakers at Paryavaran Rakshaks 3.0 On Children’s Day, November 14, 2024, GRIHA hosted Paryavaran Rakshaks 3.0 at the India Habitat Centre, New Delhi, celebrating the sustainability efforts of students, teachers, and schools across India. The event featured an engaging session by Mr. Bhavesh Swami from TCPF on “Green Career Opportunities for Youth,” highlighting pathways in clean energy, sustainable construction, and green policy. An interactive quiz added excitement while deepening participants’ knowledge of sustainability practices. With innovative exhibits and cultural performances showcasing green themes, the event was a lively mix of learning and creativity. Over 200 students and teachers participated, with special recognition for their efforts, reinforcing the importance of nurturing future green leaders. The Innovation & Impact Summit 2024 The Climate Project Foundation (TCPF) participated in the prestigious THE Innovation & Impact Summit 2024, held on December 12th at Hotel Pullman, New Delhi Aerocity. Organized by Times Higher Education and Shiv Nadar University, the event brought together global leaders to discuss the role of higher education in tackling global challenges like climate change through innovation and collaboration. Mr. Bhavesh Swami, TCPF’s Lead, Clean Energy, presented on Green Jobs, emphasizing interdisciplinary efforts to create sustainable employment in the green economy. He joined a panel of international experts discussing technology-driven solutions to prepare students for global challenges. Dr. Sakshi Grover leveraged the platform to explore partnerships for TCPF’s Green Campus Program, promoting sustainable practices in education. With over 200 delegates actively engaging, the summit highlighted the power of collaboration in shaping a sustainable future and reaffirmed TCPF’s leadership in climate action and education. HIGHLIGHTS Highlight: Climate Reality Leader in action 1. Climate Reality Leaders Shine at COP 29 in Baku, Azerbaijan Our Climate Reality Leaders (CRLs) demonstrated exceptional engagement at COP 29 through impactful side events and sessions. Dr. Vivek Trivedi and Karamveer Singh, representing APSWDP, led two successful sessions on “Strengthening International Collaboration & Networking” to foster collective climate action. Rituraj Phukan, National Coordinator, shared the stage with IPCC Co-chairs as a panelist, advocating for the rights of indigenous communities. Ms. Gayathri Kuppendra Reddy enriched discussions as a panelist in sessions on “Alternative Innovations Unlocked: Accessing Climate Finance in the Global South” and “AI for Climate Action.” Additionally, our young CRLs took the lead in discussions on critical topics such as the “Waste Crisis in Emerging Economies” and "Leveraging Digital Technology Solutions for Sustainable Ocean Conservation". Their efforts amplified voices for climate justice, equitable finance, and sustainability from the Global South, leaving a lasting impact. 2. PKC Bose discusses Circular Economy with Norway's Minister Counsellor PKC Bose was invited by Martine Bottheim, Minister Counsellor of Norway, for an insightful discussion on the circular economy, with a focus on water and the environment. The session held special significance as CAMBI Group, Norway—the world’s largest sludge management company—expands its presence in India. CAMBI’s innovative Thermal Hydrolysis Process (THP) technology, a game-changer in sludge management, converts sludge into biogas and organic fertilizer, showcasing sustainable solutions for waste management. This collaboration highlights a promising step toward advancing circular economy practices in India 3. Fawzia Tarannum moderates “Living Responsibly” session at Navjyoti India Foundation Fawzia Tarannum moderated a thought-provoking session on “Living Responsibly” during the Foundation Day celebrations of the Navjyoti India Foundation. The session provided her with the opportunity to engage with renowned thought leaders, including Kiran Bedi, Anand Shekhar, Arun Kansal, Ashwani Khurana, and Shubhra Puri. Each speaker brought unique perspectives and actionable ideas, making it a truly enriching and impactful discussion. Highlight: GCP School Students in action 1. 25 kg of solid waste collected through a waste management drive conducted by St. Teresa Girls’ High School, Darjeeling This initiative focused on promoting sustainability by applying the principles of the 3Rs: Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. The goal was to minimize waste, encourage eco-friendly practices, and raise awareness among students, staff, and visitors about the importance of responsible waste disposal. The amount of waste collected - 25kg from their Annual Day event. 2. GHSS Rainawari Introduces Eco-Friendly Parking Spaces in Kashmir GHSS Rainawari in Kashmir has unveiled an eco-friendly parking space, setting a new standard for sustainability on its school grounds. The success of this initiative is attributed to the active involvement of students, who played a key role in fostering environmental responsibility and stewardship within the school community. This innovative project highlights the school's commitment to promoting sustainable practices and encouraging eco-conscious behavior among its students. 3. GHSS Khanyar Eco Club Students Create Groundwater Replenishing Area and Compost Pit Students of GHSS Khanyar in Kashmir have launched a commendable initiative by setting up groundwater replenishing areas and compost pits on their school campus. Alongside these sustainable projects, the students have also shown a keen interest in identifying and naming local species of flora and fauna, further fostering a deeper connection with nature. This initiative reflects their commitment to environmental stewardship and promotes eco-conscious practices within the school community. 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

Newsletter (March-April 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 Teachers' Training Program Sparks Action in Maharashtra Schools In March 2025, Secondary and Higher Secondary Vidyamandir, Poladpur (District Raigad), conducted its first activity under the Teachers' Training Program (TTP), a flagship initiative by The Climate Project Foundation in partnership with Rayat Shikshan Sanstha, Satara. Students were guided by trained teachers to monitor and record the daily Air Quality Index (AQI), cultivating awareness around air quality and environmental responsibility. A creative session further encouraged students to repurpose old clothes into foot mats—an initiative that aimed to reduce dust in classrooms while promoting sustainable, hands-on learning. This marks a milestone as schools from the Raigad district participated in the TTP for the first time. The program, designed to equip educators with the tools to teach climate change effectively, is now active across 20 campuses. The enthusiastic response from students at Vidyamandir Poladpur not only reflects the positive influence of the workshop but also demonstrates how young minds, when empowered, can lead meaningful change. These small yet impactful steps are nurturing a generation of environmentally conscious citizens ready to take action. Teachers' Training at Mater Dei School Empowers Educators for Climate Action On April 24–25, 2024, 67 educators from Mater Dei School, New Delhi, came together for an intensive Teachers' Training Program conducted by the Climate Reality Project under its flagship Green Campus Program. Led by Ms. Rekha Lalla, the sessions introduced the framework of the Green Campus Program, designed to integrate sustainability into school operations through audits in key areas—air, water, waste, energy, biodiversity, climate innovation, and community outreach. Teachers explored their vital role in driving this transformation by guiding students and shaping long-term, climate-conscious school practices. Through a structured five-step approach—orientation, environmental audit, implementation of green practices, student engagement, and progress tracking—participants learned to initiate and sustain meaningful environmental changes on campus. The training emphasized forming eco-committees, conducting waste and energy audits, and encouraging student-led green innovations. The program also highlighted the long-term benefits of sustainability, from reduced utility bills to the development of a healthier learning environment. With strong teacher involvement and practical tools, Mater Dei is now poised to become a model of climate-smart education and community leadership. CLIMATE CHANGE ENGAGEMENTS & ADVOCACY Reality Tour Comes to India: A Transformative Climate Training in New Delhi As part of the global ‘Reality Tour – 2025’ commemorating a decade since the Paris Agreement, The Climate Reality Project brought its signature climate leadership training to New Delhi this April in a new format. On the basis of showcasing their climate action commitments, 120 passionate individuals were selected to join a powerful day of learning, networking, and climate action. The training featured an inspiring virtual keynote by former US Vice President and Nobel Laureate Al Gore, who emphasized the urgency of phasing out fossil fuels and accelerating the global energy transition. He concluded on a positive note about the importance of individual actions, which should never be belittled and instead need to be encouraged in every possible form and format. Regional experts, mentors, and senior Climate Reality Leaders shared deep insights into South Asia’s climate journey, amplifying voices from the Global South. From interactive group sessions to the symbolic ‘Pin Graduation’ ceremony, the day offered a truly memorable and action-oriented experience. With 101 new leaders added to the global network of 56,000+, the event stood as a testament to the growing momentum for climate action in the region—delivered with precision, passion, and purpose. Here are some of the glimpses: Celebrating Young Climate Leaders On 4th March 2025, the ClimAct Initiative, in collaboration with UNESCO, hosted the Graduation Ceremony of the Climate Leadership Programme, honoring 41 young climate leaders for their inspiring work and commitment to sustainability. The event featured a showcase of the top five projects, spotlighting innovative, youth-led solutions to pressing climate challenges. Representing The Climate Project Foundation (TCPF), Mr. Bhavesh Swami and Dr. Sakshi Grover engaged in dynamic conversations on collaboration and shared TCPF’s flagship initiatives—Youth for Earth 2025 and Youth 4 COP 2025. The event fostered meaningful networking, including discussions with Ms. Heeta Lakhani (ClimAct Initiative), Mr. Abhinav (UNESCO), and Mr. Shravan Kumar (We Naturalist), paving the way for potential partnerships to strengthen youth engagement and climate action across South Asia. Earth Day Celebrations – 2025 Though we believe that every day should be treated as Earth Day, the 55th World Earth Day served as a powerful reminder of our collective responsibility toward the planet that selflessly nurtures us. From honoring nature’s generous offerings to engaging citizens across age groups, The Climate Project Foundation (TCPF) marked the day with a spectrum of impactful activities. Events ranged from keynote addresses, expert sessions, seminars, interactive workshops, art activities, to storytelling and pledge ceremonies—all emphasizing the urgency of climate action and the role each of us plays. Whether through the inspiring leadership of Ms. Rekha Lalla in Chandigarh and Delhi, or Mr. Bhavesh Swami’s clean energy engagements with CSE and Climate Asia, the message remained consistent—our actions, no matter how small, can contribute to a greener future. From Darjeeling to Kulgam, Pune to Lucknow, and Delhi to Chennai, Climate Reality Leaders across India galvanized communities—be it through educational seminars, stakeholder discussions, or hands-on training. Children battling cancer painted a greener tomorrow at Cankids Lucknow, while students in Darjeeling pledged to embrace sustainable lifestyles inspired by the powerful Al Gore climate presentation. Leaders like Mr. Aadil Bhat and Mr. Shivkumar Krishnamoorthy tackled region-specific challenges and engaged working professionals in forward-thinking climate discussions. Others like Krunal Negandhi at the “Save the Earth Conclave” and Nikhil Kamath through literary advocacy showed how diverse approaches—from policymaking to storytelling—can amplify environmental consciousness. Earth Day 2025 was not just a celebration, it was a movement—lived, led, and loved by a wide spectrum of people united in purpose. HIGHLIGHTS Highlight: Climate Reality Leader in action Anand Pendharkar Climate Reality Leader Anand Pendharkar continues to spark change by bringing critical issues to the forefront. As a jury member at the 20th Asian Women’s Film Festival, themed "Voices of Change: Gender and Climate Resilience", he celebrated powerful narratives from the margins and led a session on "Climate Stories of the Marginalised" at the conclave. Partnering with Aradhya Sardesai, he inspired young changemakers during a dynamic workshop for PUKAR Youth Fellows on youth leadership and ecological justice. He also led a Mangrove Awareness Workshop in Virar, empowering local communities to protect vital coastal ecosystems. Nita Ganguly Nita Ganguly, National Coordinator for Waste Management at Climate Reality India and South Asia, led an engaging Climate Reality session at Base Hospital Barrackpore (BHBKP). Interacting with the wives of officers, jawans, and nursing officers, she highlighted the critical role of responsible waste management in combating climate change. The session sparked thoughtful discussions and practical takeaways, empowering participants to become sustainability champions in their communities—proving once again how grassroots action drives meaningful climate impact. Read the article by Rituraj Phukan, National Coordinator, Biodiversity on “The Melting Glaciers-A stark warning from Nature” Checkout Our Previous Newsletters 2022 2022 2023 2023 2024 2024 2025 2025 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 January - February Newsletter 2025