EYLCCC Pariwartan’s Flagship Programme on promoting Youth Leadership to take actions over Climate Change
A TwoTwo-day Training Program on
Enabling Young Leaders to
Combat Climate Change Organized byby-
From August 12 to 13, 2008 At Rotary Town Hall, The Mall, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh
INTRODUCTION CLIMATE CHANGE has emerged as the most critical and threatening challenge before the world in the 21st century. Despite of several policy-related initiatives taken in order to tackle this challenge, the conceptual understanding and approach towards “acting locally” has not been realized yet so far. It is unanimously believed that aware and motivated Youth, well-equipped with “in-depth” knowledge over the aspects related to climate change, will be of immense potential for making the communities aware & sensitive towards the environment and for taking actions in defence of the earth. United Nations has underpinned the role of youth in tackling with the climate change challenge and has declared the theme of the INTERNATIONAL YOUTH DAY 2008 as “Youth and Climate Change: Time for Action”. Considering the capacity building of youth over the Climate Change as the most basic step towards the promotion of sustainable actions for combating this problem, Pariwartan organized a 2-day long training program for the Youth Leaders from district Shimla from August 12 to 13, 2008 at the Rotary Town Hall, The Mall, Shimla. The training program christened as “Enabling Young Leaders to Combat Climate Change” is the first of its kind program in Himachal Pradesh and the organization aims to replicate the same at other parts of the state. In order to maximize the outreach of the program, the organization partnered with relevant Government Departments, Business Groups, NGOs, CBOs, Educational Institutions, Media and Youth Associations. The resource persons for the training were renowned subject matter specialists from
Forest
Department, Non Governmental Organizations and Environmental Advocacy Groups. 50 trainees belonging to 16-25 years age-group attended this training program with great enthusiasm and interest. These young leaders will now act as the Awareness Promoters and change makers over the various aspects related to Climate Change, its impacts and consequences at local level and will also take focused actions through a Youth Task Force. By joining this youth movement against climate change, these participants have naturally become a part of the INDIAN YOUTH CLIMATE NETWORK (IYCN), a coalition uniting Indian youth and Indian youth oriented organizations who are concerned about climate change. Contributing its efforts to this great movement, PARIWARTAN is coordinating the initiatives undertaken by IYCN at Himachal Pradesh level and enhancing the outreach of IYCN in the state. Making this small endeavor transform into a grand drive against climate change, PARIWARTAN will soon organize a series of Training of Trainers (ToT) for the capable and self-motivated participants which will enhance their skills and capacity to take more focused and determined actions against the factors that contribute to the Climate Change at various levels including the self level, family level and community levels. PARIWARTAN encourages the Youth of Himachal Pradesh to come ahead and reveal their potential to become a Climate Leader, a leader who is concerned not only about his/her own future, but also about the future of the coming generations.
EVENT DETAILS OBJECTIVES OF THE TRAINING: • To enhance the understanding of Young Leaders on the issues pertaining to the Climate Change and the possible solutions to this problem. • To build their capacities by providing them with the most required leadership skills and knowledge for becoming a Climate Leader. • To constitute a Youth Task Force for taking sincere actions against climate change at local and regional levels.
METHODOLOGY: PowerPoint Presentations with Illustrations on White Board. Showcasing of the movie “An Inconvenient Truth” Interactive discussions between the speakers and participants during presentations. Written exercises to examine the skills & knowledge level of participants. Questions round after every presentation for doubts clearance and query redressal. Group discussions among the participants and speakers over future course of action.
RESOURCE PERSONS: Senior officials from different Government Departments, Non Governmental Organizations and Environmental Advocacy Groups having expertise in different issues interconnected with the climate change and its solutions1. Mr. J. S. Walia (IFS), CEO- ET & CCF, H.P. Forest Department 2. Dr. R.K. Sood, JMS, H.P. State Council for Science, Technology & Environment 3. Mr. Surender Kumar (IFS), Director- South, H.P. State Forest Corporation Ltd. 4. Mr. G. S. Thakur (HPFS), H.P. State Forest Corporation Ltd. 5. Mr. Farhad Vania, GTZ (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Technische Zusammenarbeit GmbH) 6. Mr. Anand Sharma (Advocate), H.P. High Court
PARTICIPANTS: 50 Young Leaders belonging to the following colleges1. Rajkeeya Kanya Maha Vidyalaya (RKMV), Longwood, Shimla 2. Rajeev Gandhi Government Degree College, Kotshera, Shimla 3. Centre of Excellence- Government Degree College Sanjauli, Shimla
ANCHOR: Mr. H. R. Thakur
MODERATORS: Mrs. Sudesh Kaith Mr. Navneet Yadav
EVENT MANAGERS: Mr. Yogesh Chauhan Mr. Harish Verma
PROCEEDINGS: DAY-1 INTRODUCTORY SESSION: Mr. Het Ram Thakur, General Secretary, Pariwartan, welcomed the participants with a brief note over the background of event. Mr. Thakur also offered a warm welcome to Mr. Pankaj Khullar (IFS), Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Govt. of Himachal Pradesh who was the Chief Guest of the event. Mr. Khullar, despite of his very busy schedule, found time to address the young participants who appeared to be very excited to be a part of the first ever Youth-centric drive against Climate Change. Mr. Khullar encouraged the young leaders to step ahead in defence of the environment as it is their future and the future of the next generations which is going to be most affected by the impacts of climate change. He also added that setting goals is easy but to realize these goals as reality takes discipline and sincere efforts. Mr. Khullar concluded his short speech by encouraging the young leaders not to “keep silence” on the issues that are of immense concern for the environmental sustainability and pose a threat to their future. Mrs. Sudesh Kaith, Convener of Pariwartan, offered the vote of thanks to Mr. Khullar for becoming the Chief Guest of the first Training Program on “Enabling Young Leaders to Combat Climate Change” in Himachal Pradesh and inspiring the Young Leaders with his inspirational words. Later, the participants from different colleges introduced themselves.
SHOWCASING OF “AN INCONVENIENT TRUTH” After the introductory session, it was the time to showcase the brainstorming movie on the impacts of global warming and threats & predictions related to climate change- “An Inconvenient Truth” featuring former Vice President of USA, Mr. Al Gore. In order to maximize the better understanding of the information provided in the movie, we showcased a Hindi version of the movie which was dubbed in Hindi and widely circulated in India by GTZ. Participants liked the movie very much and some teachers who came along with the participants requested ‘Pariwartan’ to arrange a Film Show at their colleges i.e. Rajkeeya Kanya Maha Vidyalaya (RKMV), Longwood, Shimla and Rajeev Gandhi Govt. Degree College (RGGC), Kotshera, Shimla. After watching the movie, participants were asked to give their comments on the movie and almost all the participants said that the movie has raised a huge concern in their mindsets and has opened an avenue for discussion and further actions to save the Earth from the crisis of climate change.
PRESENTATIONS: A series of very informative and brainstorming presentations were delivered by different presenters. All the presentations were made in such a way where there was enough opportunity for the participants to clear their doubts or queries simultaneously with the presentation. Besides this, a short question round after the presentations was an additional help for the participants to have a better understanding of all the vital points of the presentations. The main points of each presentation are given on the next pages for easy understanding of the aspects covered by different speakers on the topic assigned to them for the presentation. No. of Presentations made on the First Day- 3 No. of Presentations made on the Second Day- 4
PROCEEDINGS: DAY-1 PRESENTATION #1: Basic Overview of Climate Change (By- Mr. J. S. Walia (IFS), CEO- ET & CCF, H. P. Forest Department)
Understanding the Earth, Ecology and the Environment
The distinct life-supporting characteristics of Earth
Phenomenon of “natural” Green House Effect in Earth’s atmosphere
Factors that regulate the surface and atmospheric temperatures of Earth
Main Green House Gases and their sources
Anthropogenic causes that affect the “natural” Green House Effect
Global Warming and its impacts on the Climate & Ecosystems
Various models endorsing change in climate system
Impacts of Climate Change on the people, biodiversity and natural resources
Possible ways of dealing with the climate change- from mitigation to adaptation
PRESENTATION #2: Local & Regional Issues pertaining to Climate Change (By- Dr. R. K. Sood, JMS, H.P. State Council for Science, Technology & Environment)
How climate change is affecting the Himalayan region
Impacts of climate change resulting in natural disasters
Variability in regional weather patterns due to global warming
Precipitation & snowfall trends in Himachal Pradesh
Impacts on Agriculture, Horticulture, Water and other natural resources
Shift and migration of plants & animal species to new habitats
Introduction of alien species (like mosquitoes) in colder parts of the state
Afforestation & Reforestation are two big solutions
Significance of accurate data on trends showing climate change
Enhancing Energy Efficiency through technology development
Individual and Community level initiatives could be really vital
PRESENTATION #3: Development and Climate Change (By- Mr. Surender Kumar (IFS), Director- South, H.P. State Forest Corporation Ltd.)
Various cross-cutting factors related to development
Major indicators of sustainable development
Inter-relation between development and environment
Contribution of population growth & urbanization in global warming
Distribution of resources between the rich and poor of the world
Role of Strong and Effective Legislation in dealing with climate change
Reforestation of marginal areas with native species
Significance of new, large-scale plantations around industrial areas
Biomass plantations for energy production for rural areas
Substitution of fossil fuels with alternative sources like electricity
Introduction of trees into existing agricultural systems- Agroforestry
Compulsory use of modern, fuel-efficient technologies in vehicles
PROCEEDINGS: DAY-2 PRESENTATION #4: Attitude, Skills & Knowledge to become a Climate Leader (By- Mr. G. S. Thakur (HPFS), DM, H.P. State Forest Corporation Ltd.)
Importance of having clear understanding of What, Why, Who, Where, When & How
Need of self-realization for meeting the set goals
Youth and Climate Change: From perspective to decision making
Dream of a future world- how it would look like
Personal Assessment: Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities & Threats
Adopting leadership lessons from the religious epics and fables
Techniques of self-realization and motivation to lead
Importance of having right attitude in meeting the goals
Potential of Young Leaders in dealing with the climate change crisis
Leadership skills required to become a Climate Leader
Factors that will determine the success or failure of Climate Leaders
PRESENTATION #5: Youths and Environmental Advocacy (By- Mr. Anand Sharma, Advocate, H.P. High Court)
Understanding the Environmental Advocacy
Strengths & Limitations of Environmental Legislation
Local & Regional Success Stories based on environmental advocacy
Various legal procedures and tools for environment protection
Right to Information Act: Empowerment through Information
Role of RTI in enhancing the decision making processes
Procedure of obtaining information through RTI Act
Public Interest Litigation: people’s action for the good
Procedure of filing a PIL for defending the nature or communities interests
Specific roles of Young Leaders in Environmental Advocacy
Different kind of legal assistance provided under the Law
Advisory Support from the Human Rights Law Network (HRLN)
PRESENTATION #6: Role of Youth & NGOs in dealing with Climate Change (By- Mr. Farhad Vania, Project Leader, GTZ Himachal Pradesh)
Himachal specific issues pertaining to Climate Change
Growing water scarcity in Shimla town and degrading environment
Role of local youth in dealing with environmental problems
Youths’ perspective on general environmental issues of Shimla
Figuring out the priorities for action at town level
Importance of individual and organizational networking in finding solutions
Opportunities for youth to influence policies affecting the environment
Strategy formulation for Youth-led actions over climate change
Need for building a stronger network of like-minded individuals
Planning of future course of action
PROCEEDINGS: DAY-2 PRESENTATION #7: Indian Youth Climate Network (IYCN) in Himachal Pradesh (By- Mr. Navneet Yadav, Chief Program Officer, Pariwartan)
Youth-led National Movement on Climate Change
History, Vision & Mission of Indian Youth Climate Network (IYCN)
IYCN’s strategy over contributing to the global drive against climate change
Significance of Youth Leadership in taking real actions over climate change crisis
Present outreach of IYCN in various regions of India
Programmes and projects undertaken by IYCN
Pariwartan’s Role as the Himachal Pradesh state coordination agency for IYCN
Information about the 1st Indian Youth Summit on Climate Change at Hyderabad
Information about the National Youth Action Plan on Climate Change
Mobilization of Youth to participate in IYCN’s endeavors at local level
Formation of Youth Task Force for Shimla city
KEY POINTS OF THE TRAINING PROGRAM 1.
The first initiative in Himachal Pradesh on the capacity building of Young Leaders over climate change.
2.
Higher participation of female participants reflects that females from Shimla are keener to learn about Climate Change.
3.
Resource Persons belonging to diverse intellectual backgrounds added great quality to the training program.
4.
All
the
presentations
contained
locally-relevant
information
that
made
the
presentations more interesting. 5.
Attending such kind of event for the first time, the participants were very keen about learning the vital aspects of climate change and their role in dealing with it.
6.
Data & Information provided by the resource persons during their presentations sensitized the participants over terrible consequences of climate change in future.
7.
Some very interactive discussions and question rounds took place during the presentations, which also symbolizes the zeal of participants to take sincere actions.
8.
Participants expressed their happiness over their inclusion in the state chapter of Indian Youth Climate Network (IYCN).
9.
Teachers and lecturers from the participating colleges requested ‘Pariwartan’ to host similar workshops/training programs in their colleges for a larger participation.
10. In the two-day training program, participants liked the movie “An Inconvenient Truth” most, as it sensitized them and the message delivered by the movie helped them to understand their responsibility to combat climate change. 11. The event got a wider coverage in the local and national newspapers and also got broadcasted through local News channels.
LIST OF PARTICIPANTS #
Name of the Participant
Institution/Organization
1
Ms. Harsha Verma
R.K.M.V., Longwood, Shimla
2
Ms. Gian Wati
R.K.M.V., Longwood, Shimla
3
Ms. Vandana Chauhan
R.K.M.V., Longwood, Shimla
4
Ms. Ankita
R.K.M.V., Longwood, Shimla
5
Ms. Ved
R.K.M.V., Longwood, Shimla
6
Ms. Dipika Sharma
R.K.M.V., Longwood, Shimla
7
Ms. Ritu Chauhan
R.K.M.V., Longwood, Shimla
8
Ms. Kanchan
R.K.M.V., Longwood, Shimla
9
Ms. Rajni Kapta
R.K.M.V., Longwood, Shimla
10
Ms. Priti
R.K.M.V., Longwood, Shimla
11
Ms. Kalpana
R.K.M.V., Longwood, Shimla
12
Ms. Dimple
R.K.M.V., Longwood, Shimla
13
Ms. Smiriti
R.K.M.V., Longwood, Shimla
14
Ms. Arvita
R.K.M.V., Longwood, Shimla
15
Ms. Ritika Chauhan
R.K.M.V., Longwood, Shimla
16
Ms. Mamta
R.K.M.V., Longwood, Shimla
17
Ms. Anuradha Fishta
R.K.M.V., Longwood, Shimla
18
Ms. Pallavi Sood
R.K.M.V., Longwood, Shimla
19
Ms. Aditya Rajta
R.K.M.V., Longwood, Shimla
20
Ms. Aarti Singh
R.K.M.V., Longwood, Shimla
21
Ms. Meenakshi Chauhan
R.K.M.V., Longwood, Shimla
22
Ms. Swati Mahant
R.K.M.V., Longwood, Shimla
23
Ms. Anamika Thakur
R.K.M.V., Longwood, Shimla
24
Ms. Priyanka Sharma
R.K.M.V., Longwood, Shimla
25
Ms. Prinyanka Negi
R.K.M.V., Longwood, Shimla
26
Ms. Neha Sharma
R.K.M.V., Longwood, Shimla
27
Ms. Suchi Depta Ms. Preeti Kanwer
R.K.M.V., Longwood, Shimla
28
R.K.M.V., Longwood, Shimla
29
Ms. Pooja Verma
R.K.M.V., Longwood, Shimla
30
Ms. Neelam Thakur
31
Mr. Ram Gopal
R.K.M.V., Longwood, Shimla Govt. College, Sanjauli, Shimla
32
Mr. Anil Khachi
Govt. College, Sanjauli, Shimla
33
Mr. Narendra Kumar
H.P. University, Shimla
34
Ms. Santosh Thakur
H.P. University, Shimla
35
Mr. Vaneet Kumar
R.G.G. College, Kotshera, Shimla
36
Mr. Devender Singh
R.G.G. College, Kotshera, Shimla
37
Mr. Girish Kumar
38
Ms. Poonam Kumari
R.G.G. College, Kotshera, Shimla R.G.G. College, Kotshera, Shimla
39
Mr. Arun Bhatia
R.G.G. College, Kotshera, Shimla
40
Mr. Surinder Sharma
R.G.G. College, Kotshera, Shimla
LIST OF PARTICIPANTS #
Name of the Participant
Institution/Organization
41
Mr. Arun
R.G.G. College, Kotshera, Shimla
42
Mr. Anil
R.G.G. College, Kotshera, Shimla
43
Mr. Ashok Kumar
R.G.G. College, Kotshera, Shimla
44
Mr. Sem Kumar
R.G.G. College, Kotshera, Shimla
45
Mr. Kapil Sharma
R.G.G. College, Kotshera, Shimla
46
Mr. Khemraj
R.G.G. College, Kotshera, Shimla
47
Mr. Kishore Kumar Garg
R.G.G. College, Kotshera, Shimla
48
Mr. Meli Ram
R.G.G. College, Kotshera, Shimla
49
Mr. Khem Prakash
R.G.G. College, Kotshera, Shimla
50
Mr. Vipin Singh
R.G.G. College, Kotshera, Shimla
51
Mr. Suresh Kumar
R.G.G. College, Kotshera, Shimla
52
Mr. Sandeep Shukla
R.G.G. College, Kotshera, Shimla
53
Mr. Ankush Sharma
R.G.G. College, Kotshera, Shimla
54
Mr. Lokinder Bassanta
R.G.G. College, Kotshera, Shimla
55
Ms. Rajni Walia (Sr. Lectr.)
R.G.G. College, Kotshera, Shimla
56
Ms. Meenu Jiwan (Sr. Lectr.)
R.G.G. College, Kotshera, Shimla
57
Mr. Jai Chand Sharma
Green Carpet (NGO)
58
Ms. Taruna Misra (President)
Sparsh (NGO)
59
Ms. Deepa Bhikta (Journalist)
Ajeet Samachar
60
Ms. Pushpa Sahota (Journalist)
Dainik Bhaskar
61
Mr. Raj Kumar Sharma (Journalist)
Ajeet Samachar
62
Mr. Anil Thakur (Journalist)
Divya Himachal
63
Mr. Mukesh Sharma (Journalist)
Hindustan Times
64
Mr. Naresh Kumar (Journalist)
Punjab Kesari
65
Mr. Rahul Sharma (Correspondent)
City Channel
66
Mr. Ravi Rahi (Correspondent)
City Channel
67
Mr. Rajender Sharma (Journalist)
Aapka Phaisla & Bhartendu
68
Mr. Rajeshwar Gautam
Amar Ujaala
69
Mr. Yadesh Thakur
H.P. Electricity Board
70
Ms. Geeta Thakur
Pariwartan
71
Ms. Sudesh Kaith
Pariwartan
72
Mr. Yogesh Chauhan
Pariwartan
73
Mr. Harish Verma
Pariwartan
74
Mr. Het Ram Thakur
Pariwartan
75
Mr. Navneet Yadav
Pariwartan
PARIWARTAN ‌from awareness to awakening
CONTACT US Postal Address P.O. Box # 27, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh (INDIA) Registered Office Chalaunthi, Sanjauli, Shimla- 171006, Himachal Pradesh (INDIA) Phone +91 9816637634, 9817075488, 9418901188, 9857192386 E-mail pariwartan.india@gmail.com Website www.pariwartan.bravehost.com