The Government of Tamil Nadu has taken a big step toward climate education. They have launched new initiatives in 300 Green Schools to teach students about climate change and promote heat-resistant infrastructure. This program kicked off on January 19, 2026, illustrating a strong commitment to climate action.
The initiative was introduced by Thiru. Thangam Thennarasu, the Minister for Finance and Environment, along with Thiru. Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi, the Minister for School Education. The aim is to turn schools into active hubs for learning about sustainability, helping students understand the effects of climate change on our world.
Central to this program is the Climate Education Initiative. Schools are becoming “living laboratories” where students engage with climate-related topics such as natural resource management and sustainability. They can participate in training sessions for teachers, nature camps, and even a statewide climate quiz.
To boost these efforts, Tamil Nadu plans to train 4,000 teachers from all 38 districts as Climate Ambassadors. This includes at least half from government and aided schools. The first training program is set to start in Salem after the launch. These ambassadors will encourage climate action among students, helping them become more environmentally aware.
Tamil Nadu faces extreme heat during the summer, which can significantly disrupt education. Many classrooms can reach uncomfortable temperatures of 38-40 degrees Celsius. Recognizing heat as a disaster in the state, studies suggest that high temperatures above 30-32 degrees Celsius can hinder learning and exam performance.
To address this, the Cool Roof initiative will be included in the Tamil Nadu Climate Change Mission Action Plan for 2025-26. A successful pilot at Ambattur Perunthalaivar Kamarajar Government Girls Higher Secondary School showed promising results. With heat-reflective coatings, indoor temperatures dropped by 3-4 degrees Celsius. This makes classrooms more comfortable and reduces the need for fans or air conditioning.
During the launch, schools in Chennai, like Chennai Girls Higher Secondary School and Chennai Higher Secondary School, were also recognized for their efforts in creating climate-responsive environments.
Experts highlight that integrating climate education into schools is crucial for raising awareness about the challenges of climate change. In a recent survey, 75% of teachers expressed that they believe climate education can significantly impact students’ understanding of their role in combating climate issues.
In summary, Tamil Nadu’s initiatives not only aim to educate students but also focus on practical solutions to enhance learning environments. By fostering awareness and providing the right infrastructure, the state is taking meaningful steps towards a more sustainable future.
For more detailed information, you can check the official Tamil Nadu Climate Change Mission here.
Source link
Climate Change,Climate Change Literacy,Climate Education Initiative,Climate Literacy In Tamil Nadu Schools,Cool Roof Initiative,Tamil Nadu Climate Change Mission Action Plan,Education
