CLIMATE REALITY LEADERS COP29: CLIMATE REALITY LEADERS UNITING FOR GLOBAL CLIMATE ACTION As COP29 unfolds in Baku, Azerbaijan, the world watches closely. Leaders and delegates from nearly every nation have gathered from November 11 to 22, 2024, to forge a common path forward against the relentless advance of global warming. This year, all eyes are on the negotiations for the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG), a new climate finance commitment aimed at mobilizing substantial support for developing countries. The $100 billion pledged yearly since 2020, though a milestone, is now recognized as insufficient in the face of the intensifying climate crisis. Delegates from the Global South, particularly those from vulnerable regions, are pressing for financing that is not just a loan but a lifeline — grants, low-interest loans, and long-term solutions that balance adaptation, mitigation, and the addressing of loss and damage. “This is about justice”, a delegate from a small island nation declares. “We contribute the least to global warming, yet we bear its brunt.” A powerful contingent of Climate Reality Leaders from India and South Asia, over 18 strong, stands at the forefront, pushing for urgent action and equitable policies. Among them are young achievers from the Youth 4 COP initiative, representing a generation that refuses to remain silent. Together, they amplify the call for climate justice, a rallying cry that echoes across negotiations and into the hearts of leaders and citizens worldwide. As the conference progresses, the world waits in anticipation, hopeful for a breakthrough that could reshape the climate future for all. Who are Climate Reality Leaders? Climate Reality Leaders are a diverse group of passionate individuals who have come together to solve the greatest challenge of our time i.e. “climate crisis”. These leaders come from all walks of life like activists, educators, cultural leaders, organizers, scientists, or storytellers committed towards building a sustainable future together. Climate Reality Leaders (CRLs) are personally trained by the Nobel Laureate and former Vice President of USA Al Gore and learn from the world renowned scientists and communicators during Climate Reality Leadership Corps. How to Become a Climate Reality Leader You see our climate changing and injustice growing across the planet. You want to make a difference. Join the Climate Reality Leadership Corps of activists and learn how by attending a future Climate Reality Leader training led by Al Gore and a team of world-renowned scientists, activists, innovators, and more. Bring your courage, commitment, and passion. Leave with the knowledge and tools to shape public opinion, inspire action in your community, and lead the global fight for solutions. CLIMATE REALITY LEADERSHIP CORPS Get Updates on Upcoming Trainings Subscribe Thanks for subscribing! Spotlight Play Video Play Video Play Video Play Video Play Video Play Video Play Video Play Video National Coordinators Our Climate Reality Leaders from India and South Asia are constantly devoted to working towards climate change. Amongst them, some of the Climate Reality Leaders have been enthusiastically and effectively working towards mitigating the climate crisis. These leaders have been chosen and appointed as the National Coordinators who are the flag bearers and experts in various domains. They are also acting as the mentors for other climate reality leaders, guiding them through the way with their experience. SHOP ALKA TOMAR National Coordinator, Media SHOP FAWZIA TARANNUM National Coordinator, Water SHOP NIKHIL KAMATH National Coordinator, Communication SHOP PRAFULLA KUMAR DHAL National Coordinator, Climate Disaster and Livelihood SHOP SEEMA BALI National Coordinator, Sustainability Education SHOP SWAYAMPRABHA DAS National Coordinator, Marine Ecosystems SHOP ANSHITA National Coordinator, Communications SHOP G. KRISHNAKUMAR National Coordinator, Just Transition SHOP NITA GANGULY National Coordinator, Waste Management SHOP RAJ MOHAN National Coordinator, Reforestation SHOP SHEETAL ANTIL National Coordinator, Nature Based Solutions SHOP VIKRANT SRIVASTAVA National Coordinator, International Cooperation/COP SHOP DR. BHARTI CHHIBBER National Coordinator, Sustainability Education SHOP MADHU BHATNAGAR National Coordinator, Sustainability Education SHOP DR. POOJA CHOPRA National Coordinator, Biodiversity SHOP RITURAJ PHUKAN National Coordinator, Biodiversity SHOP SHIVAM SINGH National Coordinator, Youth Engagement SHOP VIVEK TRIVEDI National Coordinator, Climate Disaster and Livelihood SHOP ELSIE GABRIEL National Coordinator, Ocean Conservation SHOP NEERAJ CHAWLA National Coordinator, Renewable Energy SHOP PRADEEP KARUTURI National Coordinator, E Mobility SHOP SATHYA NATARAJAN National Coordinator, Urban Spaces SHOP SUMIT RAMESH ARORA National Coordinator, Waste and Circular Economy

Winners of Youth for Earth 2019 1st Winner Team - Our Common Future 10 Students of Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, Gujarat restored a stream called Bhukhi nallah which flows through the centre of University covering 1.8 km distance. The students firstly did a quality assessment of the water and then with the help of volunteers removed the waste from and around the stream. This waste was then used for vermicomposting, upcycled and rest was sent to be gasified. They also organised community-based awareness programs, cleanliness and greening drives resulting in a clean and biodiversity rich stream. 2nd Winner Team - Stercus 04 students of Infant Jesus, MHS School Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu developed a cost-effective food composter called STERCUS, using which food waste can be processed and converted into compost. They took the help of a welder to convert a metal drum into a composter. They also spread awareness amongst the students to reduce the food wastage. Now, with the help of their composter, STERCUS they are able to convert 250 kg of food waste into compost every month. 3rd Winner Team - LSPS Eco Freak 09 Students of Lakshmipat Singhania School, Odisha created a foot operated hand sanitizer dispenser for the small businessmen of their city so that customers can take the services without worrying during the COVID times and these small businessmen do not have to experience loss. The students created these dispensers with the waste products easily available in our houses like plastic bottle, pipe/wooden stick, and cotton/jute rope. 1st Runner-Up Team - Earth Warrior 07 Students of Ramjas School, RK Puram took it upon themselves to do something about the poor quality of air. They did street plays, dance performers and organised a rally in their community to spread awareness about clean air. They also organised an interactive session with the drivers to discuss idling of the vehicles which causes pollution. They joined hands with organisations to get air quality sensors installed in their school. 2nd Runner-Up Team - Waste Troopers 09 Students of KIIT University, Bhubaneswar took a project on reducing the wastage of papers. They collected more than 300 used notebooks after the end of the term and segregated the used and unused pages. Then the segregated pages were sent for recycling and with the unused pages the students created 200 notebooks which were distributed amongst the under privileged children. Go Back

STUDENTS’ CLIMATE ACTION CONFERENCE The program aims to nurture a generation of climate-conscious young leaders by encouraging students to critically observe their surroundings, identify pressing environmental challenges, and articulate locally grounded solutions. It seeks to strengthen students’ ability to learn from lived community experiences, communicate climate impacts clearly, and confidently present their ideas in dialogue with peers and experts, fostering informed action and leadership on climate issues. 177 Schools participated 354 Students participated 09 States covered 10000 Social Media reach Impact Stories Impact Stories Students' Climate Action Conference 2025 The Students Climate Action Conference (SCAC) 2025 concluded as a multi-regional, youth-led initiative that brought together students from across India to identify local climate vulnerabilities and propose solutions through video storytelling and dialogue. Conducted in a hybrid format, the conference engaged 550 participants from 177 schools across nine states: Tamil Nadu, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Kashmir, Maharashtra, Telangana, Odisha, Delhi, and West Bengal. A total of 354 students actively participated across online and offline sessions, making SCAC 2025 a strong platform for amplifying youth voices on climate action at the regional level. The program began with two workshops by the experts. The first one on climate change, science, impacts & solutions and second one on ‘how to effectively communicate your climate story’ led by The Climate Reality Project India & South Asia. Students then produced three-minute videos capturing climate impacts in their own communities, with many going beyond the brief to engage local stakeholders. Award sessions were held physically in Tamil Nadu, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Odisha, alongside online judging for Kashmir, Maharashtra, Telangana, and West Bengal, resulting in 25 top teams across all centres. SCAC 2025 strengthened climate literacy, nurtured youth leadership, and created a growing repository of student-led climate stories that can inform and inspire future climate awareness and action. Download Report Download Report Capacity-Building Workshops Students' Video Challenge Play Video Play Video 03:11 Play Video Play Video 03:11 Play Video Play Video 04:10 Play Video Play Video 03:18 Play Video Play Video 03:12 Play Video Play Video 03:12 View Full Playlist Winners List Winners List K-IIT World School, Gurugram Vega School, Gurugram Ryan International School, Vasant Kunj, Delhi KIIT World School, Pitampura, Delhi Bluebells School International, Delhi HARYANA / DELHI Mayoor School, Noida DAV Public School, Ghaziabad Sapphire International School, Noida St. Xavier’s High School, Greater Noida The Khaitan School, Noida UTTAR PRADESH GTA Vidhya Mandir, Chennai San Academy, Velacher Sree Gokulam Public School, Chengalpattu Vels Vidyashram Senior Secondary School, Chennai Maharishi International School, Sriperumbudur TAMIL NADU DAV Public School, Paradeep Port Mother’s Public School, Bhubaneswar Mother’s Public School, Unit-1, Bhubaneswar Mothers’ Public School, Puri DPS Kalinga, Cuttack D.A.V Vedanta International School, Lanjigarh ODISHA Birla Open Minds International School, Hyderabad Boys Middle School, Zadibal, J&K Govt. Girls Higher Secondary School, Srinagar, J&K Shiksha Sangh HS School, Darjeeling St. Teresa’s Girls’ Higher Secondary School, Darjeeling MIXED GROUP Students' Climate Action Conference 2024 The first edition of the Students Climate Action Conference 2024 served as the pilot edition of the program and marked a strong beginning, with seven schools from seven different states emerging as winners across multiple categories. The winning teams stood out for their thoughtful exploration of local climate issues, with some presenting in-depth community interviews that reflected a strong understanding of ground realities, while others creatively used social media to amplify their stories, earning the ‘Most Popular School’ recognition. We extend our sincere congratulations to all participating students for their commitment to climate action. As the pilot edition, their efforts in identifying local challenges, engaging with their communities, and translating learning into action helped shape the model for future editions of the conference and continue to inspire the next generation of young climate leaders. Watch Videos Watch Videos Testimonials - Dr. J Sundar Principal, GT Aloha Vidhya Mandir, Chennai, Tamil Nadu The jury members were very insightful in the whole process of questioning and motivation. More than 4000 students participated. Students’ questions were answered and the conference ended with motivating words by the judges. Gallery

Newsletter (January-February 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! Session on Climate Change & Green Campus Program at Fergusson College An interactive workshop was conducted for the students and faculty members of the Department of Environmental Science, Fergusson College, Pune by Dr. Amruta Deshmukh. The Fergusson College, Pune has joined hands with The Climate Project Foundation under the Green Campus Program. Students are working on the various activities under the Green Campus Program. The presentation and student interaction aimed at introducing them to the Green Campus Program, guiding them regarding the GCP activities, and solving their doubts regarding the activities they are currently conducting. Around 85 students attended the session. Climate Policy for Jammu & Kashmir A meeting was conducted with the advocates of Kashmir to discuss the need for a Climate Policy exclusively for Kashmir as the state is changing with no snowfall during the winter to less snowfall. Ms. Rekha Lalla gave a presentation on climate change and explained all the lawyers working on ground levels in Kashmir, about how global climate change scenario also impacts the scenario in Kashmir. Around 55 advocates, on ground personnels working in the field of sustainability joined the meeting and had a long discussion on planning a Climate Policy for all residents of Kashmir & educational Institutes. GCP Skill Share Teacher Exchange Program Green Campus Program - Skill Share Teacher Exchange Program is an interstate exchange program can offer all schools an opportunity to experience different cultures, learn new languages and gain valuable life skills. The first GCP Skill Share TEP meeting was held on 27th January 2024, which was attended by Tagore International School, EOK Delhi & Mothers Public School, Odisha. A Teacher exchange program is a structured educational program that temporarily allows Teachers from one educational institution to learn from another institution about their best practices in the domain of Climate Change, GCP and Science-Social Sciences. The programme discussed how to help people adapt their lives and livelihoods to our changing climate, protect themselves from the increasing risks of disasters caused by climate change, and become more aware of, and resilient to, current and future climate shocks. They will understand how the GCP has broadened their view and learn about the climate resilience of that state in India. Environment & Sustainability Audit Workshop with Colleges A “Environment & Sustainability Audit Workshop” was conducted for the colleges from 18th – 20th January 2024. It includes systematic identification, recording and analysis of components related to sustainable development of an educational institution to preserve for future generations. Ms. Rekha Lalla conducted an Online Workshops for three consecutive days 18th,19th & 20th Jan 2024 from 3 to 5pm to involve the students and lecturers at colleges of Maharashtra in audit process. 183 students and faculty joined the audit training. The process has three important stages such as pre audit stage, audit stage and post audit stage. The steps for audit of educational institutions are as follows: - Study of present regulations and structure. Examine the previous infrastructure and do a comparative bon energy, waste, water & biodiversity analysis. Submit your report and then take actions. Noting of provisions applicable. Evaluation of internal control system. Teachers’ Training Program for Ajeenkya D Y Patil University, Pune An online Teachers’ Training Program was conducted for the faculty members and students at Ajeenkya D Y Patil University (ADYPU) as a part of the Green Campus Program. Ms. Rekha Lalla, Lead - Green Campus Program, The Climate Project Foundation discussed the science, impact, and solutions to the climate change crisis. Dr. Amruta Deshmukh introduced the need for climate action and the Green Campus Program for Higher Education Institutions and how it aligns with UGC & NAAC norms. She emphasized how the participation of HEIs, and the young generation can catalyse the target of Net Zero. Youth Mobilisation for Climate Action at GD Goenka University The GD Goenka University partnered with The Climate Project Foundation (TCPF) to host a one-day event on, “Climate Change and the Role of Youth in Addressing it”, on National Youth Day. The session was attended by the students as well as faculty from various departments. Mr. Bhavesh from TCPF discussed climate change crisis, global warming, and reasons for calamities like flooding and desertification. This sparked curiosity among students. He then presented sustainable solutions such as solar-powered battery-based bicycles, efficient cookstoves, and concepts like slow and eco-tourism to raise awareness within communities. Dr. Rekha Singh from ECPFO spoke about Mission LiFE and a sustainable future, while Dr. Nihal Siddiqui conducted a campus tour, showcasing the Fire Drill Ground established under the Centre of Excellence- Occupational Health & Safety. The orientation concluded with the vision of the Vice-Chancellor, Kim Menezes, who wants to make GD Goenka University a climate-active and leading Green Campus. Teachers’ Training Program in Symbiosis Institute of Management Studies, Pune An online Teachers’ Training Program (TTP) was conducted for the faculty members and students at Symbiosis Institute of Management Studies (SIMS), Pune as a part of The Green Campus Program. Ms. Rekha Lalla from The Climate Project Foundation discussed the science, impacts, and solutions of the climate crisis, emphasizing zoonotic diseases, extreme weather, and viable solutions, and shared how the Green Campus Program (GCP) can address the issues. Dr. Amruta Deshmukh threw light on how HEIs play a critical role in this, how the GCP aligns with UGC and NAAC norms, and emphasized youth engagement. GCP Committee Meeting (Online) with HEIs Online Green Campus Program (GCP) committee meeting was held with core committee members of the following colleges: GMN College, Ambala Cantt., Haryana Maharashtra College of Arts, Science & Commerce (MCASC), Maharashtra Maharaja Agrasen University (MAU-Baddi), Himachal Pradesh Ajeenkya University, Maharashtra SD College, Ambala Cantt., Haryana Goswami Ganesh Dutta Sanatan Dharma College, Chandigarh NMITD, Mumbai USTM, Meghalaya Dr. Sakshi Grover underlined the need of “Green Campus Program” for Higher Education Institutions and how it would benefit the college community and the students. She also advocated the alignment of the Green Campus Program with UGC, NAAC and Mission LiFE norms. Mr. Bhavesh Swami explained about the future avenues for the student community regarding the green skills & training, green jobs, and startups. Online session on “Smart City & Greening of Campuses” with NITTTR, Chandigarh National Institute of Technical Teachers Training & Research (NITTTR), Chandigarh organised an Online one-week Faculty Development Program on “Sustainable Cities & Communities.” Speakers & panellists from various institutions & organisations were invited to discuss Smart & Sustainable cities with students & faculty members. Mr. Bhavesh Swami from The Climate Project Foundation gave the presentation on “Importance of Green Campuses for Smart & Sustainable city model.” More than 15 faculty members & 70+ students attended the session of knowledge. MoU Signing with Ajeenkya DY Patil University The Climate Project Foundation (TCPF) successfully signed MoU with Ajeenkya DY Patil University (ADYPU), Pune, Maharashtra under the Green Campus Program. During the MoU Signing ceremony, Mr. Aditya Pundir, Director, TCPF discussed beneficial future seminars/ programs we are planning under student development and engagement and how GCP will be helping the institute to reach of our common goal of a sustainable future. All the members of ADYPU promised their commitment to GCP with the active participation of students from their NSS wing. Panel Discussion on Sustainable Fashion and Climate Justice at NIFT, Bhubaneswar On 1st February 2024, National Institute of Fashion Technology – Bhubaneswar, Odisha conducted a panel discussion on Climate Justice and Sustainable Fashion. The panel discussion began with how fashion, especially fast fashion industry impacts global GHG emissions and hence, it is imperative to look at the triple bottom line (People, Planet & Profit) in a much more balanced way. Additionally, the light was thrown on how climate justice can be embedded in. The session was designed by Professor Dr. Binay Bhushan Jena for the students and faculty members of the institute. Dr. Jena is known for establishing Farm to Fashion concept at NIFT-Bhubaneswar. Mr. Prafulla Dhal, National Coordinator – Climate Disaster and Livelihood, The Climate Project Foundation; and Ms. Smruti S Samantray, Manager – Communications and Collaborations, The Climate Project Foundation were invited as the panellists, among others. Mr. Dhal spoke about the need for climate change mitigation in Odisha and how climate justice can be aligned with it. Ms. Samantray spoke about how design students can contribute towards the journey of sustainability and bring in an impactful transformation in the purchasing behaviour of the society while shedding light on green jobs. Celebrating National Science Day at Mount Abu School, Delhi In India, 28th February marks as National Science Day, celebrating Sir C.V. Raman's groundbreaking discovery of the Raman Effect, which revolutionized our understanding of light-matter interaction. To commemorate this, The Climate Project Foundation organized an event in association with the Mount Abu School, Rohini, Delhi. Ms. Rekha Lalla emphasized the importance of environmental conservation to students, discussing environmental degradation and actionable steps they can take to preserve it. The students engaged proactively in the dialogue, sharing their perspectives on the current state of climate change. Teachers Training Program in Odisha This February, The Mother’s Public School, Bhubaneswar, Odisha organized a Teachers’ Training Program in their campus, in association with The Climate Project Foundation, as a part of Green Campus Program initiative. It was an extensive workshop that went on for two days, and exclusively for the teachers. Teachers from 5 branches of the Mother’s Public School-Odisha were present for 2 days to learn and exchange their views, participate in group presentations, and integrate activities in their curriculum. The Mother’s Public School has Climate Change as their topic for all their activities, around the year. Audit Workshop for Sethu Institute of Technology, Madurai The Climate Project Foundation recently conducted an audit workshop at the Sethu Institute of Technology, Madurai, to impart knowledge about green auditing. This process assesses environmental practices both on and off campus, impacting the atmosphere directly or indirectly. Green auditing systematically identifies, quantifies, records, reports, and analyses components of the college environment. The objective was to involve the students in environmental auditing, helping them understand their institution's carbon footprint and resource consumption. It also educates them on aspects like plant diversity, pollution reduction, and soil preservation. Green auditing contributes to biodiversity protection, landscape management, water conservation, and natural topography maintenance. The workshop engaged 40 students and their professors, beginning with an overview of global energy, waste, and climate change scenarios, followed by discussions on India's current situation. MoU Signed with HEIs in Mumbai We recently signed an MoU with the Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) in Mumbai: A.G.S College of Education; and Vikas College of Arts, Science & Commerce to collaborate on implementing SDGs "Green Campus Program" & "Faculty Development Program". TCPF actively supports UN's SDGs, aligning with India's national implementation efforts. Our focus includes sustainable development, climate solutions, and making Indian campuses carbon neutral. This partnership aims to spread awareness of climate change and environmental sustainability through the "Faculty Development Program." Teachers’ Training Program at Symbiosis Centre for Management Studies A Teachers’ Training Program was conducted under the Green Campus Program (GCP) for Symbiosis Centre for Management Studies (SCMS), Pune to discuss Sustainability and ESG, and to guide about GCP, processes involved in the same, and the roadmap. SCMS Pune is registered with us under the GCP. Mr. Bhavesh Swami discussed Sustainability and ESG (Environmental Social Governance). After a quick overview of TCPF, he delivered a short but impactful presentation about sustainability, current ESG trends in business, and the need for climate education among students. The talk was designed for the management students. Dr. Amruta Deshmukh gave an overview of the Green Campus Program for HEIs and introduced the need for climate action. She explained the objectives and explained the alignment with NAAC and UGC circulars. She also explained the GCP roadmap and work done by other HEIs under GCP in detail. Webinar on World Wetlands Day A webinar on the eve of World Wetlands Day was organized by The Climate Project Foundation. The theme of the webinar was, “Wetlands & Human Wellbeing.” The webinar was attended by 500+ participants, including the faculty & students from various colleges. Ms. Sumaiya Mamun, an urban planner, addressed wetland issues and conservation measures, highlighting threats to mangroves, swamps, and marshes from anthropogenic activities. She discussed landscape topography in India and Bangladesh and the threat of microplastics to species. She also outlined government sector initiatives for conservation. Mr. Raj Mohan, of Sustainable Green Initiative, emphasized tree importance and showcased plantation drives across India, transforming barren landscapes into green spaces with 60 million trees planted for climate action. His focus on sapling distribution engaged local residents in restoration efforts. Acts of Leadership by Climate Reality Leaders Rituraj Phukan Mr. Rituraj Phukan, National Coordinator, Biodiversity - The Climate Project Foundation has penned down an article, “Impact of COP28 on India: Global stocktake and the challenge of balancing economic growth with climate responsibilities,” which was published in The CSR Universe. Click here to read it: He has also written an editorial on “The COP28 Conundrum” published in The Financial Express. Click here to read it. Anand Pendharkar SPROUTS led by Mr. Anand Pendharkar, restarted its Monthly Lecture Series into its 12th year, with an expert, Dr. Aprit Bansal on Photographing Birds around the World, on Fri Jan 19, 2024. Anand Pendharkar also conducted a Bird Walk on Jan 29, 2024, Birds of Shikha Eco -Learning Village, Odisha with Happy Hands School for the Deaf, School students & teachers. Our Leaders at The Climate Conference 2024 Ms. Elsie Gabriel, Ms. Nita Ganguly, and Mr. Anand Pendharkar were invited at The Climate Conference, 2024 organised by MoEFCC in partnership with Avana Climate & sustainability Fund on 12th January at Taj Santacruz. They interacted & deliberated on Financing sustainability endeavours. Prafulla Dhal Mr. Prafulla Dhal, National Coordinator, Climate Disaster and Livelihood - The Climate Project Foundation, conducted an eco-walk for sustainable coastal ecosystems in Odisha with 1100 village organisations 700 km coastal length and 2000 schools, colleges and FPOs covered and 600000 rural participants. This eco-walk is intended to carry on for 4 months and has begun from Ganjam to reach Balasore via Puri, Khordha, Jagatsinghpur, and Bhadrak. Gaurav Sharma Mr. Gaurav Sharma partnered with ACIC-VGU Foundation for Calling applications for Eco-friendly & Sustainable Lifestyle Accelerator. Nita Ganguly Ms. Nita Ganguly, National Coordinator, Waste Management - The Climate Project Foundation, was invited as a Guest Speaker & trainer by DES Kirti M Doongursee College for an workshop on Bio- Enzymes on 20th February at their Biology Lab. Read Our Latest Blogs COP28 Blog Series By Rituraj Phukan By Sagar Kalra By Tasnia Ahmed By Parth Joshi Checkout Our Previous Newsletters November - December Newsletter 2023 September - October Newsletter 2023 July - August Newsletter 2023 March - April Newsletter 2023 November - December Newsletter 2022 May - June Newsletter 2023 January - February Newsletter 2023 September - October Newsletter 2022

The Climate Reality Project - South Asia South Asian countries are among the world's most significant and diverse biodiversity hotspots. This region boasts an array of geographical wonders, including the Sundarbans, the world's largest mangrove forest; the coral reefs of Lakshadweep in India; Sri Lanka, surrounded by the Indian Ocean; and Bhutan's expansive Eastern Himalayan Alpine Shrubs and Meadows. Despite its rich ethnic and ecological landscapes, the region is highly vulnerable to climate change, posing significant risks to its residents. Each year, climate change increasingly affects South Asian countries with prolonged heat waves, floods, and droughts, continuously disrupting the lives of people in the region. Bangladesh is particularly at risk, emphasizing the critical need for climate adaptation. Sri Lanka faces escalating climate impacts alongside an unprecedented economic crisis, directly affecting livelihoods. India experiences relentless rains, coastal disasters, and disrupted wind patterns and monsoons, making life increasingly challenging for its population. According to the IPCC Climate Change Mitigation Report 2022, rapid transformation across all sectors is necessary to prevent the worst climate impacts. The Climate Project Foundation is unifying efforts across these South Asian countries by fostering cross-country collaborations and working with stakeholders. By understanding the unique needs of each region, the foundation aims to influence lifestyles and behaviors to mitigate climate change effectively. BANGLADESH Climate Action in Bangladesh > Bangladesh, a country highly vulnerable to the impacts of global warming due to its low-lying geography and dense population. Rising sea levels threaten to inundate vast coastal areas, displacing millions of people and disrupting agriculture, which is a cornerstone of the nation's economy. Increased frequency and severity of cyclones, floods, and storm surges exacerbate these issues, leading to loss of life, property damage, and economic instability. This necessitates climate action with a multi-faceted approach focusing on both mitigation and adaptation strategies. Raising awareness about climate change is a fundamental step in triggering effective climate action. Learn how The Climate Reality Project India & South Asia is planning to effectively implement it. NEPAL Climate Action in Nepal > Nepal, nestled in the heart of the Himalayas, faces unique challenges in the wake of climate change. With its diverse geography, from towering mountains to low-lying plains, the country experiences a wide range of climate impacts. Glacial melting in the Himalayas poses threats of floods and landslides, while erratic weather patterns disrupt agriculture, the backbone of Nepal's economy. Shifts in precipitation patterns and temperatures affect crop yields, leading to reduced agricultural productivity and income for rural communities. Moreover, the changing climate in Nepal is altering the dynamics of its fragile ecosystems, posing threats to biodiversity and freshwater resources. This has serious implications for both human and wildlife populations, as access to clean water becomes increasingly scarce, and habitats are disrupted. The vulnerability of marginalized communities, particularly those living in remote and mountainous regions, is further exacerbated by limited access to resources and infrastructure. BHUTAN Climate Action in Bhutan > Bhutan, a Himalayan nation known for its pristine landscapes and rich biodiversity, is facing significant impacts of climate change. The melting of glaciers threatens the country's water resources, crucial for hydropower generation and agriculture. This jeopardizes both energy security and food production, key pillars of Bhutan's economy. Furthermore, changing weather patterns exacerbate the risk of natural disasters like floods and landslides, leading to infrastructure damage and loss of lives. Additionally, shifts in temperature and precipitation patterns disrupt ecosystems, endangering unique species of flora and fauna. Bhutan, despite its commitment to environmental conservation, faces escalating challenges due to climate change. These impacts require concerted efforts to adapt to changing conditions, build resilience, and pursue sustainable development pathways, ensuring the preservation of Bhutan's natural heritage for future generations. SRI LANKA Climate Action in Sri Lanka > Sri Lanka, an island nation in the Indian Ocean, faces significant climate change impacts, particularly in coastal areas where rising sea levels lead to erosion and saltwater intrusion, threatening communities and livelihoods reliant on fishing and tourism. Changing rainfall patterns affect agriculture, causing crop failures and food insecurity, while extreme weather events like floods and droughts damage infrastructure and homes. Climate change also impacts public health, increasing vector-borne diseases such as dengue fever and malaria. Habitat loss, deforestation, and pollution threaten Sri Lanka's biodiversity, disproportionately affecting vulnerable communities and exacerbating social and economic inequalities. It requires integrated strategies focusing on building resilience, promoting sustainable development and adapting to changing conditions to mitigate the effects of climate change. Leadership at South Asian Countries To understand the local impact of climate change in South Asian countries, The Climate Project Foundation has appointed country representatives; who are helping us understand the mitigation strategies in their respective countries. Nepal Mr. Phurpa Lama Country Coordinator Contact Sri Lanka Ms. Kanchana Weerakoon Country Coordinator Contact

SCAC 2025 Impact Stories ODISHA: A STORY OF DISAPPEARING VILLAGES AND RISING COURAGE While creating their video for the Students’ Climate Action Conference, a team from DPS Odisha stumbled upon a powerful truth—of the ten coastal villages they set out to document, two had already vanished beneath rising seawater. Shocked by the scale of climate-driven displacement, the students felt compelled to act. Beyond the competition, they created a dedicated website to document these disappearing villages and share credible information with peers, educators, and local communities. Their initiative quickly grew into a collective movement. Parents, teachers, and the school principal amplified the effort, supporting tree plantation drives, cleanliness campaigns, and wider dissemination of the students’ work. What began as a project for a three-minute video evolved into a sustained community-led climate action effort. View Video TAMILNADU: WHEN LEARNING TURNED INTO LEADERSHIP In Tamil Nadu, students took their conference learning far beyond the assignment by forming Student-Led Climate Action Clubs within their schools. These clubs quickly became active hubs where students trained their peers, engaged with local communities, and promoted climate awareness, adaptation measures, and everyday sustainable practices. Through these clubs, students deepened their understanding of local climate vulnerabilities and emerged as youth climate leaders. Their efforts mobilised families, schools, and neighbourhoods, demonstrating how empowered students can spark widespread awareness and strengthen climate resilience at the grassroots level. A key driver of their success was the strong support from parents, who recognised the students’ leadership and encouraged them to continue their climate initiatives beyond school. View Video DARJEELING: STUDENT RESEARCH DRIVING LOCAL CLIMATE SOLUTIONS At St. Teresa’s School, Darjeeling, during their project work, students identified a critical ecological concern i.e. the decline in pollination linked to falling bee populations, posing risks to local agriculture and biodiversity. Recognising the urgency, students collaborated closely with local beekeepers, combining traditional knowledge with student-led inquiry to support and strengthen community beekeeping practices. Alongside this research-driven intervention, students initiated wider sustainability efforts within the school, including systematic waste segregation, awareness campaigns, promotion of the 3Rs, and household composting demonstrations. By documenting their composting units, flower gardens, and field interactions, students showcased practical climate solutions in action. The initiative highlights how conference-based research can evolve into meaningful, locally rooted climate action—empowering students to bridge science, livelihoods, and community resilience while making sustainability an integral part of everyday life. View Video Go Back

TEACHERS' TRAINING PROGRAM About the Program The Teachers’ Training Program is one of the first initiatives of The Climate Project Foundation. It is a program devised for the teachers aiming at a comprehensive approach to equip them with the knowledge, skills, and tools necessary to inculcate sustainability practices in their campuses. The Teachers’ Training Program, part of the Green Campus Programme, conducts customizable week-long modules where all teachers participate in comprehensive online or offline training workshops. This customizable training covers various domains such as energy, waste, water, biodiversity, air, climate innovation, and community outreach. Additionally, we also equip the teachers after the training with online learning and educational resources through which they can take the message of climate change deeper into the classrooms. These resources are currently available in 04 languages- English, Hindi, Marathi and Odia. 18000+ Teachers trained 21+ States 1.76 Lac Students reached Workshops Through these training workshops, the teachers gain in-depth knowledge about the science, impacts and hands-on solutions of climate change. They develop a multifaceted approach to integrate sustainability into different subjects, establishing interconnectedness and inculcate a comprehensive understanding among students through our educational resources in vernacular languages. We offer eight modules for institutes to choose from in the Teachers Training Program. The institutes can choose the modules for the workshops from the following options: Understanding Climate Change Green Campus Programme Air Quality Biodiversity Conservation Energy Conservation Waste Management Water Management Community Outreach & Climate Change Innovation Register Now Download the Brochure How the Program works Steps to Sign Up for Teachers Training Program - APPLICATION Schools may apply for the program by filling the registration form and suggest dates for the workshop. Both teaching and non-teaching staff are welcome to participate. CONFIRMATION OF DATE We will contact you to confirm the slot and clarify any doubts regarding the sessions. TRAINING Our certified trainers will take the training for the teachers in the online or offline format as suggested by the institution. CERTIFICATION All the teachers will be provided e-certificates after the completion of their trainings. Benefits and Features of the Trainings Teachers' Training Program is free of charge and requires no fees from institutions. Training will be conducted by our experts from various green sector domains. Get freely downloadable educational resources in 04 Indian Languages Get certified by a leading climate organization present in over 190 countries Get a chance to earn a platinum rating for your school/college under our Green Campus Programme. Workshop Glimpses ML Khanna D.A.V Public School, Dwarka, New Delhi TTP Session in Khalsa High School, Jammu & Kashmir TTP Session in Ghitorni, New Delhi Students attending the Climate Change session from Kashmir Teachers Training Session in Maharashtra Teachers Training session at Satara, Maharashtra Teachers Training Session in Little Flowers School, Shahdara, New Delhi Teachers participating in activity under the TTP session Teachers opting for the TTP program in physical model Teachers Training in Green Meadows School, Kashmir Teachers learning about the green initiatives in Government Girls Higher Secondary School, Kashmir Teachers participating in activities during their offline sessions of the Teachers Training Program

The Climate Reality Project India Newsletter (Nov-Dec) 2022 Our newsletter will provide updates from our programs, our fellow Climate Reality Leaders who are making difference and how each one of us can act to solve the crisis. And, we would love to know your story and act of leadership, because every action does matter. MOU Signed with Chitkara University and International Schools On 16th November 2022, The Climate Project Foundation (TCPF) signed an MOU with two Chitkara International Schools and Chitkara University. Chitkara International School stakeholders, Dr. Niyati Chitkara, Director of Chitkara International Schools, Chandigarh and Panchkula, signed the MoU with TCPF, which was executed in the Chandigarh school campus in the presence of Mr Aditya Pundir, Director – India & South Asia, TCPF and Ms. Rekha Lalla, Green School Programme Manager, TCPF. Another MOU was signed at the Chitkara College of Education, and in collaboration with Chitkara School of Psychology by Dr. Madhu. A counselling session, “an Expert Talk on Understanding the Climate Crises" was also organised. Paryavaran Rakshak Programme - A Nukkad Natak Competition As a part of its annual flagship event, GRIHA Summit 2022 (Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment), GRIHA Council organized “Paryavaran Rakshak Programme, a Nukkad Natak Competition” in partnership with The Climate Project Foundation (TCPF) with an objective to highlight the needs of involvement of students in sustainable development. The 14th GRIHA Summit was held on December 15th -16th, 2022 at the India Habitat Center, New Delhi. It anchored on the theme, “Towards Net Positive Habitats”. Ms Rekha Lalla, Manager – Green Campus Program, TCPF participated in the event and also served as a “Jury Member” for Nukkad Nataks that were presented in the prelude days of the summit, i.e. on November 18, 2022 at the Open Amphitheatre (OAT), India Habitat Centre. Nukkad Natak competition was based on the theme “Earth ko Anarth se Bachaye”. Save Aravalli Walk “Save Aravalli Walk” took place on 27th November 2022. The walk started with an orientation from Mr. Jitender Bhadana, co - founder of Save Aravalli Trust, about the richness of biodiversity in the area and also threw light on the waste management practices currently followed by people and how it is finding its last resting place in the Aravalli’s, unfortunately as they are the only open spaces available in the NCR belt. The 6-kilometres trail got to an exciting start with an identification quiz of local vs vilayati ‘kikar’ that was introduced some decades ago which created imbalance with local flora and fauna. Goats, cows, camels and other animals eat desi kikar leaves fondly leaving other variants totally untouched, hence its abundance. Moreover, the thorny bushes are a threat to wildlife as well with reported injuries to leopard cubs, deers and other bird species. Beautiful viewpoints/ selfie points came on the way as elevation was gained, including the beautiful cactus garden and the group-built comradeship among fellow trekkers, some of whom were as young as eighty years old. The discussions were also held about proposing a site for garbage in Bandwari, which is witnessing some resistance as it is releasing leachate into the soil threating the soil quality and water bodies. Bhavesh Swami, Lead Clean Energy and Engagement, The Climate Project Foundation (TCPF) shared how TCPF is bringing positive change in the society by empowering schools and colleges. The walk saw 100+ participants. Cleanliness Drive in Pune A “Cleanliness Drive Campaign” was organized in Viman Nagar, Pune with the help of youth. The drive aimed at generating awareness amongst the community to bring out clean initiatives in the locality. It was conducted as a part of Adar Poonawalla Clean City Initiative in collaboration with The Climate Project Foundation (TCPF). Along with the representatives from Adar Poonawalla, 100+ students from Symbiosis University were present in the event. The drive resulted in the collection of 300 kgs waste from the trail. Webinar on National Energy Conservation Day An online seminar on the eve of National Energy Conservation Day was held on 14th December 2022 to commemorate the National Energy Conservation Day 2022 with the theme “Energy Conservation in India 2022: Present and Future Trends.” The webinar was organized by Chitkara University and Association of Professional Social Workers & Development Practitioners (APSWDP) in partnership with The Climate Project Foundation (TCPF). The webinar was driven to talk about the understanding of energy conservation and restoration, the way forward for future trends in energy usage patterns. Mr. Bhavesh Swami, Lead Clean Energy and Engagements, TCPF, delivered a talk about what energy is and built a holistic viewpoint onto its world perspective and importance for a country like India. He threw light on what student community should be doing to be more aware in their daily lives and how small ‘driven’ actions taken individually at home or at school/university level can bring a drastic change. An interactive question and answer session was conducted with 50+ students joined the session and asked very practical questions to understand the changes they collectively need to take up as students and as groups to make a shift towards sustainable energy sources. Green Jobs Conclave 2022 On 15th December 2022, The Green Jobs conclave was held at the Symbiosis Centre for Management Studies, Pune in collaboration with The Climate Project Foundation & Adar Poonawalla Clean City and ExploreiT. It was organized to enlighten the students about Green Jobs and how they can plan their career in this domain. The Conclave started with the national anthem followed by the hosts giving a brief about the theme of the conclave. The session was organized to help the participants in building their knowledge around green economy, green careers, and green courses with experts from various colleges/universities offering allied courses. Additionally, they were also elaborated about the required skillsets. Dr. Adya Sharma, the director of SCMS Pune and the academic host for the event, addressed the audience and facilitated the guest panel. A Workshop on Green Campus Program in Gyan Anant Vidyalaya On 3rd December, a workshop was conducted in the Gyan Aanant Vidyalaya by Mobius Foundation in collaboration with The Climate Project Foundation (TCPF). The objective of the session was to introduce the teachers to our Green Campus Program so that they can carry out the audit in their premises, while explaining the audit to the Green Campus Committee. Ms. Rekha Lalla, Manager – Green Campus Program, TCPF hosted the workshop. She conducted workshops for all 40 teachers present there and gave them ideas to use the resources present in the school campus to connect students to the environment. The teachers were divided into 7 groups-Air, Water, Waste, Energy, Biodiversity, Climate innovation and Community Outreach to work with a group of students to do the audit of their existing school infrastructure. They were shown videos and work of other schools too. Teachers of each group will now have an online workshop with Mrs. Rekha Lalla to understand the process of audit and their respective topic. Checkout our previous Newsletters September - October Newsletter 2022 July - August Newsletter 2022 May - June Newsletter 2022 March - April Newsletter 2022 January - February Newsletter 2022

Newsletter (September-October) 2023 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 and Social Service-Challenges & Action Orientation at Chitkara University A “Climate Change and Social Service-Challenges & Action Orientation” was held on 28th September 2023, at Chitkara University, Chandigarh Punjab. This one-day orientation program was conducted by the Chitkara University in association with APSWDP and The Climate Project Foundation (TCPF). The speakers for the session were: Ms. Rekha Trivedi from APSWDP, who spoke on Social-prenuer; Hitesh Kumar Gulati from APSWDP, who spoke about PCR Mindset; and Bhavesh Swami from TCPF, who spoke about Climate Change Reporting. As a speaker, Hitesh K Gulati, who is also our Climate Reality Leader, spoke about the Progressive-collaborative & Resilience) mindset approach, and introduced the concept of “Joy of Confusion” when we move towards green & sustainable initiatives. The session was attended by two more Climate Reality Leaders, Vivek Trivedi & Rajiv Kumar. The orientation program was held for the students, teaching & non-teaching staff community. We carried out an e-feedback & analysis, according to which 95.05% of participants felt happy with content & structure and 93.68% of participants felt happy with knowledge & session, so overall feedback was excellent. Green Campus Program Awards Announced The GCP awards, given biannually, decided by school/college audit submissions. The program aids institutions in meeting NAAC's VII criteria, ensuring data organization and fulfilment of this requirement. In the latest cycle, we welcomed Kashmir College from Pulwama, marking a historic moment with the creation of a composting pit, a first in any Kashmiri college. They also engaged in our Faculty Development Program across five domains. With each biannual audit submission, we continue to expand across various states. Notably, St. Mary's School, Dwarka, re-applied after four years, upgrading from their 2019 Silver rating to achieve Platinum. Change and progress are evident in the surrounding areas of these institutions. Meet & Greet with Kashmir Team All the team members of Kashmir gathered in The Climate Reality Project’s office in Barakhambha, New Delhi to discuss the roadmap of climate action in Kashmir. The Kashmir Team delivered presentations highlighting their commendable efforts in Kashmir, where they have been conducting Teachers’ Training Program to enhance knowledge and raise awareness about critical environmental topics such as air quality, waste management, water conservation, energy efficiency, and biodiversity. Notably, they shared their efforts towards getting approval for 100 government schools in Kashmir, from the Government to join the Green Campus Program (GCP), aiming to comprehensively transform these educational institutions and engage them in various eco-friendly initiatives and community projects. Having already initiated work in 27 schools, the team outlined their concerns and the challenges they encounter in the region. These challenges include navigating difficult terrain due to the region's uneven landscape and the absence of adequate facilities for conducting effective teacher training programs in the schools. Kashmir’s team members also visited the Tagore International School, East of Kailash, Delhi during their stay. Tagore International School is a Gold-rated GCP Certified school, which serves as a Living Lab for many. the objective of the visit was to make the team members understand how a transformed campus looks like since GCP has recently kick-started in Kashmir, the completion of transformed campuses is yet to take place. This visit has helped them learn about our school's sustainable practices and how Green Campus Program helped in transformation of the school, students, parents, and related communities. Exclusive Orientation for GD Goenka University on Net Zero & Carbon Neutrality in Campuses The GD Goenka University, Sohna Road, Haryana invited The Climate Project Foundation (TCPF) for a workshop on Green Campus Program focusing on the Net Zero & Carbon Neutrality. Officials from admin staff gathered for an introduction to the Green Campus Program and to know how to do the green audit-and what other colleges and Universities have done. A sample of audit done by the winning educational institutions of the past years was also showcased to the committee for a better understanding. One collaborative possibility that appears here is the “Idea Exchange” programs from other institutes can be facilitated where central kitchen / low carbon projects like concentrated solar are being used for cooking food. Other waste management practices like recycling of paper can also be thought of (to be used as paper board/files for university's official usage). Committee members agreed & showed interest for a student centric sensitization program/event on introduction to climate change for Engineering & Agricultural stream student community. TCPF consents for it, to be done on any date provided by Dr. Nihal Siddiqui that is convenient for all. They shared about the sustainable practices and treatment units installed at their campus and showed interest for having paper recycling unit at their campus and ready to be crusaders of sustainability. Click here to have a glimpse of the same. Teachers’ Training Program at Scholars Global School The Teachers’ Training Program (TTP) is one of our key mitigation-based programs on The Climate Project Foundation, which creates a formative step of the Green Campus Program. Recently, we organized TTP at the Scholars Global School, Bahadurgarh. The objective of the program was to explain the Climate Change and its effect with an introduction of Green Campus Program to the stakeholders. 45 teachers attended TTP. They were immensely excited to bring in a change in school, lifestyle as well as motivate others in their network. They liked the interactive style of workshop. World EV Day Celebration with OMI Foundation The Climate Project Foundation (TCPF) and Ola Mobility Institute (OMI Foundation) collaborated on 'World EV Day' (9th Sep 2023), bringing together diverse stakeholders to discuss the maturation of the EV sector. Aishwarya Raman, Executive Director, OMI Foundation highlighted India's rapid EV market growth, with some metros achieving double-digit sales increases. Akash Gupta, CEO, Zypp Electric emphasized their focus on heavier payload vehicles and increased mileage per charge. Timsee from Race Energy noted the role of statistics and AI in future vehicle development. Aditya Pundir, Director – India & South Asia - TCPF shared their EV journey, focusing on collaboration with the government to promote schemes and incentives through social media. Dr. Annika Bose Styczynski, Associate Professor and Associate Dean, Jindal School of Government and Public Policy, OP Jindal Global University discussed the Green Jobs vertical in the EV sector. Bhavesh from TCPF addressed government initiatives in metros like Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Pune, and Ahmedabad, highlighting the significant presence of EV buses in public transport. Ashish Kundra, IAS, Principal Secretary and Commissioner, Department of Transport, Government of NCT of Delhi discussed the success of the lease model in Delhi's Department of Transport, while Narendra Nath Veluri, IFS, CEO, ANERT, Government of Kerala highlighted Kerala's acceptance of the 'Water Metro' concept. Mr. Vishnu V., IAS, MD and CEO, Guidance Tamil Nadu, Government of Tamil Nadu shared insights on incentives provided to the manufacturing sector, and governments initiatives. Dr. Christoph Wolff, , CEO, Smart Freight Centre, Amsterdam discussed international collaborations and tech transfer opportunities. The program, conducted on Twitter/X Spaces, was well-received by over a hundred participants, catering to the on-the-move audience. Youth For Earth 2023 Youth For Earth (Y4E) 2023 edition jointly organized by The Mobius Foundation and The Climate Project Foundation unites youth from India, Bangladesh, Maldives, Nepal, Bhutan, and Sri Lanka to present climate change solutions. This year too was filled with unwavering enthusiasm that deserved a grand celebration. This year’s theme was SDG 13: Climate Action. All the students from schools (aged 13-18), university students, and groups formed from independent organisation up to the age of 3o had participated from across South Asia (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka). More than 200+ students registered for the projects from all over South Asia and inspired 75+ project submissions for this year’s edition. There were 12 winners, who were felicitated at India Habitat Centre, New Delhi during the ICSE Conference 2023 on 20 September 2023. Junior Category winners: 5th Prize (Consolation): Project Finobadi from Govt. Sarvodaya Bal Vidyalaya 4th Prize (Consolation): Project Beejgole from the students of Adarsh Vidyamandir Satara, Maharashtra 3rd Prize: Project Passionately Natural from TVS Academy Hosur 2nd Prize: Project BacWP from The Iconic School, Bhopal 1st Prize: Project Neeraja from Tribal Residential School, Rohile, Trimbakeshwar, Nashik, Maharashtra We gave a special mention to SD Vidya School, Ambala who has been consistent throughout the earlier editions of the campaign. Here is a list of the Senior Category winners: 5th Prize (Consolation): Team Common Future from Charusat University 4th Prize (Consolation): Team Beat Plastic Pollution from Earkai Paathukaappu Sangam (Nature Protection Society) 3rd Prize: Team Polyfueler from Sershah Engineering College, Sasaram. 2nd Prize: Team Nirmiti from St. Josephs’ University 1st Prize: Team Tamira SES from Ashoka Trust from Research in Ecology and Environment Ms. Alka Tomar, Dr. BC Sabat, Ms. Neha Raghav and Ms. Madhu Bhatnagar came on stage & described the evaluation process of the Youth for Earth Championship, shared uniqueness in the project and emphasized that how participating becomes more important than winning. Followed by this, Ms. Iwona Gin, Head of European Projects at Nausicaa, National Sea Experience Centre, France shared her views on Youth for Ocean platform. A book launch session was held for two authors who instilled their symbolic ideas into transformative books. Mr. Anand Pendharakar, one of our Climate Reality Leaders who is also the co-author of the book, “Climate Actioneers’ Primer: A Beginner’s Toolkit” Mr. Parvaiz Yousuf, one of the Consultants of Green Campus Program, who Authored the book “Birds of Jammu and Kashmir – including Ladakh.” Click here to view how Youth For Earth 2023 went. Youth Engagement to Accelerate Climate Action at K. R. Mangalam University Recently, we organized, a one-day orientation program for K.R. Mangalam University (KRMU) to share knowledge about Climate Change & Role of Youth in addressing it. The audience included students & faculty of Basic & Applied Sciences Department. Bhavesh Swami from TCPF, cited sustainable solutions like sustainable technologies, EVs, solar, eco-tourism, etc., while setting the tone about climate crisis, and the concerned areas. Rakesh Chandra Agrawal, Executive Chairman at The Environment and Consumer Foundation underlined the need of the hour in terms of climate action for youth, and motivated students to proactively join the journey. Mr. Satpal, (Retd.) Lecturer & an Active Representative from Ghamroj Village (adopted by KRMU), Gurugram, Haryana shared about the activities taking place in the village. Dr. Sakshi Grover, Environment Consultant from TCPF, explained Green Campus Program and its stages of implementation, plan of action & auditing procedure to the new committee other stakeholders present there. GCP Orientation with Mumbai University Green Campus Programme is NAAC-VII compliant and supports the educational institutions in treading greener path. Recently, we conducted an online orientation session on “Green Campus Program and Role of Universities,” for Mumbai University. During the session, Ms. Rekha Lalla from TCPF explained about GCP and how it can be implemented. She highlighted the need for formulating a Green Campus Policy, which envisions clean and green campuses that undertake sustainable and eco-friendly practices, combined with education to promote a healthy and sustainable future. The session was organized under the guidance of Mr. Sushil Jajoo Senate Member (Mumbai University) & Director - My Green Society, Mumbai. 65+ educators from different colleges of Mumbai University participated in this interactive session. MoU Signed with Vignana Jyothi Institute of Management, Hyderabad TCPF has signed an MoU with Vignana Jyothi Institute of Management, Hyderabad taking a step further towards sustainable future while accelerating SDG 4.7 and implementing Green Campus Program in their campus. The objectives of the MoU are: To spread awareness in the students, faculty, stakeholders, and surrounding communities related to the environmental issues. TCPF to help the Institute/college/University in implementing “Green Campus Program” in their campuses. Develop strategic content for pedagogical support and for the dissemination of information on the environmental issues and make it readily available and easily accessible to the institute/college/University for implementation through digital platforms. Undertake skill and knowledge building exercises like seminars, workshops, conclaves, training, meetings, campaigns and conferences in collaborations and partnerships with government and non-government agencies on the climatic issues and environmental concern. Undertake any other allied activities and share programs and resources that will address the sustainability education, climate change and other environmental issues for the betterment of the students, faculty and community on a larger canvas. To create measurable and effective impacts by virtue of all the intended initiatives. Both the organizations have come forward to tread the journey together. Climate Change Summit with CII-Young Indians & The Design Village The Climate Project Foundation and CII - Young Indians came forward to conduct, "Climate Change Summit on Unlocking Opportunities in Sustainability," in October 2023, hosted by The Design Village (TDV). As a next step to our MoU signed with CII-Young Indians, we organized a Climate Summit on “Unlocking Opportunities Around Sustainability” for students of Design Village Noida. The Summit aimed to bring together the nation’s youth and engage them in positive climate action. The goal was to deepen their understanding of climate change, its impacts, and consequences, while viewing sustainability through the lens of design and as a global challenge. The initiative focused on fostering a deeper understanding of climate change, its sweeping impacts, and the consequential challenges we face in the modern world. Through an innovative approach, the program aimed to empower young minds with the knowledge and skills required to address global sustainability issues through the transformative lens of design. The summit started with a presentation on Climate Change by Mr Bhavesh Swami, followed by a GCP presentation of Rekha Lalla. The Summit concluded with a panel discussion- discussing the importance of sustainability in the field of design, career opportunities, global sustainability challenges, as well as business strategies and planning. Ms. Smruti Sweta, Mr. Samarth Khanna, Mr Pradip Karuturi and Nikhil Kamath the Climate reality leaders participated in the panel discussion. Our Foray into Bangladesh The Climate Reality Project India and South Asia organized "International Seminar on Climate Change: Empowering Change for a Sustainable Tomorrow," a three-day seminar in various educational institutions in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The seminars were structured in a systematic way which could help us garner insights into the quality of climate change education in the following institutions: The seminars were conducted in the following institutions: School: Rampura Ekramunnesa Boys High School (students below 16 years) College: Mohanagar College Merul Badda (students between 16-18 years) University: Independent University Dhaka (students between the ages of 19 to 25) Along with this, we had meetings with various organizations which helped us understand the local perspective of climate change-induced areas in different parts of the country. On the first day of visit, Climate Change Dialogue on Our Changing World and Role of Universities," was organized by the students of Green Planet Club, Independent University Bangladesh. Wherein Mr. Aditya Pundir gave a presentation on climate change and the way forward. While our Country Coordinator - Mr. Zahurul Haque; talked about the solutions through the Green Campus Program. On 2nd day, event was organized in the Mohanagar College, Merul Badda, Dhaka for 150+ students from class XI and XII. The principal was present along with the teachers from the college. An interactive dialogue took place with the students about the importance of keeping the campuses green and clean. Mr. Sifur Rahman from Eco Concern Association and Ms. Shawoni Chowdhury were present as our support partner from the NGO - Eco Concern. On 3rd day, an event was conducted in Rampura Ekramunnesa Boys High School, which was attended by around 200+ students from 10th standard, who joined the session on Green and Clean Campuses. The Headmistress, municipal counsellors, and other educators from the school joined the session. The event was conducted by all the chief guests by discussing about climate change and what students can do from and individual and community perspective. We also set up a meeting with the Climate Reality Leaders of Bangladesh to discuss and understand more about their work and areas to move ahead with our Climate Reality Leaders’ expertise in the local aspect of climate change mitigation in Bangladesh. Principals’ Conclave on Climate Education and Green Campuses for Safer Planet” at Rayat Shikshan Sanstha, Satara The Climate Project Foundation organized Principals’ Conclave on Climate Education and Green Campuses for Safer Planet” at Rayat Shikshan Sanstha, Satara in the month of October, 2023. In the academic year 2023-24, TCPF is working with 50 campuses of Rayat Shikshan Sanstha on teachers’ training program. Hence, principal conclave for principal of 50 campuses organised at Satara. Total 51 participant took part in the conclave. During the Conclave, a presentation about climate change: science, impacts and solutions was given by Mr. Ganesh Satav. Dr. Amruta Deshmukh gave a presentation on Teachers’ Training Program and Role of Principals. Hon’ble Joint Secretary (secondary education) Rayat Shikshan Sanstha Mr. B. N. Pawar; Auditor Dr. Menkudale, Rayat Shikshan Sanstha; and Rayat Shiksan Sanstha’s Green Campus Program - Coordinator, Dr. Sudhir Kumbhar; provided valuable guidance during the Conclave. The objective of this Conclave was to spread awareness about climate change and ways to deal with it; introduce one of our key programs i.e., Teachers’ Training Program, and how Principals can catalyze momentum in the same while throwing light on the roadmap; and also, to provide guidance to participants through the officials of Rayat Shikshan Sanstha for smooth implementation of the program. The Principals’ Conclave went well, and it was insightful for all the attendees there. Here is a glimpse of the same. Acts of Leadership by Climate Reality Leaders Prof. B. V. Subba Rao Institute of Town Planners, India – Telangana Regional Chapter (ITPI-TRC) conducted a one-day seminar on November 8, 2023 (Wednesday) on, "Climate Change" in the premises of the ITPI-TRC building located at Begumpet, Hyderabad. Prof. B. V. Subba Rao was invited to the seminar as a speaker, wherein he shared about the grave concerns of climate crisis; how we can mitigate them. Vijay Pal Singh Baghel Vijay Pal Singh Baghel, Green Man and one of our Climate Reality Leaders was featured in Dainik Bhaskar for promoting Ghaziabad municipality in waste segregation and management to make the environment clean during festivals like Diwali & Chhat Pooja, in which lots of waste is used to generate. Anand Pendharkar Anand Pendharkar, Co-Authored ‘Climate Actioneers’ Primer: A Beginners' Toolkit’ with Mr. Rahul Palekar and Amruta Padgaonkar, launched it on 16 September in Mumbai followed by another release on 19th September 2023 in Delhi. It is a free access book having 600 climate actions one could take towards the greening of our Earth. The 'Climate Actioneers' Primer: A Beginner's Toolkit' is a Comprehensive Guide to Tackling Climate Change is all about having no-excuse solutions for all the planet-dwellers. In a world that is facing the pressing challenges of climate change, three visionary authors, Anand, Rahul, and Amruta of SPROUTS have come up with a booklet that has solid grounds on Climate Action. This is the first part of the SPROUTS' Climate Action Series. The book is a testament to the authors' deep commitment to addressing climate change, and is supported by Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung, India office, as part of their social-ecological transformation work. Elsie Gabriel Elsie Gabriel was invited by the United Nations Organization at the special screening of Wildlife Media's award-winning new documentary, “Collision” (2023). The screening was at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris with the Intergovernmental Oceanic Commission, followed by discussions with Director and Producer Philip Hamilton, scientific experts, NGOS, civil society and representatives of the shipping industry. A huge audience filled the iconic plenary room at UNESCO HQ. Collision focuses on the grossly under-reported issue of fatal ship strikes on whales, suggesting solutions to minimize the problems. Watch it and trigger change!! Ms. Gabriel underlined the role of Ocean Literacy and adoption in curriculums by global governments. Nitish Barole Participated in “Flood Green Guide Youth Champions Program”, a youth engagement program that meaningfully incorporates the knowledge and ideas of youth at the forefront of the climate crisis by WWF. He is one among nine young leaders from Africa, Asia-Pacific, and Latin America and the Caribbean. The workshop included a site visit to explore Colombo’s urban wetlands, including Diyasura Park, to inspect nature-based flood management in action. It included capacity building for the community, establishing youth-focused spaces & targeted funding. Nita Ganguly Nita Ganguly has conducted several workshops in the schools of Mumbai and Delhi, wherein she shared twelve effective teaching methodologies that can be adopted to teach any topic from the school curriculum and integrate it with climate change education! She also introduced the schools to the Green Campus Program, which would provide a larger perspective on understanding climate change and the practices needed to reach the 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Read Our Latest Blogs How Nature Influenced His Childhood in Kashmir Author: Smruti S Samantray Harvesting Style Sustainably: The Farm-to-Fashion Revolution Author: Smruti S Samantray Checkout Our Previous Newsletters July - August Newsletter 2023 May - June Newsletter 2023 March - April Newsletter 2023 November - December Newsletter 2022 January - February Newsletter 2023 September - October Newsletter 2022

Newsletter (May-June 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! Gender and Climate Change Workshop for Room to Read On 15th May 2024, Ms. Rekha Lalla was invited to deliver a presentation on "Climate Change and Green Campus Transformation". The session's objectives were to sensitize, educate, enthuse, and empower participants towards climate action while throwing light on transforming the lives of millions of adolescent girls from rural, peri-urban, and urban low-income communities across twelve states. The idea is to catalyze climate resilience through gender justice, equity, and climate literacy, with an inclusive and engaging feminist climate curriculum. Later the audience took it in groups to discuss the climate actions undertaken by the schools during the climate crisis. TTP for Loreto College, Kolkata The Climate Project Foundation signed an MoU with Loreto College, Kolkata to implement the Green Campus Programme. The collaboration kick-started with an online Teachers’ Training Program (TTP) conducted for the Loreto College, Kolkata faculty members as a part of the Green Campus Programme (GCP). The session began with an introduction of the faculty members and their areas of expertise followed by a session on Mr. Bhavesh Swami wherein he discussed the causes and impact of the Remal Cyclone on Kolkata, linking it to climate change. He elaborated on the science behind climate change, its effects, and solutions, emphasizing rising temperatures and environmental calamities. Dr. Sakshi Grover highlighted the benefits of the GCP for Higher Education Institutions, advocating its alignment with UGC, NAAC, and Mission LiFE norms. She encouraged designing their own Green Policy to support these goals. National Coordinators Meet An online “National Coordinators Meet” was held on 22nd May 2024, attended by current and new national coordinators. Mr. Aditya Pundir, Director of The Climate Project Foundation (TCPF), discussed the headquarters' strategies and four key areas: reducing emissions, international cooperation, financing a just transition, and combating greenwashing. He also presented TCPF’s Green Campus Program and encouraged collaborations among coordinators to leverage expertise. National Coordinators expressed their interest in contributing to these focus areas and the Green Campus Program. Below is the list of new National Coordinators: Sathya Natarajan, Urban Rejuvenation Madhu Bhatnagar, Sustainability Education Rituraj Phukan, Biodiversity Management Alka Tomar, Communications Seema Bali, Sustainability Education Nita Ganguly, Waste Management Sumit Ramesh Arora, Waste Management Vikrant Srivastava, International Cooperation Pradeep Karuturi, Clean Transport Shivam Singh, Youth Initiatives Swayamprabha Das, Policy Management Fawzia Tarannum, Water Management Prafulla Dhal, Livelihoods G. Krishna Kumar, Clean Energy Neeraj Chawla, Clean Energy Anshita, Communications Elsie Gabriel, Oceans Management Pooja Chopra, Youth & Eco-Tourism Vivek Trivedi, Livelihoods Raj Mohan, Reforestation Nikhil Kamath, Communications Bharti Chibbar, Sustainability Education Sheetal Antil, Nature Based Solutions Community Training on Climate Change at Kusumbi Village, Maharashtra Despite heavy downpours and conflicting schedules, Community Training on Climate Change was conducted in Kusumbi, Satara, Maharashtra on 20th June 2024. The event saw active participation from the community members, especially women showed great enthusiasm and eagerness to learn. Ganesh Satav led the training in the local language for seamless communication, providing expert insights into the climate emergency and the importance of community contributions with real-life examples and local references. All the participants, including (the Head of the village) Sarpanch of the Kusumbi village who attended the training program, were encouraged to engage in discussions about local environmental issues and potential solutions, fostering a sense of community involvement. They were equipped with the tools to implement sustainable practices and address climate change effectively. Specially designed kits were created in the local language for training purposes, which were explained and distributed among participants to help them understand key concepts of climate change. The Sarpanch expressed strong support for community actions and encouraged the attendees to address climate change, including a pledge to make the village plastic-free. An Interactive Workshop on Delhi's Environment A workshop on "Problems and Solutions for Delhi's Environment," organized by Ms. Rekha Lalla on 29th June 2024 at ML Khanna-DAV School, Dwarka, convened 30 enthusiastic teachers to address critical environmental issues plaguing Delhi. The event focused on four main areas: Air Quality, Water Management, Waste Management, Biodiversity Conservation, and Energy Efficiency. Each group of teachers delved into these topics, presenting their findings and solutions through creative and informative presentations, demonstrating their dedication to finding sustainable solutions for Delhi's environmental challenges. The workshop's highlight was the group presentations, wherein teachers were divided into separate groups based on these 4 areas and showcased their innovative solutions. The Air Quality Group emphasized the need for stricter emissions regulations, promoting electric vehicles, and increasing green cover. The Water Management Group proposed rainwater harvesting, reducing water wastage in schools, and educating communities on water conservation. The Waste Management Group focused on waste segregation at source, recycling, upcycling, and reducing single-use plastics. Lastly, the Biodiversity and Energy Group highlighted the importance of preserving green spaces, creating urban forests, promoting renewable energy sources, and integrating environmental education into the curriculum. Furthermore, based on the outcomes of the activities, the participants were encouraged to implement these solutions in their schools, monitor progress, and share best practices in future workshops. Awareness Program on GCP at J&K House, New Delhi To commemorate World Environment Day, The Climate Project Foundation and Hello J&K collaborated to raise awareness about climate change, its science, impacts, and solutions along with the Green Campus Programme (GCP). They promoted eco-friendly practices such as recycling and tree planting, aiming to inspire community conservation efforts among commission staff, young students at the commission’s office, and students connected online. World Environment Day in Ayesha Ali Academy The Ayesha Ali Academy, Kulgam collaborated with TCPF to organize a painting competition, cleanliness drive, & slogan raising on the eve of World Environment Day. Ayesha Ali Academy and Dubai Grand School participated in the painting competition. The events witnessed active engagement of students and teachers who were aware of their responsibilities towards the environment and the urgency of climate action. We Signed MoU with AIC-Sangam The Climate Project Foundation and AIC-Sangam Innovation Foundation signed an MoU for the Earth Tech Incubation Program. The Earth-tech Incubation Program 2024 was launched in June to support early-stage startups working in the domains of climate change. The program spans six months and encompasses focus areas including: Energy Access Energy Efficiency Electric Mobility Circular Economy AI, ML, IoT, Deep tech Carbon Capture and Utilization Participants will engage in virtual sessions covering crucial aspects such as Customer Discovery, Product Market Fit, Lab-to-Launch Transition, and Impact Measurement. Additionally, the program facilitates interactions with industry experts and successful startups through expert sessions, fostering an environment conducive to innovation and growth. The program culminates in a demo day, providing startups with a platform to showcase their progress and achievements to potential impact investors. WED Celebrations & Eco Care Campaigns for 250+ Participants in Bangladesh The Climate Reality Project - India & South Asia and SERAC Bangladesh's collaborative initiative, "Eco Care Campaign" raised climate awareness among 250+ participants (including students and teachers). The World Environment Day (WED) marked the inaugural Session in the coastal region of Jhalakathi district in Bangladesh. More than 95+ students, teachers from the neighbouring schools and community leaders joined in the Abdus Somed High School, Kathalia Upazila, Jhalakathi District, Bangladesh. Mohammad Nayeem Hossain - National Coordinator for Green Campus Programme took the session and delivered insights on Climate Change affecting coastal communities and gave solutions for mitigation through the Green Campus Programme. This was followed by campaigns conducted in 3 schools in Dhaka: Ahmedabad High School (Dhaka), Janani Kindergarten High School (Kamrangirchor), and Baby Education High School and College, (Nandipara, Khilgaon). More than 160+ participants joined the sessions from these schools. Our National Coordinators in Bangladesh - Tasnia Ahmed and Nayem Khan led the impactful dialogues with them and gathered information from the teachers and principals about the green initiatives conducted in their respective schools. Webinar on World Environment Day In partnership with the Mobius Foundation, The Climate Project Foundation organized a webinar on the eve of World Environment Day 2024, which focused on the theme: Land Restoration, Desertification, and Drought Resilience. The webinar was attended by the Youth4Earth participants. The webinar featured notable partners and speakers from The Climate Project Foundation (TCPF) and the Mobius Foundation (MF). Key speakers included Mr. Aditya Pundir, Mr. Bhavesh Swami, Dr. Sakshi Grover from TCPF, Ms. Priyanka Sharma, Dr. Bhagyashree Kesarwani, and Mr. Shravan Kumar from MF. The event aimed to address critical environmental issues and engage participants in meaningful discussions about restoring our planet's land and combating desertification. Mr. Aditya Pundir spoke extensively about the current climate change scenario, highlighting the pressing problems of desertification and land degradation. He emphasized practical solutions such as tree planting, addressing local environmental issues, and restoring wetlands. The program attracted a diverse audience, including Y4E participants, faculty, and students from GCP-registered colleges and universities. With 1006 registrations for the webinar from India, Nepal, and Bangladesh, the event saw approximately 520 participants actively engaging in the discussions. Dr. Bhagyashree Kesarwani and Dr. Sakshi Grover provided detailed explanations of the Y4E project reporting guidelines, format, and evaluation criteria. This was followed by an interactive session where Mr. Bhavesh Swami and Mr. Shravan Kumar addressed participants' questions, offering insights and clarifications. The comprehensive program not only educated attendees on the challenges of land degradation but also equipped them with the knowledge and tools needed to contribute to land restoration and drought resilience efforts. Launch of Net Zero Campus Initiative in Nepal On the eve of World Environment Day, the journey towards creating Net Zero campuses in Nepal commenced with the registration of Lord Buddha Secondary School. This institution became the first school in Nepal to join the Green Campus Programme. It began with the celebrations of the day with a session focused on climate change and climate action. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by Phurpa Lama, Country Coordinator for Nepal, The Climate Reality Project - India & South Asia, and Niranjan Lama, Principal of Lord Buddha Secondary School, Nepal. The signing event marked a significant milestone in promoting sustainability and environmental stewardship in educational institutions across Nepal. The launch of this initiative on World Environment Day underscored the commitment to fostering green practices in Nepalese schools, setting a precedent for other institutions to follow. Acts of Leadership by Climate Reality Leaders Anand Pendharkar Anand Pendharkar's SPROUTS Monthly Lecture 'Connections Naturally' featured Karthikeyan S, discussing mysterious links between plants, invertebrates, birds, and mammals. He was also invited as a guest speaker by ECO Club & Department of Geography, Wazir Ram Singh Government College, Dehri for the National Webinar on the Role of Youth in Climate Action and Ecological Restoration on the occasion of World Environment Day, on June 5, 2024. Mr. Pendharkar also delivered a lecture in Hindi on World Environment Day (June 05, 2024), on the Role of Youth in Climate Action & Nature Conservation for WRS Govt College, Kangra (Himachal Pradesh). Dr. Ketna Atul Matkar Dr. Ketna Atul Matkar, actively engaged in capacity building and training of municipal officials and elected representatives, trains them on solid waste management and sanitation within the Swachh Bharat Mission 2.0 framework. Her commitment to advocacy is evident in her active participation as a panelist and expert speaker in multiple conferences and workshops, wherein she addresses pivotal topics like Circular Economy and Solid Waste Management to underscore the importance of sustainable practices. Senator PKC Bose Senator PKC Bose met with Manish Prabhat, India's Ambassador in Denmark. Mr. Prabhat is on a mission to bring Danish technology-driven companies to India, especially those working in the domains of green energy, environment, and water. Denmark is at the forefront of green energy and ESG learning, making this collaboration highly significant. Meghna Joshi Meghna Joshi empowers rural micro women entrepreneurs through the 'Mera Business Programme,' training over 200 women in Haryana and expanding to Rajasthan with various foundations' support. Her work bridges gaps, fosters holistic development, and promotes workforce inclusion. With backing from the ACIC BMU Foundation, Hinduja Foundation, Ambuja Cement Foundation, and Ashok Leyland Group, she continues to uplift and support women entrepreneurs. Shivam Singh Through his organization ExploreiT, Shivam co-organized a plantation & cleanliness Drive with Symbiosis International (Deemed University) at Deccan College on 5th June. The Climate Project Foundation & Climate Troopers were the co-partners for this event. Col. Shashikant Dalvi (Retd.) Col. Shashikant Dalvi (Retd.) was invited by the Ranjangaon Industry Association (RIA) at MIDC Ranjangaon to participate in a tree plantation drive on World Environment Day. The event saw the planting of 1,000 trees by staff from various industries, as well as students and staff from local colleges. Col. Dalvi delivered a presentation on rainwater harvesting and MIDC policy, emphasizing the importance of sustainable water management. He also wrote an article on World Environment Day 2024, further contributing to the awareness and advocacy for environmental conservation. Nita Ganguly Ms. Nita Ganguly was invited as a guest Speaker for a Webinar conducted by Shop for Change NGO on World Environment Day. She addressed the Farmers' Community about Climate Change & solutions. She has also conducted sessions for the corporates on World Environment Day. Swayam Prabha Das Ms. Swayam P Das was invited to the workshop on World Environment Day, aimed to introduce the Underwater Domain Awareness (UDA) initiative and provide broad exposure to the cutting-edge efforts driving sustainable maritime practices to inspire the next generation of ocean-conscious leaders. Mohammad Nayeem Hossain Mohammad Nayeem Hossain, recently appointed National Coordinator of the Green Campus Programme, The Climate Reality Project India & South Asia, organized a seminar on environment and climate change at Abdus Samed Secondary School in Kathalia Upazila, Jhalokathi District, Bangladesh, in observance of World Environment Day 2024. Despite the area's impact from Cyclone Remal, he traveled from Dhaka to address students, teachers, community leaders, and neighboring school heads on environmental issues, climate change, and the preservation of the Sundarbans. He initiated a plantation drive among students, to be monitored for three months, and distributed food using sustainable packaging. Over 95 participants attended, and he plans more seminars in Dhaka with National Coordinator Ms. Tasnia Ahmed in late June. Varsha Rajkhowa Varsha Rajkhowa's interview was published in the Pune newspaper "Navbharat," where she discussed the impact of ocean pollution on biodiversity. She shared her experience of removing 31 kg of garbage during a single dive, highlighting the severity of marine pollution. Rajkhowa emphasized the ocean's significance to the economy and the detrimental effects of deteriorating tourism on marine environments. She urged people to engage in mindful and sustainable tourism practices to protect and preserve ocean biodiversity. B. Subbarao B. Subbarao conducted an awareness session on “Megha: Disasters at Himalayas” Read Our Latest 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 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 Apr 17 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

Newsletter (May-June) 2023 Our newsletter will provide updates from our programs, our fellow Climate Reality Leaders who are making difference and how each one of us can act to solve the crisis. And, we would love to know your story and act of leadership, because every action does matter. Principals' Conclave in Pampore, Kashmir The Climate Project Foundation organized the first Principals’ Conclave on Climate Change and Sustainability at Government Degree College, Pampore, Kashmir on 5th June, 2023. The event aimed to introduce, educate, and inspire principals and educators to bring the message of climate change to their schools. It focused on explaining the science, impacts, and solutions of climate change and encouraged the participation of nodal schools in the Green Campus Program. The conclave provided a platform for education-focused organizations and schools to join hands and collaborate under the program. The initiative emphasized the leadership role of educational institutions in training students and the community to understand climate change, empowering educators within their institutions. Teachers and students were encouraged to conduct audits of their schools and calculate their carbon footprint. Following the conclave, students from 10 schools in Kashmir, accompanied by their teachers, gathered at Dachigam National Park to discuss further steps. They were addressed by Mr. Nadeem Quadri and Mrs. Rekha Lalla, who shared initiatives that the younger generation can undertake to make Kashmir environmentally friendly and waste-free. Many of these passionate young green ambassadors have joined The Green Campus Program, solidifying their commitment to environmental sustainability. The program concluded with a refreshing walk amidst the greenery of Dachigam National Park. A Session on Climate Finance: Investing in India’s Energy Transition The Climate Project Foundation (TCPF) was invited by Sangam - Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), an initiative by Niti Aayog, to participate in a session dedicated to supporting and nurturing emerging talents in climate-resilient technologies on 1st June, 2023. The focus of the session was on exploring different financial avenues available to assist technology-based startups. Sreyashee Das, CEO of AIC-Sangam, shared insights into the center's mission and how it aids in fostering new talent to develop tech-driven solutions for climate change. Representing TCPF, Bhavesh Swami discussed bilateral, multilateral, and government schemes falling under the purview of 'Climate Finance,' including financial support from organizations such as the World Bank, IFC, and SIDBI for startups and manufacturing entities. He also shared success stories from his tenure at the Bureau of Energy Efficiency, highlighting collaborative efforts with new tech entrepreneurs to implement energy-saving solutions in industrial clusters. TCPF pledged to facilitate connections between technology-based startups and budding entrepreneurs with the help of its flagship program, Green Campus Program (GCP) and the larger network. The session garnered an audience of over 80 participants, fostering an environment of knowledge exchange and collaboration. Branch Retreat 2023 in Manila A retreat cum knowledge exchange conference was organized by The Climate Reality Project - HQ in Manila, Philippines, aiming to foster better cross-branch collaborations and share some successful program learnings. The event was held from 8th – 11th May 2023. Mr. Aditya Pundir and Mr. Bhavesh Swami represented the India and South Asia branch. The Climate Reality HQ staff appreciated the branch's new website and updates on social media platforms. During the retreat, there was a shared desire among all branches to learn from each other and collaborate further. The Green Campus Program (GCP) was already well-known among the staff and branches, and discussions revolved around planning student exchange sessions throughout the year to bring additional value to inter-branch collaborations. GCP School SD Vidya, Ambala Cantt. Leading the Way to a Greener Future The SD Vidya School in Ambala Cantt has received international acclaim as "The Green School" for its exceptional efforts in promoting environmental sustainability. It was awarded the Platinum Award by the Climate Reality Project India for its initiatives in creating a greener and cleaner planet. During their visit on 4th May 2023, Dr. Sanjeev Chaddha Professor & Head of Management Development Centre, Mahatma Gandhi State Institute of Public Administration, Government of Punjab, Chandigarh, and Mr. Raman Chatrath, Estate Manager MGSIPA. The guests were impressed by the students' explanations and praised the school's innovation. Ms. Neelinderjeet Kaur Sandhu, the Director Principal, expressed pride in the school's role as an environmental leader and gifted the visitors planters and cloth bags crafted by the students. The school's achievements were attributed to the visionary guidance of Mr. B K Soni, the President, who prioritizes a healthy and safe learning environment. World Environment Day Celebrations in Yashwant Vidyalaya Kashil We celebrated World Environment Day in Yashwant High School, one of the schools working under Rayat Shikshan Sanstha, Satara, Maharashtra. This school has pledged for Green Campus Program, and is proactively working on it. Students and teachers from 5th to 10th grade actively participated in the event. They took the initiative to collect plastic waste from the village and raised awareness among villagers about the harmful effects of plastic pollution. A rally was organized, where students showcased 20 slogans on plastic pollution to capture the attention of the community. They also visited households, encouraging the use of paper or cloth bags instead of single-use plastic. The students collected 10 bags of plastic waste, which were handed over to the gram panchayats for proper management. Let’s Unite for Climate Action, Our Planet Needs You The Climate Project Foundation and the Mobius Foundation celebrated World Environment Day with youth. The session saw the participation of over 150 teams from South Asia that have registered in the Youth For Earth (Y4E) 2023 championship. The objective of the event was to create a warm-up and interactive session to pump up the enthusiasm of the registered teams and facilitate queries related to Y4E projects. The session was led by Bhavesh Swami, who described the participants about the events, do’s and don’ts, and more. Ms. Smruti Sweta Samantray from The Climate Project Foundation delivered an inaugural address, joined by Mr. Aditya Pundir and Mr. Shrawan from Mobius Foundation, who shared ideas on tackling climate change. Participants gained insights from previous entries and asked questions on submission processes and winning strategies. The Y4E championship winners will be chosen based on project scale, impact, and replicability. Stay updated through our website and social media platforms. Visit http://www.icse-esd.org/youth-for-earth-2023.php for more information. Workshop on Green Jobs in Assam Early Childhood Development Forum (ECDF) and The Climate Project Foundation, in association with Tarumitra Club, Holy Child School organized a workshop on the topic “Reduce Carbon Footprints, Increase Handprints”, for children of class 8th - 10th Std on World Environment Day 2023 at Holy Child School Guwahati. The workshop was led by Dr. Vasavvi Acharjya, Founder and Chairperson of ECDF and MD Tender Petals Schools. Bhavesh Swami conducted an elaborated and insightful session on “Green Jobs & Youth.” Green jobs empower youth to drive sustainable development on a long-term basis, by offering them with opportunities for environmental stewardship, renewable energy, conservation, and climate action. They pave the way for a greener future while promoting economic growth and social equity. During the session, Mr. Swami discussed various work opportunities that students from varied academic backgrounds can opt for. Students appreciated the session as it was quite insightful for them. The event was followed by a tree plantation session. Acts of Leadership by Climate Reality Leaders Nandini Deshmukh Recognized with Lifetime Achievement Award Mumbai Tarun Bharat awarded our Climate Reality Leader and National Coordinator, Climate Education, Dr. Nandini Deshmukh with The Lifetime Achievement Award for her remarkable contribution to environmental projects in Maharashtra at the Species & Habitats Warriors Awards 2023. The prestigious accolade recognized her dedication and efforts that made a lasting impact on the preservation of species and habitats in the region. Her unwavering commitment to the environment serves as an inspiration to others in the field. Anand Pendharkar Led Exploration of Mumbai's Coastal Biodiversity at G20 On 21st May, 2023, one of our Climate Reality Leaders Anand Pendharkar, and his team, comprising Nikhil Disoria, Sandeep Kacchap, Siddharth Waradkar, and Aradhya Sardesai, led Marine Walks for the international delegates attending the G20 Conclave at Juhu Beach. As invited guests by the officials from the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEFCC), they shared their extensive knowledge, passion, and documentation of Mumbai's Coastal Biodiversity, which they have been diligently working on for the past three decades. The event included a welcome message and an oath-taking ceremony to protect the marine environment by Maharashtra Chief Minister, Eknath Shinde. Additionally, winning entries from the Inter-School Painting Competition with the theme of Coastal Protection and Marine Biodiversity were showcased at Juhu Beach. (Photo by Sandeep Kacchap) Prafulla Dhal Working on Waste & Renewables in Rural Areas Prafulla Dhal, a Climate Reality Leader, and National Coordinator, Climate Disaster and Livelihood, The Climate Project Foundation spearheaded the installation of solar pumps in Odisha's villages. These solar micro pumps have a profound and lasting impact on the lives of impoverished tribal families. They not only helped protect forests from fires but also promoted soil regeneration and facilitated the adoption of organic farming practices. In another activity, Mr. Dhal facilitated the establishment of 200 vermicompost pits using rural waste through the participation of 600 women from Self Help Groups. This initiative has resulted in the production of over 1000 tonnes of organic manure, which has been instrumental in regenerating soil health and reducing reliance on chemical fertilizers. Exclusive Interview of Col. Shashikant Dalvi (Retd.) in Doordarshan Col. Shashikant Dalvi (Retd.), a Climate Reality Leader and National Coordinator – Water, The Climate Project Foundation was featured on the Samagam Telecast for Doordarshan, aired on 7th June 2023, by the News and Views channel. During the interview, he shared his inspiring journey focused on water conservation. Col. Dalvi discussed the initial steps taken, including the implementation of roof-top rainwater harvesting techniques in Pune, followed by the remarkable 'Mission Pani' and the ongoing project named 'Jal Atmanirbhar Abhiyan.' The latter aims to establish tanker-free zones in 100 villages, empowering them to become self-sufficient in water resources. Sunil Mysore Contributed to Paper by IISD Sunil Mysore, a Climate Reality Leader and National Coordinator, Entrepreneurship, The Climate Project Foundation made significant contributions to a recent paper by the International Institute for Sustainable Development, which explores the opportunities and challenges of scaling up Agrivoltaics in India. The report addresses the potential issue of limited land resources for both renewable energy and agriculture and proposes Agrivoltaics as a viable solution, while addressing the potential of solar panels and agricultural land use to enhance crop yield. The paper also includes case studies featuring stakeholders involved in the Agrivoltaics ecosystem. Click on the image to download the report Pradeep Karturi Co-Authored G20 Policy Pradeep Karturi, one of our Climate Reality Leaders, co-authored a G20 policy brief on establishing a resilient Electric Vehicle Battery Value Chain in a circular economy context. The recommendations from the document will be presented to G20 working groups, ministerial meetings, and the leader's summit to inform concrete policy measures. The brief emphasizes the importance of a clear definition of who is responsible for the end-of-life stages of batteries within a circular economy framework. It suggests the need for uniform regulations and financial support to develop local recycling and innovative technology solutions. The aim is to achieve efficient and environmentally sustainable battery value chains. The brief also highlights the significance of international collaboration and should be a catalyst for effective monitoring of the sector's environmental impacts and their components. Checkout Our Previous Newsletters March - April Newsletter 2023 January - February Newsletter 2023 November - December Newsletter 2022 September - October Newsletter 2022