(a) whether the Government has taken steps to increase awareness among youth on issues relating to climate change;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the Government has taken steps to involve youth of the country for meaningful dialogue on the issue so as to help and tackle the adverse effects of the climate change and if so, the details thereof; and
(d) whether the Government has organised afforestation programmes for youth on a large scale and if so, the details thereof?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE
(SHRI BABUL SUPRIYO)
(a) to (d) Government is implementing Environment Education, Awareness and Training scheme with the objective to promote environmental awareness among all sections of society including youth, and to mobilize people’s participation for conservation of environment. Under the National Green Corps (NGC) programme of the Ministry, about 1.5 lakh schools have been identified as Eco-clubs, wherein, nearly 45 lakh students are actively participating in various environment protection and conservation activities, including regular plantation activities.
The Government introduced the Science Express Climate Action Special (SECAS) exhibition train in 2015 to create awareness among various sections of society, especially students, regarding ways to combat climate change through mitigation and adaptation. With around 48 lakh visitors between 2015 to 2017, SECAS became the biggest Climate Change Awareness Programme in the country.
Further, as a part of European Union (EU) funded Strategic Partnership for Implementation of the Paris Agreement (SPIPA) project, Youth Climate Conclave was organised in January 2020, wherein youth in the age bracket of 13-18 years and 19-25 years from across the country were invited for training and capacity building on climate change.
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