We are very well aware that global warming is a real phenomenon and requires a public will to keep climate change to survivable levels and to restore nature to its equilibrium. The climatic vagaries have aggravated the occurrences and magnitude of water-based disasters, be it for the plenty of it or an absolute lack of it. Environment degradation has been on a rise owing to haphazard development and mindless human activities. However, people are realizing the importance of saving our planet earth and environmental protection is the prime concern around the world nowadays. Climate Change Adaptation (CCA) measures are being explored and incubated in different sectors. Caritas India initiated CC adaptive agriculture and natural resource management years ago and mainstreamed these concerns in its disaster relief interventions as well. As part of this commitment, Caritas India joined hands with the Earth Day Network-India in April this year, with the objective of reaching out to institutions and communities with the message of Environment Conservation.

In July 2019, various events were organized under CI-EDN India partnership, in different parts of the country, that saw a participation of more than 1500 volunteers.

Events like cleanliness drives, plantation drives, rallies, awareness programmes and essay and painting competitions were organized to work towards the vision of environment conservation. In Bihar, four events were organized. On July 9, in Phulwari Sharif, students of a government school actively participated in the drawing competition on environment protection and awareness generation, with an active support and guidance of Prayas Gramin Vikas Samiti (Secular NGO and Caritas India partner). A training-cum-rally on coping with climate change and building resilience for farmers was organized by Bihar Water Development Society, under CI-EDN partnership on July 11, at village Baruna of Sheikhpura district. This programme was conducted to improve tropical smallholder farming systems for greater productivity and resilience to climate change through ecological approaches. Using ecological process, we strive to improve the biological efficiency of farming systems and generate synergies to produce sustainably increased agriculture productivity and income; build resilience to climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

An orientation programme was organized in Bhabhra Tola village of Madhepur district where more than 60 women participated. Volunteers were briefed about environment protection, climate change, sanitation and importance of plantation.  More than 150 volunteers participated in the Great Campus Cleanup drive in Koran Sarai village in Buxar district, on July 20, 2019. Children, youth and women joined the cleaning work, taking brooms, spades and baskets in their hands. Similarly, activities were organized in different parts of West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and Uttar Pradesh.

This sort of volunteer programme helps in creating a responsible society, where every individual takes charge of their immediate surroundings and thereby contribute to the environment concerns. The most interesting part of these events is the fact that such activities have promoted the participation of women in public domain. More than 500 women participated in various programmes across the states. A good participation of youth, which is more than 1000, indicates that the young generation is really concerned about climate change and is willing to participate in activities that help towards achieving a green society. Caritas India appreciates this partnership with Earth Day Network, which again helps us mutually to align with various SDGs. Caritas India is committed to work through its members nationwide to bring a visible difference to the success of the SDGs that are related to climate change mitigation and environmental conservation. This prolific work is yet to expand and we are committed to exploring more opportunities in new states and new regions aiming to combat poverty, to support people who are excluded and to care for our common home-planet earth.

Caritas India is working with school children and youth and promoting volunteerism for causes that are deeply rooted to our understanding of a responsible society. Currently, Caritas India works with EDN in five states and are committed to expanding and addressing the global issue of Climate Change through a national mobilisation of concerned stakeholders.