The Climate Thinker

26/08/2026

From Small Steps to Larger Responsibilities:

Since 2019, The Climate Thinker, a CSO working at the intersection of climate change, community capacity building and climate education, has been steadily taking small but meaningful steps towards building a stronger climate-conscious society.

Over the years, our work has created multiple footprints across Eastern India—working with communities, students and Gen Z by bringing together the power of citizen science, communication, art and culture to make climate knowledge more accessible, engaging and actionable.

Yesterday was another important milestone in this journey.

We were honoured to contribute to a Zonal Level Capacity Building Workshop for Master Trainers, organised by the West Bengal Pollution Control Board and the School Education Department, Government of West Bengal, by facilitating capacity-building training for DI/AI/DEO officials and Nodal Hub Eco-Club Teachers.

For us, climate education is not simply about transferring knowledge. It is about building confidence, strengthening local leadership and enabling educators and communities to become catalysts for climate action.

Every trained teacher, every empowered student, every informed community member adds another footprint to a larger movement—one that can shape a more climate-resilient and environmentally responsible Eastern India.

29/06/2026

The webinar explored how grassroots movements, community participation, and youth-led initiatives have become powerful forces in shaping government action on environmental issues. Mr. Subhradeep Ghosh highlighted the importance of collective citizen action in influencing environmental policy decisions, promoting accountability, and advancing sustainable development. The session also addressed the challenges and opportunities within environmental advocacy, emphasizing the role of civil society, local communities, and young changemakers in building a more sustainable and environmentally just future.

The engaging discussions and thought-provoking questions from participants reflected the growing interest in environmental governance and climate action. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Mr. Subhradip Ghosh for sharing his expertise and inspiring perspectives, and to all the participants for making the session interactive and impactful. We also thank everyone who supported and contributed to the successful organization of this webinar. Together, we continue to strengthen the conversation around wetlands, environmental conservation, and sustainable development.

To know more about our initiative visit our website wetlandsofbengal.in

24/06/2026

Environmental activism has long been a catalyst for meaningful policy change, influencing governments to take action on pressing environmental challenges. As part of the Voices for Wetlands Webinar Series, we invite you to join an engaging discussion on "From Streets to Strategies: How Environmental Activism Shapes Government Action" with Subhradip Ghosh, Secretary, Future for Nature Foundation, on 28 June 2026 from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM.

This session will explore how grassroots movements, youth-led initiatives, community engagement, and civil society advocacy contribute to shaping environmental policies and governance. We will also discuss the challenges and opportunities in environmental advocacy, as well as the critical role of environmental justice, accountability, and sustainable development in driving positive change. Whether you are a student, researcher, activist, NGO professional, community leader, or simply passionate about conservation and climate action, this webinar offers valuable insights into the power of collective action in creating a more sustainable future. Register now and be part of the conversation that connects citizen action with policy transformation.

You can click the link to register

https://lnkd.in/g5ArMAFy

21/05/2026

We are proud to share the installation of our new Himalayan Salamander Awareness Boards at Okayti Tea Garden. These boards have been designed to educate visitors, workers, and the local community about the importance of protecting the rare and vulnerable Himalayan Salamander and its fragile habitat in the Eastern Himalayas.

From showcasing the salamander’s habitat and life cycle to highlighting conservation challenges, this initiative aims to spread awareness about biodiversity conservation and responsible eco-tourism in the Darjeeling hills.
Seeing these awareness boards being prepared and installed in the field is a reminder that conservation begins with education and collective action.

Let us all work together to protect our wetlands, forests, and mountain ecosystems for future generations.

16/05/2026

We recently organized an engaging webinar on “Beat the Heat: Heat Action Planning for Schools and Teachers”featuring Dr. Partha Chakraborty, Senior Principal Scientist at the Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, Kolkata.

As heatwaves become more frequent and intense, the session focused on the growing challenges faced by schools in ensuring student health, safety, and learning continuity during extreme heat events. The discussion explored practical heat safety measures for classrooms and school campuses, the importance of developing school-level Heat Action Plans, emergency preparedness systems, and the critical role of teachers in spreading awareness and supporting student well-being. The session also highlighted the need for climate-resilient school practices to build long-term adaptation strategies for educational institutions.

One of the most meaningful aspects of the webinar was the interactive conversation with participants. Teachers, students, educators, and environmental professionals actively shared their experiences, concerns, and ideas regarding heat stress and climate preparedness in schools. The discussion reflected a strong collective interest in creating safer learning environments and emphasized the importance of community participation, awareness, and local action in addressing the impacts of climate change. We sincerely thank all participants for contributing to such a thoughtful and impactful conversation.

The Climate Thinker

08/05/2026

Webinar - Beat the Heat: Heat Action Planning for Schools and Teachers

Join us for the webinar “Beat the Heat: Heat Action Planning for Schools and Teachers” with Dr. Partha Chakraborty, Senior Principal Scientist, IICB.
The session will focus on how schools and educators can prepare for increasing heatwaves through practical safety measures, Heat Action Plans, and climate-resilient practices to protect student health and well-being.

📅 15 May 2026
⏰ 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM

An important discussion for educators, school administrators, students, and climate advocates working toward safer learning environments in a warming world.

Click the link to register

https://forms.gle/s8ip2dZXu1viNsCXA

03/05/2026

Today we hosted an insightful session titled “When Conservation Clashes with Communities: Wetland Realities in Bengal” as part of the Voices for Wetlands series.

The session began with an engaging talk by our speaker, Samrat Paul, who set the stage by unpacking the complex relationship between wetland conservation and community livelihoods. He highlighted how well-intentioned environmental policies can sometimes conflict with the everyday realities of people who depend on wetlands for survival. His perspective brought forward the importance of balancing ecological protection with social equity.

What followed was an enriching and interactive discussion between the speaker and participants. The conversation opened up diverse viewpoints—from grassroots challenges and traditional knowledge to policy gaps and pathways for coexistence. Participants actively shared their thoughts, questions, and experiences, making the session dynamic and collaborative.

04/04/2026

The Climate Thinker with Adamas University successfully organized Biomeet–2026: Voices for Wetlands at the APJ Abdul Kalam Convention Centre, Kolkata, with support from Asar Social Impact Advisors. The conference brought together academicians, policymakers, researchers, grassroots organizations, and over 300 students, reflecting a strong and growing engagement in wetland conservation and sustainability.

The programme featured a keynote session by Prof. Punarbasu Chaudhuri, Professor & Head, Department of Environmental Science, University of Calcutta. A panel discussion titled “Policy Starts with You: Youth Roles in Wetland Advocacy, Research & Decision-Making” was moderated by Dr. Arindam Roy, The Climate Thinker, Sri Samanjit Sengupta (WBCS Executive), Senior Personnel Manager, West Bengal Pollution Control Board; Ms. Dhruba Das Gupta, Project Director, Society for Creative Opportunities and Participatory Ecosystems (SCOPE); Dr. Chandrima Sinha, Programme Manager, Nature Environment and Wildlife Society; Dr. Pritha Bhattacharjee, Associate Professor, Department of Environmental Science, University of Calcutta; Dr. Tuhin Bhadra, Assistant Professor, Department of Geography, School of Basic and Applied Sciences, Adamas University; and Dr. Sugato Mukherjee, Assistant Professor, Department of Law, School of Law and Justice, Adamas University.

The conference also recognized organizations such as Howrah Jila Joutha Paribesh Mancha and Kasthashali Banabithi for their contributions to community-led wetland conservation. The event concluded with student poster presentations on wetland biodiversity, pollution management, climate change, and community governance, showcasing innovative perspectives from emerging scholars. Biomeet–2026 successfully provided a platform for dialogue, collaboration, and knowledge exchange, reinforcing the critical role of youth and communities in advancing sustainable wetland conservation in West Bengal.

03/04/2026