From devastating floods to scorching heatwaves and landslides, Tamil Nadu has felt the wrath of climate change. Experts warn it’s only going to get worse. So, how do we fight back? The Tamil Nadu govt says it has a plan: education.
At the Tamil Nadu Climate Summit 3.0, chief minister M K Stalin said the govt will soon come out with a policy on climate education, and eco-clubs will be set up in schools across the state.
“We want to bring climate awareness, which is necessary for everyone, to people from all walks of life through students,” said Stalin. “Officials will be given training on climate change prevention and adaptation. Special training will be provided to departments of agriculture and water resources, which are areas affected by climate change. Steps will also be taken to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.”
Listing out extreme weather events such as the floods in Dubai, forest fires in Los Angeles and a minor landslide in Tiruvannamalai, the chief minister said, “It’s all because of climate change, and we have to face this. The first requirement is realising the seriousness of the problem.”
Earlier at the Summit, Stalin launched initiatives including web portals for an online waste exchange bureau and a voluntary industrial green rating portal. The online waste exchange bureau is a centralised platform that brings together all stakeholders involved in the waste management system for waste exchange, covering different types of wastes in order to promote a circular economy.
Stalin also released documents on lifestyle for climate, which aims to promote sustainability in existing buildings through the Lifestyle for Climate certification, and an action plan for decarbonisation pathways in Rajapalayam. He also gave away environmental awards.
The two-day summit saw panels of experts discuss energy transition, low carbon pathways for urban transport and industrial sector and circular economy.