Newsletter (November-December 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!
Jal Utsav Celebration in Gujarat
The Climate Project Foundation participated in the inaugural edition of “Jal Utsav,” in Amreli, Gujarat. Jal Utsav, an initiative of the Dholakia Foundation is a festival celebrating water resources and their meaningful impact on people's lives. Mr. Bhavesh Swami represented TCPF in this three-day event, which included a state-level function inaugurated by the Governor Sh. Acharya Devavrat and the Chief Minister, unveiling water bodies, and announcing the first Jal Utsav, open to the public. The second day involved field visits and interactions with villagers, showcasing how interventions have positively influenced their livelihoods through improved agriculture and horticulture practices. The final day was dedicated to round table discussion summing up experiences from the field and how more collaborations can be forged with each other.
Nurturing Climate Actioneers at
Laxmibai College
A panel Discussion on "Sustainability Dialogue: Nurturing Climate Actioneers" was conducted at Laxmibai College Campus, wherein the panelists shared their views about sustainability, climate change, and the youth's role. The audience included students and faculty from various departments.
Mr. Anand Pendharkar (Climate Leader) discussed his book on "Climate Actioneers" and introduced concepts like the Urban Heat Island effect, climate change, mass transportation, urbanization, and carbon sequestration. He emphasized finding solutions by connecting with the local community.
While highlighting the alarming global warming, Mr. Bhavesh Swami talked about TCPF's works, highlighting their efforts in everyday sustainability in water, waste, air, biodiversity, and energy management and the emerging domains of green jobs, capturing the attention of students interested in opportunities like EVs, solar, water, and cleantech.
Meeting with the Director & Officials of Education Directorate, Ministry of Kashmir
An online meeting with the Director & Officials of the Education Directorate was conducted, which aimed at looking up at the 10 Districts of Kashmir for implementing Green Campus Programme. Ms. Rekha Lalla introduced The Climate Project Foundation and presented the GCP, outlining steps for its implementation in Kashmir. The initial phase involves conducting workshops in all 10 districts to provide a program preview. The officials expressed keen interest in the program and assured full support in the implementation process.
Principals’ Conclave in Odisha
In line with SDG4.7, we organized Principals’ Conclave in Odisha in association with ODM Educational Group & the Sahodaya Schools. The Conclave commenced with an introduction by Shri Bipin Sahoo, Principal, DAV, Pokhariput, Dy. Sec, Sahodaya Schools Complex, Bhubaneswar Chapter, setting the tone. Chief Guest, Shri Gaurav, Scientist In-charge, Regional Museum of Natural History, stressed population control and tree plantation to combat the climate crisis.
Mr. Aditya Pundir, Director – India & South Asia, The Climate Project Foundation, highlighted the planet's plight due to the climate crisis, using examples from Odisha. Ms. Rekha Lalla discussed the Green Campus Program, showcasing successful implementations across 14+ states in India. Keynote speaker Dr. S.N Patro, Odisha Environment Society, emphasized awareness about climate change and collective human responsibility. Mr. Prafulla Dhal, National Coordinator - Climate Disaster and Livelihood, underlined why Odisha needs green campuses.
The Principals’ Conclave, attended by school and college leaders, was an interactive session focusing on actionable takeaways
and experiential learning promotes a healthy educational relationship between educators, students, parents, and communities. The conclave fared well and gave us a roadmap to implement Green Campus program in Odisha.
GCP Awards Received by Winning Schools
Climate change & sustainability education is the long-term solution to the climate crisis. The educational institutions that made through the audit process and qualified for Green Campus Program award have received the same delivered at their addresses. The institutions were thrilled and elated to achieve it. Here is a glimpse of the winning institutions holding the plaques and certificates.
Teachers’ Training Program for
Symbiosis Institute of Technology in Lavale, Pune
An online Teachers’ Training Program was conducted for the faculty members and the students of the Symbiosis Institute of Technology (SIT), Lavale, Pune, Maharashtra as a part of our Green Campus Program.
The session started with introduction of all the faculty members from the institute and their area of expertise. While Mr. Bhavesh Swami, discussed about the Science, Impact and Solutions on the Climate change crisis along with the renewable energy projects in the country, such as Wind power plant in Alibaug, Dr. Amruta Deshmukh explained the necessity of Climate action by higher Education Institutions and student community. She explained about the objectives and advocated the alignment of the Green Campus Program with UGC & NAAC norms.
Dr. Deshmukh also explained about the program background, reach, thrust areas focused under the program, resources provided to the institute and steps for effective implementation. She also explained about the roadmap, benefits to the HEI’s and how the program needs to be implemented. She emphasised on how participation of HEI’s and Young generation is important to achieve the target of Net Zero.
Teachers’ Training Program for
Deccan College Post Graduate and
Research Institute, Pune
Teachers’ Training Program on “Climate Education and Green Campuses for Safer Planet” was conducted online for the Deccan College Postgraduate and Research Institute, Pune, Maharashtra. The workshop was organized for the faculty members and a few post-graduate and undergraduate students at Deccan College as a part of The Green Campus Program (GCP).
Mr. Aditya Pundir, Director, The Climate Project Foundation discussed about the science behind climate change, impacts caused by it on various aspects such as health, water, food supply and infrastructure and viable solutions at hand and how the scenario is changing with respect to renewable energy in India.
Dr. Amruta Deshmukh introduced the need of climate action and the Green Campus Program for Higher Education Institutions and showed its alignment with UGC & NAAC along with its 5 thrust areas and way forward, participation of HEI’s and Young generation is important to achieve the target of Net Zero.
Visit to 8 HEIs of Punjab,
Himachal Pradesh, Haryana
We planned a 5-day visit to the 8 Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) of Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana to promote the Green Campus program.
Below are the names of the HEI, we visited.
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Government College, Ropar, Punjab
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ICFAI University, Baddi, Himachal Pradesh
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Maharaja Agrasen University, Baddi, Himachal Pradesh
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S D College, Chandigarh, Punjab
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NITTTR, Chandigarh, Punjab
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S D College, Ambala, Haryana
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GMN College, Ambala, Haryana
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Rayat Bahra University, Kharar, Punjab
The objective of the visit was to work out opportunities to collaborate for a sustainable & green future. Dr. Pooja Chopra, Climate Reality Leader, and Mr. Bhavesh Swami from TCPF & met with the higher authorities of the institutions. The institutions have shown their interest in signing MoU with TCPF to start their journey towards Net Zero & Carbon Neutrality.
Climate Change Action and Green Campus Program at VJIM
An online meeting was held by The Climate Project Foundation with all the faculty members of the Vignana Jyothi Management Institute (VJIM), under leadership of Prof. Dr. P. Srinivas Subbarao, Director VJIM and our Climate Reality Leader, & moderation of Dr. Dammalapati Ravinath. Dr. Sakshi Grover from TCPF gave the presentation on behalf of the Climate Reality Project India & South Asia.
She introduced the need of “Climate Change Action and Green Campus Program” for higher Education Institutions which would benefit the college community and the student while emphasizing on why climate action is imperative. She also advocated the alignment of the Green Campus Program with UGC & NAAC norms to them.
Mr. Bhavesh Swami explained about the future avenues for the students, green skills & training, green jobs, startups and collabs with Atal Incubation Centres etc.
USTM Enrols in Green Campus Program
Recently, The Climate Project Foundation(TCPF) signed an MoU with the University of Science & Technology Meghalaya (USTM), Meghalaya, for Green Campus program. The objective was to initiate the Green Campus Program and Faculty Development Program hand-in-hand so to move towards the goal of creating Net Zero campuses.
Ms. Rekha Lalla gave the introduction of the Green Campus Program to the USTM representatives while Dr. Sakshi Grover, TCPF moderated the meeting & gave an introduction about The Climate Reality & The Climate Project Foundation and its vision. An MoU Letter for the same was signed between TCPF and USTM.
MoU signing with DES-Colleges
Recently, The Climate Project Foundation signed an MoU with the colleges of Deccan Education Society, Maharashtra. This resulted in 3 colleges pledging to walk in the path of positive transformations, i.e. Green Campus Program. Those three colleges are:
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Kirti M. Doongursee College & My Green Society (MGS)
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Navinchandra Mehta Institute of Technology & My Green Society (MGS)
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Maharashtra College of Arts, Science & Commerce
Webinar on National Energy
Conservation Day
The Climate Project Foundation conducted a webinar, “Career Opportunities for Young Professionals in the Clean Energy Sector,” on the occasion of National Energy Conservation Day 2023. The event targeted faculties and students from Higher Education Institutions partnered under TCPF's Green Campus Program, introducing them to career opportunities in the Clean & Green Energy sector for a sustainable future.
Mr. Aditya Pundir discussed the climate emergency's link to carbon emissions, emphasizing the urgent need to transition to cleaner energy sources. He highlighted India's current heavy reliance on fossil fuels and the imperative to shift towards cleaner alternatives. Mr. Bhavesh Swami presented opportunities for youth in the Energy sector and introduced ideas for energy-friendly entrepreneurship. The webinar drew 350+ participants, including approximately 200 students and 150+ faculty members from 18 universities and colleges registered for the Green Campus Program.
On the same occasion, The Climate Project Foundation came up with another online seminar by joining hands with the Chitkara University & Association of Professional Social Workers & Development Practitioners (APSWDP). The theme of the event was “Mission Life-A Low Carbon Pathway via Energy Conservation.”
The objective of the webinar was to celebrate the National Energy Conservation Day, 2023 with faculties and students of the Chitkara University partnered under Green Campus Program focussing on Clean & Green Energy sector for a sustainable future.
Mr. Sunil Mysore, a Climate Reality Leader talked about the importance of Decentralisation for Decarbonization majorly. He emphasised on small & individual solutions in the clean energy sector for a sustainable future. Mr. Bhavesh Swami gave an effective presentation on opportunities for youth in the Energy sector & introduced young professionals with the ideas for entrepreneurship in the domain of green energy.
MoU Signing with 4 Colleges in
Punjab & Himachal Pradesh
The Climate Project Foundation (TCPF) organized a two-day visit to collaborate with 4 educational institutions, comprising of colleges & universities in Punjab & Himachal Pradesh for creating Net Zero Campuses through our Green Campus program and contribute towards a sustainable & green future. The team laid emphasis on the creation of greener future through measurable and impactful activities, which was received well by the institutions as well. It goes without saying that these days educational institutions are placing sustainability on top of the core agendas.
TCPF, signed MoU with the following for campus transformations:
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Sanatan Dharma College, Ambala, Haryana
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Gandhi Memorial National College, Ambala, Haryana
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Maharaja Agrasen University, Baddi, Himachal Pradesh
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Goswami Ganesh Dutta Sanatan Dharma College, Chandigarh, Punjab
Workshop with the Colleges in Mumbai
A workshop convened for the colleges in Mumbai aimed to introduce and review the Green Campus Program, showcasing the accomplishments of educational institutions engaged in the program. Today, sustainability is a central theme, and tomorrow's goal is sustainable development, wherein universities and higher educational institutions, including schools, play a crucial role as catalysts for change. These institutions, rooted in local contexts yet globally connected, provide significant opportunities to contribute to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Higher education institutions can serve as agents of change, shaping innovative approaches to address global challenges encapsulated in the SDGs. Many universities exemplify effective strategies in combating climate change, integrating vision-mission statements, symbolic commitments, and initiatives that empower students with knowledge and skills for individual contributions, all under the umbrella of a 'green campus.'
Ms. Rekha Lalla played a pivotal role in the workshop, introducing the Green Campus Program and showcasing the commendable efforts of educational institutions actively participating in the program. This workshop served as a platform to inspire and engage colleges in Mumbai, fostering a collective commitment towards sustainability and aligning with the broader global agenda for a greener and more sustainable future.
Installation of Rooftop Rainwater Harvesting Systems in Kusumbi Village, Maharashtra
The Climate Project Foundation is implementing the Green Campus Program in these 02 campuses of Kusumbi village, with the support from the partner – Maharashtra Foundation. Under the theme of water management, we have implemented this program in two schools: i. New English School Kusumbi, Tal – Javali, Dist. – Satara, and ii. Zilla Parishad School Kusumbi Mura, Tal – Javali, Dist. – Satara. Under this activity we have not only developed infrastructure in the school but give hands-on training to the students and teachers.
These two schools are situated in the lap of mountain Sahyadri, but in every summer they face the water scarcity challenge. Hence, we have mutually decided to harvest the rooftop rainwater and recharge the groundwater. We installed scientific RWH systems in both the schools.
By installing these systems, we are harvesting 5,79,258 litres of water from 794 sqm roof top area. Students actively participate in this activity. The students at New English School, Kusumbi not only calculated RWH potential but also calculated RWH potential of their houses. Through this activity we offer a constructive and experiential learning approach to the students to understand responsible consumption of water and conservation.
Acts of Leadership by
Climate Reality Leaders
Ms. Nawar N. Khan
Ms. Nawar N. Khan, Climate Reality Leader - Bangladesh was invited as Guest Speaker at the event, 'Gratitude for the Natural World' organised by the Dhaka American Women's Club (DAWC) on the 18th of November 2023. Wherein, she talked about Nature-based Solutions, Green & Beyond Mag, a digital magazine that promotes sustainable lifestyle and climate optimism through storytelling & her engagement in the Green Campus Program for raising awareness in educational institutions.
Ms. Nandini Deshmukh
Ms. Nandini Deshmukh, National Coordinator – Climate Education, delivered online lectures on Science of natural disasters for Zimbabwe University. As well as a climate change session at University of LA.
Rituraj Phukan
Rituraj Phukan: Rituraj Phukan, National Coordinator – Biodiversity was interviewed at Denkhaus Bremen, a German Charitable Organization committed to Environmental Justice. Wherein, he talked about the indigenous people & how they are affected by climate change and how their cultures and management practices can help to restore and preserve degraded natural lands. He also addressed some indigenous practices which modern societies should learn from them. You may read the interview here
Senator Dr. PKC Bose
Senator Dr. PKC Bose, one of our Climate Reality Leaders, discussed India's sustainability with Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, Minister of Finance and Minister of Corporate Affairs, Govt. of India. Key points included India's commitment in COP for 500 GW renewable energy by 2030, addressing concerns of demand-supply gaps for wind turbines, raw material availability, and the need for implementing sustainability in the key areas, which can further boost India to become net-zero carbon emissions country by 2070.
Anand Pendharkar
Anand Pendharkar, a Climate Reality Leader, was invited as a chief guest & speaker for an Awareness talk on “Environment Pollution: Air Pollution” by Smt. Chandibai Himathmal Mansukhani College Ulhasnagar in association with Ulhasnagar Municipal Corporation. He addressed the concerns of impacts of firecrackers on health & environment along with its adverse impacts on pets & wild animals.
Sanjana
Sanjana, a Climate Reality Leader, took a session on climate crisis and how children can solve it on National Pollution Control Day at Kendriya Vidyalaya, Malleshwaram.
Shivam Singh
Shivam Singh, National Coordinator - Youth Engagement organised Green Mobility Festival: Cyclothon, Marathon & Green Expo in partnership with Unacademy centre, Reliance Smart Bazaar & Oxy Beaumonde for sustainability.
Dr. Pranav J Patar
Dr. Pranav J Patar was invited by the Akashvani Lucknow (AIR Lucknow FM 100.7 Mhz), to share his thoughts on the significance of sustainable water management for combating climate change.
Nita Ganguly
Nita Ganguly, National Coordinator - Waste Management conducted a Teachers Training workshop on Integrating Climate Studies and SDGs into regular curriculum using 12 learning methodology for Chhabildas CBSE School, Dadar today. Also introduced the 1+5 MANTRA of Handling Treating and Safely Disposing WET waste! In the month of November, she was invited as a Speaker & Guest of Honour at the MSMECCII Global summit at Vigyaan Bhawan on 23rd -24th Nov 2023.
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Samarrth Khanna
Samarrth Khanna, one of our Climate Reality Leaders and a youth icon contributed towards Monsoon Biodiversity Survey by WWF. The project focused on Biodiversity Monitoring & evaluation at Sanjay Van Delhi with youth.
