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. 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Newsletter (September-October 2024) Our newsletter provides updates on our programs, and fellow Climate Reality Leaders who are making a difference. It carries a gamut of activities carried out in two months' time, showing how each one of us can act to solve the crisis together. We would love to hear from you, your story and acts of leadership in the journey of sustainability. Every action matters! CLIMATE CHANGE EDUCATION Teachers’ Training Program, Tamil Nadu The Teachers’ Training Program, held on September 9-10, 2024, at Maharishi International School in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu, aimed to equip 125 teachers with the tools and knowledge to teach environmental sustainability. Organized by The Climate Project Foundation with support of the GCP consultant Neeru Bhushan, the workshop focused on three key areas: waste management, air quality, and energy conservation. The primary objective was to make the teachers understand the climate change urgency and the solutions at hand and also to enable them to integrate sustainability topics into their curriculum, empowering them to raise environmental awareness and promote eco-friendly behaviors within their schools and the broader community. This training aligns with long-term goals of reducing environmental impact and encouraging young learners to adopt eco-conscious behaviors, contributing to a greener, more sustainable future. International Conference for Sustainability Education 2024 The International Conference on Sustainability Education (ICSE) 2024, held on September 19-20 at India Habitat Centre, New Delhi, centered on the theme "Greening Education for a Sustainable Future." The event gathered educators, environmentalists, and youth leaders to promote sustainability education. It also featured participation from key speakers including our Climate Reality Leaders- Dr. Erach Bharucha, Mr. Rituraj Phukan, Dr. Vidhi Vohra, Mr. Nikhil Kamath, and Dr. Pooja Chopra to name a few. As a partner, Climate Reality Project India & South Asia set up a "Climate Action Pledge Selfie" booth, engaging 230 participants who pledged climate actions and received commitment badges. On Day 2, the Youth for Environment (Y4E) Awards celebrated young changemakers’ projects addressing environmental challenges, with Director Aditya Pundir emphasizing youth’s role in sustainability. ICSE 2024 showcased education’s power and youth leadership in advancing a sustainable future. Youth for Earth Awards 2024 The Youth for Earth (Y4E) campaign offers a platform for young leaders to showcase projects contributing to a sustainable and resilient future. In its 5th year, Y4E 2024 focused on "Greening Education for a Sustainable Future," inspiring youth to address environmental challenges. The Award Ceremony, held at the 6th International Conference for Sustainability Education by the Climate Project Foundation, honored the achievements of young environmentalists. Director, TCPF Mr. Aditya Pundir and CEO, Mobius Foundation Dr. Ram Boojh presented awards to five Junior and four Senior winning teams, each receiving cash prizes and certificates, with one team earning a special recognition award. The event celebrated youth innovation and inspired ongoing efforts in environmental conservation and resilience. Green Campus Awards In October, Green Campus Programme Awards (second edition) were announced, celebrating 30 institutions that have shown outstanding dedication to sustainability and move towards net zero. These awards highlight campuses that implemented innovative green practices, from renewable energy initiatives to waste reduction efforts for a more sustainable future. The 2024 honorees have led transformative projects that significantly reduce their campuses' carbon footprints while bringing about behavioral changes leading to environmental responsibility. Their dedication to sustainability reflects the growing importance of green practices in education, shaping the next generation of leaders. We congratulate these institutions for their efforts and commitment to making a transformative move towards achieving net zero. GCP Winners 2024 (2nd Edition) Visit to Sahyadri Shikshan Sanstha, Sawarde, Ratnagiri In September 2024, Mr. Aditya Pundir, Director of The Climate Project Foundation, and Mr. Ganesh Satav, Senior Education Officer, visited Sahyadri Shikshan Sanstha in Sawarde, Ratnagiri, Maharashtra. The visit aimed to explore collaboration opportunities with this prominent educational institute and to introduce the Green Campus Programme (GCP). The team met with Mr. Shekhar Nikam, Chairman of Sahyadri Shikshan Sanstha and MLA of Chiplun, to discuss the institute’s background, achievements, and how GCP could contribute to sustainable campus development. Mr. Nikam raised questions regarding the GCP, which were addressed during the meeting. The Climate Project Foundation team proposed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to formalize the partnership, and Mr. Nikam provided preliminary approval to move forward. This visit lays the groundwork for a collaborative effort in promoting environmental education in the Konkan region of Maharashtra. Visit to Naoroji Godrej Centre for Plant Research (NGCPR) On September 26, 2024, representatives from The Climate Project Foundation (TCPF), including Director Aditya Pundir and Senior Education Officer for GCP, Ganesh Satav, visited the Naoroji Godrej Centre for Plant Research (NGCPR) in Shirwal, Maharashtra. Guided by Dr. Kranti Yardi, the team explored NGCPR's resources and facilities to assess potential collaborations, especially in support of the Green Campus Program (GCP) biodiversity theme. During the visit, they observed key NGCPR facilities, such as a seed bank, a rare plant nursery, an orchid garden, and a butterfly garden, alongside a fully equipped training center and open field areas for biodiversity research. A productive meeting followed with Dr. Erach Bharucha and Dr. Yardi, where they discussed opportunities for utilizing NGCPR's resources to enhance GCP's biodiversity efforts across campuses. 03 Schools in Maharashtra GO SOLAR! Solar panels were installed in the three school campuses of Rayat Shikshan Sanstha in Maharashtra under the Green Campus Programme (GCP) in September 2024. The installations, supported by the Maharashtra Foundation, aim to promote clean energy, reduce carbon footprints, provide reliable electricity, and serve as educational tools. Solar panels were installed at Shree Dhundibaba Vidyalaya Vidyanagar, Jaoli, Satara (3 kW), Yashwant Vidyalaya Kashil, Satara (3 kW), and New English School Gadegaon, Pandharpur, Solapur (5 kW). These initiatives are expected to lower electricity costs, support net-zero emissions targets, and offer hands-on learning experiences about renewable energy. CLIMATE CHANGE ENGAGEMENTS & ADVOCACY SEEM Energy Awards 2024 The SEEM Energy Awards 2023 took place on September 26-27 in New Delhi, recognizing industry leaders in energy efficiency and innovation. Organized in partnership with The Climate Project Foundation (TCPF) and the Society of Energy Engineers and Managers (SEEM), the event attracted 200 delegates. Under a recently signed MoU, both organizations aimed to advance energy efficiency and carbon responsibility in India. The ceremony presented 100 awards across various categories, featuring expert sessions on emerging trends in low-carbon practices. The Climate Reality Project India & South Asia played a crucial role to discuss the future of the Decarbonisation India Alliance, as part of the bigger net-zero goals set forth by the Govt. of India. Inaugural Ceremony of US Consulate Tech Camp on Waste Management The US Consulate Tech Camp on Waste Management, held from September 24-27, 2024, at Pune in collaboration with The Climate Reality Project India & South Asia, Symbiosis International University and Explorit. The event saw participation of the experts and stakeholders to explore sustainable waste management solutions. The inaugural session had key speakers including Robert Anderson from the US Consulate, who stressed the importance of US-India collaboration, and Dr. Erach Bharucha highlighted the need for environmental education and youth engagement. Dr. Vidya Yeravdekar emphasized academia's role in sustainability, while Aditya Pundir, Director, TCPF, emphasized on the connection between climate action and waste management. The session was moderated by Shivam Singh, our Climate Reality Leader and founder, ExploreiT. The event facilitated interaction among policymakers, industry experts, and students, encouraging innovative and actionable approaches. Dr. Manikprabhu Dhanodkar closed the ceremony with a vote of thanks, underscoring a shared commitment to environmental progress. Shape South-Asia 2024 The SHAPE South Asia 2024 event, held in Jaipur, was a flagship event by Global Shapers, Jaipur team spearheaded by our Climate Reality Leaders namely Mr. Gaurav Sharma and Mr. Avi Aggarwal.The event focused on "The Global Rise of South Asia: Shaping the Decade Ahead”, highlighted South Asia’s growing global influence in economics, technology, and geopolitics, with a strong emphasis on climate action. TCPF played a key role in facilitating a special session on ‘Climate Change solutions’ with active contribution from Mr. Bhavesh Swami and Climate Reality HQ team members Ms. Jennifer Fei and Ms. Jill Leaness. International Eco-Visionary Dialogue on Advancing Sustainable Urban Future (IEDASUF): Roadmap to COP29 The IEDASUF event, held on October 9, 2024, to commemorate World Habitat Day, brought together over 1,400 global participants, including representatives from 35 countries and 30+ Indian states. The hybrid dialogue explored strategies for sustainable urban development in preparation for COP29, with a special focus on youth-led urban transformation. Mr. Bhavesh Swami and Dr. Sakshi Grover from TCPF participated in a youth-led roundtable on community-driven urban development, highlighting local solutions and the vital role of young leaders in shaping resilient cities. The event emphasized the need for cross-sector collaborations and youth involvement in global urban policy discussions at COP29. HIGHLIGHTS Highlight: Climate Reality Leader in action On the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti, Climate Reality Leader, Debbrata Rajkumar was felicitated by the President of India at Rashtrapati Nilayam, Secunderabad, for his contribution to an awareness session on Swachhata (Cleanliness). The session, aligned with the Swachh Bharat Mission, aimed to emphasize the importance of cleanliness in daily life. Debbrata proudly represented the traditions and culture of Northeast India, showcasing the region's sustainable practices and commitment to environmental preservation. This recognition not only highlighted his dedication to cleanliness but also celebrated the rich cultural diversity and unity of India in protecting the environment. Highlight: GCP School Students in action A community Awareness Program on Water Conservation was organized by Students of St. Teresa's Girls H.S School, Darjeeling, West Bengal to raise awareness about water scarcity and the declining local watersheds. The event, titled "Save Water, Save Life," aimed to educate residents on sustainable water practices. Key highlights included engaging presentations on water’s importance, discussions on the depletion of local resources, and demonstrations on rainwater harvesting. Students also led a field visit to nearby watersheds to assess their condition. This successful initiative emphasized community involvement and will be continued annually, fostering lasting water conservation efforts in Darjeeling. 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Water Conservation Water is life. We have been listening to this phrase since time immemorial, but do we realize its importance for our sustenance. India along with some other nations is going through an unprecedented water crisis. There are many factors that have led to this water crisis in our country, the major being the impacts of climate change. Due to climate change we are experiencing erratic rainfalls, cloud bursts, the number of rain days are decreasing, the droughts are drier and draining rivers, aquifers, and reservoirs. In urban as well as rural landscapes, catchment areas are decreasing with large-scale wetland degradation and poor water management. Climate Reality Is Working Intensively On Programs Like Traditional Rainwater Harvesting Systems as Well As Offline / Online Workshops To Create Local Water Warriors.. Success Stories Rain Water Harvesting Project At Ambegaon, Pune The Climate Reality Project - India under the able guidance of our National Coordinator for Water conservation, Col. Shashikant Dalvi (Retd.) launched the Rain Water Harvesting project in 04 districts of Pune namely, Karegaon, Bhavadi, Kurwandi and Thugaon falling under Ambegaon Taluk. With the kind support from ICICI, MAPS, these districts started their journey from being water starved to water sufficient areas. Read Full Story Rain water Harvesting Project at Kamkheda Village, Beed District Beed is one of the worst drought hit districts of the Marathwada region in Maharashtra. The rainfall pattern here is uneven. The region also saw the effects of el-nino phenomenon from 2010-2017. Tens of thousands of Beed residents have no choice but to struggle hard to source the basic necessity – water. With the help of our National Coordinator for Water Conservation, Retd. Col. Shashikant Dalvi, the pilot project to make Beed district water sufficient, was started. A number of awareness programs were conducted on rain water harvesting for the villagers and members of Gram Panchayat of Kaamkheda village in Beed. In April 2018, it was decided to start the implementation of the program in the village. The project was also supported by MAPS Industries (I) Pvt. Ltd. Pune. The project has shown good results and we believe that soon the district will become water- tanker free. The state government is also replicating this project in other Talukas. Read Full Story Read Full Report on our Water Conservation Initiatives Bachega Jal, Banega Kal - Mission Pani We are already facing a water crisis, and climate change is making it worse. With ever-increasing water demand coupled with unpredictable weather conditions, frequent flooding, severe droughts, heatwaves and water tables going down, climate change impacts our water. It will hit hard on water availability for human use. Water conservation and its management play an essential role to fight climate crises. With the current crisis, significance of water conservation becomes even more important. As we are all aware, hygiene is fundamental to our fight against the current pandemic whether it’s washing hands, sanitization or wearing a mask. So, come forward and do your bit, conserve water, practice safety and hygiene and help fight in this war against the pandemic. Taking a step towards solving the water crisis, we support MISSION PANI, an initiative towards saving water and sustaining it for the generations to come. Let’s save more water together. Learn More Take Water Action, Fight the Climate Crisis.' Gallery

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

What are Electric Vehicles(EV)? India is the fourth largest contributor of GreenHouse Gases and vehicular pollution is the fastest growing contributor towards these emissions. With economic growth, there are more cars and two-wheelers on the road and according to the reports, a three times growth will be seen in the number of vehicles on the roads by 2030. This is not only increasing the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere but also causing severe health problems amongst the population. One solution that is cost-effective and can curb the menace of pollution, is Electric Vehicles which is even being adopted by the policymakers. The days of 100% green transportation are not far off. Going by sales figures, both 2 wheelers and 4 wheelers have made a visible presence on the road. In three wheelers, the figures are even more impressive with e-auto sales reaching 30% of the respective overall category. Besides environmental benefits like zero tailpipe emissions, EVs are economical too. EV owners who have clocked more than one lakh kilometers have had a very satisfactory journey with proper battery maintenance and vehicle servicing. There are concerns about battery fires, enhanced load on electric grids but with newer battery chemistries being experimented and solar/clean energy based decentralized chargers; the future seems promising. What we do? The Climate Project Foundation is working with governments and other stakeholders of the segment on bridging these very gaps. We are collaborating with the Delhi Government to make schools and colleges become EV ready by installing easy chargers deployed at their premises. We have been working towards creating a buzz around ease of use of Electric Vehicles as there is a lack of awareness around the usage and benefits through digital promotion and support the Delhi government in their initiative. We are also conducting career sessions with universities by bringing in sectoral experts who guide the students to foresee entrepreneurship opportunities therein. Events promoting clean mode of transportation, our green campuses embracing ‘cycle/EV’ days are a step in this direction. Knowledge management products, creatives published at platforms like EV focused magazines have also helped us reach out to the prospective buyers.

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

Newsletter (Jan-Feb) 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. Workshop on Teachers’ Training Program With an objective to impart knowledge to the teaching community about the Green Campus Program (GCP) and educate them on the 5 domains of GCP, we conducted a Teachers’ Training Program on from 5th to 12th January, 2023. This is our first time getting a school from Patna, Bihar. The workshop for the DPS Patna teachers was led by Ms Seema Bali - Vice Principal of St. Mary’s Dwarka, Delhi & our consultants. 170 teachers participated for six days. It was an interactive workshop. The workshop’s first session was on Climate Change and with an introduction to the Green Campus Program. The first day was followed by five more days on the topics: Air, Water, biodiversity, Waste & Energy, one each day. “Empower Her” with Vidya School On 27 January 2023, Empower Her was organized in the Vidya School, Gurugram, Haryana. On the brighter side, there are have been several important changes and achievements in the system of formal education of girls, in the last decade and a half. However evidently, women in India are conspicuously missing from the workforce. There are several factors behind this sharp decline: family-enforced social norms that place women predominantly in caregiving roles, deeply ingrained stereotypes around occupations, traditionally low levels of self-confidence, and information and network asymmetries. With so many job sectors that are traditionally male-dominated, women seemingly have either less or no access compared with the amount of information and opportunities. Empower Her aimed to catalyse upskilling and employability of women and in creating a qualitative women workforce. It was conducted by Global Shapers, Gurugram with respect to its return to in-person events post the pandemic. All the young girls interacted with women experts who joined the session from diverse backgrounds and unconventional fields to spark curiosity and build a perspective that girls can pick up career paths that are less taken. With this event, girls can articulate what they aspire to become, understand how to acquire skills required to venture into those fields, and how to deal with challenges and work towards it. Rekha Lalla, Program Manager – Green Campus Program shared her climate story and personal journey with the girl. Girls from Vidya school were divided into groups. Ms. Lalla took 4 Sessions with the girls and explained them her personal story and her career journey. Each session involved the participation from 5-6 women experts from diverse domains and industries who shared their journey, challenges & how they built their careers by sharing their stories. Students were very enthusiastic and excited. They asked many queries and questions related to their career choices. The event was sponsored by Canada Consulate general. Open Letter to Brazil Online letters were written by students of 6 schools from Delhi-NCR & Chennai to Brazil. The objective of this exercise was to carry out a collection in the youth pavilion of handwritten letters by young people about what they would like Brazilian children to know, learn or find out about climate change, like "what can you do to learn and engage in the climate crises, even though you don't have climate education at school?" 60 letters were written by students from 6 schools of India to Brazil, of which some were handwritten, and rest digital. Some of the schools that participated enthusiastically in a short time are Adarsh Public School Bali Nagar-Delhi, Bluebells School International EOK-Delhi, KIIT International School, Gurgaon, Haryana, Vels Vidhayashram, Thalambur, Chennai, RMK Sr Secondary School, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, and St. Mary’s School, Delhi. India ZEV (Zero Emission Vehicles) Partnership Private Sector Roundtable: 2023 On 22nd February, an India ZEV (Zero Emission Vehicles) Partnership Private Sector Roundtable 2023 edition was conducted that brought the stakeholders like EV manufacturers, charger manufacturers, and other user segments from local as well as international markets together to the table to identify opportunities for stronger private sector collaboration supporting Industry ambition and India Zero-Emission-Vehicle priorities. The Climate Project Foundation was invited to the roundtable discussion as part of the newly launched ‘Partnership to Support an Accelerated Transition to Zero-Emission Vehicles in India.’ The Partnership consists of two interconnecting initiatives: one is The ZEV Country Pilot with India: To develop a framework that will help provide focused and coordinated technical and financial support to help India’s transition and the other one is the ZEV Emerging Markets Initiative (ZEV-EM-I) India Dialogue: To facilitate partnerships between India and industry to accelerate private investment and public policies, enabling both to achieve their ambitious ZEV deployment goals. More such concrete discussions are planned (at the outset of COP 27 discussions) to shape collective investment agreements in the lead-up to the Clean Energy Ministerial, G20 Summit, and COP28. TCPF also shared its work done with govt. and other players to bring mass awareness and other policy suggestions that help accelerate faster adoption and help realize India’s dream of 30% of vehicle sales to be EVs in the entire vehicle sales segment. EV Update Media Maharashtra Summit 2023 On 22nd February, EV Update Media in partnership with The Climate Project Foundation (TCPF) conducted the summit. The event was attended by CRL Shivam Singh. With a renewed focus on EVs and their ecosystem development, EV Update Media our partners disseminated organized the “EV Update Maharashtra Summit 2023” in Pune, Maharashtra. Senior officials from the Pune Municipality, who graced the event, shared how they are working on the demand side management and trying to create opportunities for EV fleet deployment. The manufacturers and solution providers also showcased how they are working on bringing EVs closer to the masses. TCPF also shared the buyer’s perspective on the guidance and information unavailability; and how a neutral platform is missing where one can get unbiased information with respect to the product he/she wants to purchase. Our partner, EV Update Media bridging the information gap that is prevailing across the value chain, and this was appreciated by everyone. MoU with Delhi EV Cell The Climate Project Foundation (TCPF) has joined hands with the Delhi EV Cell (DEC), a subsidiary of the Transport Department, Govt. of Delhi to promote EVs and associated infrastructure built up that includes charging infrastructure, entrepreneurship opportunities in the EV sector, and battery technology improvement among other. The MoU intends to create a win-win situation for both parties with better facilitation in each other’s interventions. Some of the expectations vested are: i) TCPF will provide support to maximize the reach out for DEC’s scheme for uptaking charging infrastructure whereby they are providing a subsidy of 33% and help in getting more schools to become EV-ready. ii) TCPF will also help DEC build up a knowledge management repository (through posters, short information capsules, social media, etc.) to generate awareness about EVs and eradicate myths associated with them. We will also be helping the Cell in setting the technical and scientific temperament among the school and college students by engaging them in various measures including an annual competition, with a focus on how to improvise battery range, performance, and other peripherals like solar modules-based charging, etc. This collaboration looks up at a brighter future for EVs in India and how it can contribute towards a sustainable tomorrow that thrives majorly on clean energy. HACK KMRU 2.0: Session on “Climate Change - Problems and Solutions, What can Youth Do?” On 17th February 2023, The Climate Project Foundation (TCPF) was invited to K R Mangalam University, Gurgaon (KRMU) to deliver a keynote address as part of ‘HACK – KMRU 2.0’, the flagship hackathon event of the university. Bhavesh Swami, Lead – Clean Energy Policy and Engagements from TCPF delivered the keynote and shared newer areas of Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence (ML and AI) that are taking sustainability at its core. He further added with the insights on the energy intensity of data mining and cloud computing and how newer startups are helping ride this wave in energy-efficient ways. Students too poised interesting questions like how bigger tech companies have become carbon responsible and what are the plans by other sectors, where they can find avenues to work. Students from more than 50 universities participated in the event with a greater emphasis on learning from each other and building collaborative projects. Events in Surajkund Mela 2023 On 11th February 2023, a session was delivered by Ms. Sameera Satija, which started with a general overview of Climate Change and its reasons, landfills and its impact on soil, air and water, water scarcity, etc. She shared the simple, easy, doable, and sustainable actions in daily life. Sameera also briefed them about the Crockery Bank concept which she had founded in 2018. A live demo of preparing organic and natural household cleansers with kitchen waste called Bio Enzymes was also organized. Students showed great interest in learning more about landfills as they can relate to it because of a major landfill existing in the proximity of their University. They also had a lot of questions about Bio Enzyme and its uses. On 12th Feb 2023, in association with NEHHDC, Samarth Khanna from Nature’s Orbit organized ‘Climate Awareness Sessions’ supported by the TCPF session on the previous day. The Nature’s Orbit organized a meet-up consisting of a series of green discussions on 12th February 2023 in Van Bhoj ( mud house ), a sustainable living eco-space, as a part of Surajkund International Craft Mela. The meet-up consisted of the Chief Guest; Brigadier Rajiv Kumar Singh, Managing Director of NEHHDC and Rekha Lalla and Bhavesh from TCPF were present there along with other experts from the green economy. The event was hosted by Debabrata Rajkumar, Founder of Natures’ Orbit. The meet-up resulted in a promising future of prospective collaboration and partnerships for different interventions and taking the Green Campus Program forward. Butterfly Garden in Sangli, Maharashtra Butterflies help in maintaining the ecosystem in a more balanced way by acting as pollinators, prey, biological pest control, inducing genetic variation in plants, and enhancing environmental beauty. They also help in reducing the carbon dioxide levels in the air. From January to February ’23, with the spirit of a new beginning in the new year, Mahatma Gandhi Vidyalaya Kadegaon, Tal – Kadegaon, District Sangli, Maharashtra took an initiative to create a Butterfly Garden as a part of activities for the Green Campus Program (GCP). The objectives of this program are: to generate awareness amongst the students on the importance of butterflies in our ecosystem; to acquaint them with the host and nectar plant of butterflies; to create an open lab for students where they can study the life cycle of the butterfly; and to replicate this activity in students’ homes or communities. The school has planted various 50 host and nectar plants to attract the butterflies. Some of the host Plants are Lemon, Stone Apple, Miracle leaf plant, Pipe Vine, Crown Flower, Banyan tree, Cluster Fig, etc and Nectar Plants are Lantana, Blue Jamaica Spike, Hibiscus, Marigold, Common milkweed plant, Ixora, Plumbago, Duranta etc. The students recorded 17 butterflies in the butterfly garden while studying the life cycle of various butterflies. 100 students from 8th standard and 9th standard participated in this activity. This activity is initiated and implemented with the help of students by Dr. Sudhir Kumbhar. Principal of the school Chavhan V.D, Coordinator teachers of Green Campus Pemdurkar sir, Shrikant Pawar, Karade I.M. is supporting and assisting Dr Sudhir Kumbhar for the smooth implementation of the program. Herbal Garden in Pune The Ahilyadevi Highschool for Girls, Shanivar Peth, Pune, Maharashtra, which is one of the Green Campus Program (GCP) schools has come forward with an initiative to create a Herbal Garden. Partnered with the Deccan Education Society Pune. The Climate Project Foundation (TCPF) catalysed this intervention. The objectives of this herbal garden are to plant a various medicinal plant in campus; participate students in the development of the herbal garden and implement hands-on activity through students; to acquaint students on various varieties of medicinal plants; make students aware of the uses of medicinal plants and about our traditional science of treating diseases with the uses of medicinal plants and their various parts. 40 Students from the 8th standard participated in this activity and planted saplings of 50 varieties of medicinal plants on the campus. Some of the plants are Cuscus grass, Ashwagandha, Malabar nut, Turmeric, Lemon grass, Aloe vera, Ajwain, Bramhi, Heart-leaved moonseed, etc. They are now taking care of those saplings. Acts of Leadership Prafulla Dhal Prafulla Dhal attended the session, “CSR - A strategic tool towards sustainability movement in India” as a speaker. Presentation in International conference in XIMB University, Bhubaneswar. He also participated in Vibrant Odisha Conclave 2023 on “Odisha - The Land of opportunities” organized by Indus-Valley Times-Centre for Socio-Economic Studies. Rituraj Phukan Deliberation on Y20 India for “Climate Change and Disaster Risk Reduction: Sustainability a way of Life.” The February issue of Sanctuary Asia has a #COP15 feature including Mr. Rituraj’s perspective on the #UNBiodiverity conference. Link to the magazine- https://www.sanctuarynaturefoundation.org/magazine Shashikant Dalvi On 20 Jan 23, Col Shashikant Dalvi (Retd.), Parjanya Rainwater Harvesting Consultancy and Mr. Anirudh Todkar, MD, MAPS Industries Ltd Pune, successfully completed, Jal Aatmanirbhar Abhiyan in 100 villages of Beed District, making these water-starved villages, Water sufficient. Under this project, rooftop rainwater from around 5000 buildings, including 70 schools, 56 religious buildings, 23 govt buildings and village houses, is channelized to raise depleting groundwater table using Rainwater Harvesting System, and increasing the availability of water to 100 villages, making them water sufficient and Tanker Water free. From around 39 lakh sq. ft of Rooftop area, annually more than 26 crore liters of rainwater will be channelized to raise the groundwater table using Rainwater Harvesting Systems. Under this project, 2997 borewells and 156 open wells were recharged. This project is one of the largest in Maharashtra State and India. The project was executed in a record of 7 months. With the implementation of this project, more than 4 lakh villagers from these 100 villages will be free from water shortage. 2.25 lakh Fruit trees were planted in these villages. This will help restore the biodiversity of the area. Pournima Agarkar Pournima Agarkar Organized the YouCAN Environment Fest in Pune International Centre being a part of EECC (Energy Environment and Climate Change). Gaurav Sharma Gaurav Sharma presented his 3rd TEDx talk on climate change has been featured in the official TED website. This talk was presented to a local audience at TEDx Anand Nagar, an independent event. Gaurav, a social entrepreneur recognized as “Trashman of Rajasthan” recently gave a TEDx Talk on the subject of Climate Change. In his talk, Sharma delved into the urgent need for action to address this pressing global issue and emphasized the importance of individual actions in creating a sustainable future. Gaurav began his talk by highlighting the devastating effects of climate change that are already being felt around the world, from rising sea levels to more frequent and intense natural disasters. He then went on to explain the science behind climate change, emphasizing that it is largely caused by the burning of fossil fuels, which releases large amounts of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. One of his key points was the urgent need for action to address the problem of climate change. He stressed that, while governments and corporations have an important role to play in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, it is also essential that individuals take responsibility for their own actions. He encouraged his audience to make small changes in their daily lives, such as reducing their carbon footprint through using sustainable straw, toothbrush and by composting their food waste. He also spoke about the importance of community action and working together to create a more sustainable future. He emphasized that we need to change the narrative about how we look at Climate Change. Avinash Narayanswamy Avinash Narayanswamy conducted a 2-day activity converting close to a tonne of food waste from a hotel (including biodegradable areca and bagasse plates) into bio compost. Most of Bangalore's 3000 tonnes/day of organic waste (around 70% is food) reaches landfills causing rampant environmental pollution apart from methane (dangerous global warming gas) emissions. “A third of the food produced worldwide is wasted by humans, which in my opinion is wrong. When food is wasted, all the effort and energy from readying the soil, growing the crop, processing, transporting, and eventually cooking it is also wasted. The bio-compost so obtained is in a form Mother Nature can readily accept” he shared. A tonne of organic waste was prevented from reaching the landfill and was instead converted into a natural soil fertilizer and this is how we can optimize utility of the resources and bring responsible consumption into practice. Checkout our previous Newsletters November - December Newsletter 2022 September - October Newsletter 2022

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

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

Newsletter (July-August) 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. Green Campus Program Acceleration: Committee Meetings KR Mangalam University In July, Ms. Rekha Lalla led the Green Campus Program committee meeting at K. R. MANGALAM UNIVERSITY, Sohna Road, Gurugram, Haryana, during which she de livered a presentation on the program and its protocols. The Committee consists of 08 members, who took detailed notes with the intention of implementing the discussed points in a subsequent phase. They also expressed their appreciation for the ideas presented. This was followed by a positive discussion on the university's green initiatives and audit process. These initiatives encompassed various sustainability measures, including using solar panels, grid improvements, wastewater treatment plants, incinerators, electric vehicles (EVs), and establishing a kitchen garden. The Committee sought our assistance in assisting the villages they have adopted to become "smart" communities, as well as expressed the need for a session focused on student engagement. Air Force Golden Jubilee Institute A workshop on the Green Campus Program was conducted at the Air Force Golden Jubilee Institute, Subroto Park, Delhi. Educators from various science and social science backgrounds convened to receive an introduction to the Green Campus Program and learn about conducting audits. The GCP Committee received the GCP Audit booklet for audit guidance, and past winning schools' audit samples were presented to enhance their comprehension. H ere is a glimpse of it Not Just a Chulha! Workshop on Sustainable Cookstoves for Women in Kusumbi Village Under the climate justice theme, The Climate Project Foundation (TCPF) collaborated with the Maharashtra Foundation, New York in its initiative, “PANCHAM.” PANCHAM is a project that focuses on mitigating several socio-economic issues including women’s upliftment with a dedicated program named as, “Women Leadership Program for Climate Adaptation and Resilience.” PANCHAM is a project jointly implemented by Maharashtra Foundation, New York; The Climate Project Foundation, New Delhi; Action for Women and Rural Development (AWARD), Satara; and Resource and Support Centre for Development (RSCD) in the Kusumbi village of Satara district, Maharashtra. Under this program, TCPF organized a workshop on sustainable cookstoves for the women in the rural communities of Kusumbi village, which was implemented and facilitated by TCPF, and M G Green Solutions was invited to mentor the workshop. This program is supported by the Maharashtra Foundation. The objectives of this workshop were to: Raise awareness about improved cookstoves and emphasize their advantages over traditional stoves Train women to build sustainable stoves. Promote them as a sustainable income source for women. To improve the indoor air quality Indoor air pollution is a silent killer and poses significant health risks, especially to women, in multifarious ways. Indoor air pollutants are known to affect the unborn infant in the womb as well. When a woman of the house prepares a meal for her family with utter happiness and a sense of care and giving, she conveniently ignores the problems that she is facing, including inhalation of pollutants. The kitchen is not just a happy place for her where she stirs and pours her affection, but also a dangerous indoor space where carbon emissions are high, direct, and affect more. With the introduction of sustainable cookstoves, we ensured that such a problem is addressed. This five-day program was divided into one day of training in theory and its environmental importance, complemented by a practical demonstration, two days for hands-on training, wherein the participating women built 12 improved cookstoves, followed by training on user guidance, including safety precautions, the next day. The last day involved field visits to households, assessing the functionality of installed cookstoves, and gathering user feedback. One of the beautiful aspects of this program is that it has a revenue-generating model integrated with it, catalyzing “learn and earn” ecosystem that further catalyzes self-sustaining systems. Three types of cookstoves were created: Lakshmi (has Single burner, second pot and chimney) Bhagya Lakshmi (has single burner and second pot) Griha Lakshmi (has single burner) In a country where “chulha” (cookstove) is revered, we witnessed the kind of overwhelming emotions attached to it when the installation was being done. The women were immensely happy to know that we care for their health, financial independence and the planet. The aim is to replace at least 100 traditional cook stoves with sustainable stoves built by these trained women and empower more women. MOU Signing with GD Goenka University An MoU was signed between The Climate Project Foundation and GD Goenka University heralding the initiation of the Green Campus Program in the latter’s campus. This collaboration will encompass registration procedures, committee sessions, and cooperation with their Centre of Excellence for Occupational Health, Safety, Fire & Environment. The dialogue began by discussing the university's upcoming courses in design and sustainability. Together, The Climate Project Foundation and GD Goenka University aim to create a greener, more sustainable future for both the campus community and beyond. Here is a glimpse of it. Empowering Educators: Teachers' Training Program at Ganga International School A Teachers Training Program (TTP) was conducted at the Ganga International School, which aimed to train the trainers of the youth. The workshop was first Online followed by an offline or Physical session at the Ganga International School campus amid wheat fields. The program helped build capacity on climate education integrating education inside and outside the classroom for the educators in a strategic way so that they can help young people understand the causes and consequences of climate change, bring about changes in attitudes and behaviours to reduce the severity of future climate change, and build resilience. Ms. Rekha Lalla addressed the session with a presentation on Climate Change (Science, Impacts, and Solutions), urging the teachers and providing them with the tools to tweak their school’s curriculum and campus behaviours toward social and environmental responsibility, followed by a discussion and doubt-clearing session. This holistic training experience at Ganga International School served as a pivotal step towards equipping educators with the knowledge and tools required to empower the next generation of environmentally conscious global citizens. Green Campus Program in Kashmir We laid the foundation brick of sustainability education in Jammu & Kashmir on 5th of June 2023, without being completely aware of how it is going to fare. What we were not prepared for is the humongous flow of love and enthusiasm for such work we would get in the process. World Environment Day 2023 marks a historical moment for all of us in The Climate Project Foundation as we achieved many milestones, including the kickstarting of our flagship program, Green Campus Program (GCP) in Jammu & Kashmir. Our first event was Principals’ Conclave in Pampore, which received an overwhelming response. Since then, there has been no pause. We have created a team of 6 members working rigorously on propagating sustainability education through Teachers’ Training Program and Principals’ Conclave, followed by implementing GCP in the campuses of educational institutions. Several workshops on different themes were conducted in these educational institutions. Below is the list of schools & colleges have pledged to move towards Net Zero transformation and Just Transition, and have undergone the workshops: Name of the School Name of the Workshops Islamia Scientific Model Institute Air, Water, Climate Change & GCP The Cambridge Foundation School, Tangmarag Air, Water, Climate Change & GCP Green Meadows School Air, Water, Climate Change & GCP Srinagar International School Waste & Climate Change Dolphine International School Climate Change Islamia high school Drangbal, Pampore Biodiversity Teachers’ Training Program: A Teachers’ Training Program was conducted in the Satisar Educational Institute, Namblabal Pampore, Kashmir in the month of August. This one-day training program was attended by nearly 10 teachers. The Program aimed at raising awareness about environmental issues, introduce The Climate Project Foundation, its programs, and educate participants on the implementation of the Green Campus Program. “Kashmir,” as one of the attending educators mentioned, someone has come to make a difference in society by blending sustainability and education in 35 years and creating transformative impacts. Many more milestones to come. Giving a back glance at it standing today, and thinking about where it all started, we realize that J&K is one of the most beautiful states that is willing to look up towards a sustainable future. MUN Conference at Vega School Model United Nations conferences provide students with a platform to unleash their diplomatic and communication skills through the simulation of various committees of the United Nations. Vega School, Gurgaon, hosted an empowering Model United Nations (MUN) Conference, where students honed their skills, and The Climate Project Foundation was a part of it. Grade XI students, serving as the Secretariat and Organizing Committee, orchestrated the entire conference. Students from various schools of Gurgaon organized a tree plantation drive and actively participated in the MUN Conference. Ms. Rekha Lalla spoke on the importance of trees and native plants and what actions a student can take as young ambassadors of sustainability, thus bringing transformative ideas and experiences to the table. G 20-inspired Summit on Food & Water Nexus in Bal Bharti Public School Bal Bharti Public School (BBPS) Dwarka, a certified Green Campus Program institution, hosted a G20-inspired school summit on the Food and Water Nexus. BBPS, renowned in Delhi NCR, welcomed 20 schools from across India, each representing a G20 block. These schools shared their nations' water and food challenges. Bhavesh Swami, representing The Climate Project Foundation (TCPF), shared valuable insights drawn from TCPF's extensive fieldwork, particularly in regions like Beed and other parts of India. He shed light on the profound impact of water scarcity on agriculture, resulting in diminished farm yields and reduced incomes for rural communities. Students eagerly absorbed this knowledge, finding the summit enlightening. They gained a better understanding of G20 Secretariat operations and decision-making processes. TCPF acknowledged the winners and pledged future collaborations, including Mock-CoP initiatives. Here is a glimpse of it. Branch Debriefing on ‘Road to True Net Zero’ The Climate Reality Project India and South Asia Branch attended a debriefing session for Climate Reality Leaders, focusing on the 'Road to True Net Zero' vision by 2023; set up by Al Gore and the Climate Reality CEO - Phyllis Cuttino. The Climate Reality Project India and South Asia Branch attended a debriefing session for Climate Reality Leaders, focusing on the 'Road to True Net Zero' vision by 2023; set up by Al Gore and the Climate Reality CEO - Phyllis Cuttino. Aditya Pundir, the Director of India, and South Asia Branch, discussed the four key areas for climate branches in South Asia: Emission Reduction Reduce Green Washing Just Transition (Green Finance) Reforming the global financing system. International cooperation to COP The session also had open discussions on different ideas and Q&A posed by the Climate Reality Leaders. The highlighted the action-oriented approach of the Green Campus Program conceptualized and run by the India & South Asia branch in achieving the net-zero goal. EV Update Media National Summit 2023 TCPF joined hands with EV Update Media to organize “EV Update Media National Summit 2023,” on 23rd Aug 2023. The objective of the summit is to bring about awareness and bring out the positive change towards just transition towards our net zero goals through EV promotion, bring out the new technologies through fundraising of start-ups. Mr. Aditya Pundir, in his inaugural address, reiterated the importance of the low-carbon development path and how more research in the EV space would accelerate the ‘Just Transition’ path. The summit had technology showcase sessions on EV Bus commute services, two- and three-wheel commercial freight transport solution providers, SaaS-based battery solutions, govt. incentives and initiative sessions for the EV sector, to name a few. The second day of the summit, “Roundtable Investor and Startup Meet!” was for the budding start-up/entrepreneurs focusing on bridging the gap between new ventures, their mentorship and funding opportunities, where the participants got half an hour to pitch their ideas and take a strike at the luck in your tangent. TCPF collaborated with Sangam–Atal Innovation Centre who came on board for the ‘EV Update Investors’ Meet’ to gauge the potential technologies/solutions along with other VC fund managers. Here is a glimpse of the same. TCPF Joins Hands with Kirori Mal College TCPF participated in a 3-day event in Kirori Mal College for their Foundations Day. The theme of the day was, “Where Profit and purpose meet Sustainability.” Centre of Innovation and Social Enterprise (CISE) housed at the prestigious Kirori Mal College under Delhi University recently celebrated its Foundation Day on 21st August 2023. The day was celebrated with the theme ‘Connect – Where Profit and Purpose meet Sustainability’. Climate Reality leader Meghna Joshi, founder of SWAN Livelihoods, a non-profit working on skill enhancement of rural women. She shared her experience with the budding social entrepreneurs that being honest with your product/service offering and lasting relationships is the key to success as the theme of the event aptly embodied. The event featured the participation of over 20 women's Self-Help Groups mentored by Ms. Joshi, showcasing their products and creating valuable interactions between students, visitors, and these enterprising women. As a special guest, Mr. Bhavesh Swami from TCPF added further depth to the event. He delivered insights on the topic 'Pioneering Sustainable Ventures: Nurturing a Career Through Technology-Driven Enterprises.' He threw light on how simple projects like tree plantation can gain via technology add-ons like geo-tagging and online monitoring. He offered to make KMC a certified GCP campus where students can interact with TCPF affiliates, and find internships, and summer jobs as they begin the journey. Here is a glimpse of it. Acts of Leadership by Climate Reality Leaders Anand Pendharkar The Founder-President of SPROUTS Anand Pendharkar collaborated with Ashwamedh Pratisthan to combat climate change and deforestation by establishing a Learning Forest within the 15-acre Ashwamedh Learning & Heritage Sanctuary (ALHS) in Belpada Village, Thane District, Maharashtra, India. Launched during Van Mahotsav, this collaborative effort aims to enhance biodiversity by nurturing a rich variety of trees, shrubs, herbs, climbers, grasses, orchids, ferns, palms, fungi, and fauna within the region. On another occasion, Anand delivered a lecture in the month of July about “Climate Emergencies and their impacts on Communities” to around 85-90 members of the Mohalla Committee Members Trust. The interactions were earnest, and they all seemed keen to engage with action in their respective areas. Radhika Kulkarni At the Chhatrapati Sambhaji Vidyalaya, Pune Municipal School, the Climate Reality Leader-Mentor Radhika Kulkarni; Mutha River Coordinator Lokesh Bapat; Principal Anita Geete; and Teachers - Anjali Kulkarni, Anuradha Dorge, and Rajan Kuber, to interact with a group of approximately 61 to 65 students from the sixth and seventh grades. The focus of this engaging interaction was 'Environment Protection.' This event served as an important platform for young minds to gain insights into environmental preservation and learn about practical actions they can take to contribute to a more sustainable future. Pournima Agarkar Ms. Pournima Agarkar is catalysing “Move For Earth - Global Cycle Ride.” Through this event she aimed to have over 500 cities, towns, and villages across the planet, took part in the cycle ride on 27th August 2023, where citizens took the open letter to their elected representatives. Dr. Priyadarshini Karve is a part of the Global Ride ahead of the G20 Leadership Summit. The aim of these rides was to highlight transport as a major source of GHG emissions and how meaningful interventions like cycle lanes, and pedestrian pathways can lower the burden on road traffic. Col. Shashikant Dalvi (Retd.) In Swachh Survekshan 2023, a Central Government team inspected Col. Shashikant Dalvi's society, focusing on Solid Waste Management, especially Wet Garbage Compost Pits. They documented the pits, inquired about manure collection, and received briefings on waste disposal. The society's success in waste management earned it a place on the shortlist, with the Central Government conducting the annual survey and recognizing effective cleanliness and disposal systems. Riders made a point that they want to work with elected representatives to figure out solutions at the local level for a better future for all. Pradeep Karuturi In August 2023, Pradeep Karuturi, a Climate Reality Trained Leader since 2020, established a school in the tribal village of Tapilamamidi situated in the Eastern Ghats of Andhra Pradesh, his fifth such initiative. His mission, driven by #climateaction, focuses on equipping indigenous communities with the essentials to protect their surrounding forests and biodiversity. Pradeep's journey to Antarctica in 2016 inspired his commitment to grassroots campaigns. In October 2021, he visited Tapilamamidi to help the community access education. He rallied them to build a community centre using local resources and designated a tribal member to teach literacy to children, launching the educational centre by June 2022. On August 16th, 2023, the District Collector, Sri Sumit Kumar, visited Tapilamamidi, marking the village's inaugural official visit. He inaugurated the newly constructed school with tribal child Chinnari. Rajesh, a tribal community member, expressed joy at the children's newfound access to education after 77 years of independence. The district collector praised Pradeep's efforts, declared the project a community model, and pledged funding for similar projects in five more villages, highlighting his commitment to the cause. Read Our Latest Blog Green Campuses Lead the Way to True Net Zero / Low-Carbon Future A rendezvous with Ms. Rekha Lalla about Green Campus Program Author: Smruti S Samantray Checkout Our Previous Newsletters May - June Newsletter 2023 January - February Newsletter 2023 March - April Newsletter 2023 November - December Newsletter 2022 September - October Newsletter 2022

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