Delhi Government Launches Climate Summit To Engage Youth

New Delhi: The Delhi government has launched a 10-month framework to engage educational institutions to foster climate leadership among youth through ‘Delhi Youth for Climate Summit’ that was held on August 10 and 11, officials said on Friday (August 11). The programme seeks to go beyond theoretical knowledge, trying to inspire educational institutions to translate their learnings into practical action. A statement by the Delhi government said,

On the first day, participants engaged with experts spanning the policymaking and research domains, delving into the multifaceted aspects of climate change impacts. Day two facilitated breakout groups consisting of Eco-Club convenors and college representatives to collaboratively brainstorm ways to revitalise these clubs in colleges.

Also Read: Independence Day 2023: PM Narendra Modi Highlights India Efforts Towards Climate Change And Health

The two-day summit featured expert sessions addressing themes such as climate change impacts, climate finance, and the catalytic role of Eco-Clubs to equip educational institutions with the tools and knowledge to champion sustainability and foster climate leadership. Delhi government advisor Reena Gupta said,

The summit accentuates the significance of integrating air quality education and environmental consciousness into educational curricula. By providing a global perspective on air pollution and its far-reaching impacts, educational institutions will gain a deeper understanding of climate change and its consequences.

She said the event underscores the role institutions play in nurturing a culture of sustainability, preparing students to tackle diverse environmental challenges proactively. she added,

It encourages the adoption of sustainable practices like waste reduction, energy conservation, and the promotion of green infrastructure through active eco-projects in their respective colleges.

Also Read: Climate Change Slows ‘Global Plant Water Use Efficiency’: Study

(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

NDTV – Dettol have been working towards a clean and healthy India since 2014 via the Banega Swachh India initiative, which is helmed by Campaign Ambassador Amitabh Bachchan. The campaign aims to highlight the inter-dependency of humans and the environment, and of humans on one another with the focus on One Health, One Planet, One Future – Leaving No One Behind. It stresses on the need to take care of, and consider, everyone’s health in India – especially vulnerable communities – theLGBTQ population,indigenous people, India’s different tribes, ethnic and linguistic minorities, people with disabilities, migrants, geographically remote populations, gender and sexual minorities. In wake of the currentCOVID-19 pandemic, the need for WASH (Water,SanitationandHygiene) is reaffirmed as handwashing is one of the ways to prevent Coronavirus infection and other diseases. The campaign will continue to raise awareness on the same along with focussing on the importance of nutrition and healthcare for women and children, fightmalnutrition, mental wellbeing, self care, science and health,adolescent health & gender awareness. Along with the health of people, the campaign has realised the need to also take care of the health of the eco-system. Our environment is fragile due to human activity, which is not only over-exploiting available resources, but also generating immense pollution as a result of using and extracting those resources. The imbalance has also led to immense biodiversity loss that has caused one of the biggest threats to human survival – climate change. It has now been described as a “code red for humanity.” The campaign will continue to cover issues likeair pollution,waste management,plastic ban,manual scavengingand sanitation workers andmenstrual hygiene. Banega Swasth India will also be taking forward the dream of Swasth Bharat, the campaign feels that only a Swachh or clean India wheretoiletsare used andopen defecation free (ODF)status achieved as part of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan launched byPrime Minister Narendra Modiin 2014, can eradicate diseases like diahorrea and the country can become a Swasth or healthy India.