According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Report (2023), climate change has caused “substantial damages, and increasingly irreversible losses, in terrestrial, freshwater, cryospheric, and coastal and open ocean ecosystems.”
There is a dire need to raise public awareness about climate change, as many individuals remain unaware of their role in contributing to it and the steps they can take to mitigate its impact.
In response to this need, Gayathri and Jayasree, Assistant Professors of English (SF) at PSGR Krishnammal College for Women, launched an initiative titled “Sustainable Sentinels: Empowering Youth for Eco-Action.”
This project successfully engaged students in environmental conservation efforts, transforming them into proactive advocates for the environment.
Conducted between September 2023 and August 2025, the initiative followed a structured three-stage approach, involving 351 students who initially participated in a survey to assess their environmental consciousness.
From this group, 100 participants were selected and organised into 10 teams, each led by a designated leader.
In the initial stage, an online orientation session was followed by field activities, during which students documented instances of environmental degradation in their surroundings.
During the Sustainable Practices phase, students adopted eco-friendly habits, such as planting seeds in pots made from recycled waste materials and documenting their growth. A ritual based on the principles of “Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Repurpose, and Recycle” further instilled sustainable living habits among the participants.
The final phase, Reflection and Action, involved gamified awareness sessions, group discussions, and an oath-taking ceremony to reinforce a sense of environmental responsibility. The initiative concluded with a public awareness rally.
The Sustainable Sentinels project has had a significant impact on young minds, fostering environmental consciousness and promoting awareness, action, and long-term commitment to meaningful climate action.
