The Centre for Climate Change and Disaster Management (CCCDM), Anna University, Chennai, in association with Hindusthan College of Engineering and Technology, Coimbatore, and Anna University Regional Campus NSS, Coimbatore, jointly organised the Climate Compatible Growth Programme “Green Brigades: Youth Climate Literacy” recently, at the college campus.
The programme was supported by the Climate Compatible Growth (CCG) South India Network, UK. It was held to foster climate awareness and empower youth with scientific knowledge and practical tools to tackle pressing environmental challenges.
The inaugural session commenced with a Welcome Address by Jaya, Principal of the college, followed by the Presidential Address delivered by Kanmani, Head, Department of Civil Engineering and Director (i/c), CCCDM, Anna University, Chennai.
A Special Address on the role of youth in a green future was presented by Ramachandran, Honorary Emeritus Professor & Founder Director, CCCDM, Anna University, and Member, Chief Minister’s Governing Council, Tamil Nadu Climate Change Mission.
Saravanakumar, Dean, Anna University, Coimbatore, in his Inaugural Address, emphasised the critical role of youth in combating climate change and advancing a sustainable future.
The event was also graced by the presence of TRK Sarasuwathi, Managing Trustee, Hindusthan Educational and Charitable Trust and K. Priya, Executive Trustee & Secretary, Hindusthan Educational and Charitable Trust.
The technical sessions covered the pressing climate-related topics. Geetha, Project Scientist, CCCDM, Anna University, presented a comprehensive overview of historical and projected climate trends, helping students understand long-term environmental patterns and data interpretation.
Malarvizhi, Project Scientist, CCCDM, Anna University, discussed climate change impacts on water resources, stressing the urgency of preserving freshwater systems and improving water governance in vulnerable regions.
In another session, Pavithrapriya, Project Scientist, CCCDM, Anna University explained how agricultural productivity is being altered by rising temperatures and shifting weather patterns, while Saranya Kuppusamy, Visiting Professor, Centre for Environmental Studies, Anna University elaborated on the nutrient balance in crops under changing climatic conditions, linking environmental stressors to food security.
Biodiversity and forest ecosystems were explored by Hariharan and Mithilasri, Project Scientists, CCCDM, Anna University, who outlined how climate fluctuations threaten species diversity and ecological balance.
Further, Yasar Arafath, Project Scientist, CCCDM, Anna University and Ahamed Ibrahim, Senior Research Associate, NMSKCC, CCCDM, Anna University, highlighted the growing challenges for urban resilience and climate data management, drawing attention to smart infrastructure and data-driven decision-making.
The session concluded with Divya Subash Kumar, Project Scientist, CCG – CCCDM, Anna University introducing the concept of Climate Compatible Growth, emphasising low-carbon development strategies that align economic and environmental goals
The event concluded with a quiz.
