Tamil Nadu Government Launches Climate Education and Cool Roof Initiatives in 300 Green Schools
The Tamil Nadu government has rolled out new Climate Education and Cool Roof initiatives across 300 Green Schools in the state. This move aims to turn school campuses into practical labs for climate action. The program was announced in the 2025-26 budget and is being implemented in partnership with the school education department.
Hands-On Learning for Students
Students will gain direct experience in climate change, natural resource management, and sustainability through this initiative. The program includes residential teacher training sessions, student nature camps, and a statewide climate quiz called 'Soozhal Arivom'. These activities are designed to make climate education engaging and impactful for young learners.
Combating Heat Stress in Classrooms
A key focus of the initiative is addressing heat stress in schools. Many schools in Tamil Nadu have concrete roofs that trap heat, causing indoor temperatures to reach 38-40 degrees Celsius during class hours. This extreme heat impairs student concentration and academic performance. Heat has now been classified as a state-specific disaster in Tamil Nadu.
Studies show that classroom temperatures above 30-32 degrees Celsius lead to sharp drops in learning ability and exam scores. The Cool Roof initiative directly tackles this problem by implementing passive cooling solutions in school buildings.
Successful Pilot Program
The Cool Roof program gained momentum after a successful pilot at Ambattur Perunthalaivar Kamarajar Government Girls Higher Secondary School. The pilot demonstrated significant temperature reductions: indoor temperatures dropped by 3-4 degrees Celsius on average, ceiling surfaces cooled by 4-5 degrees Celsius, and occupied classrooms saw temperatures fall from 31-32 degrees Celsius to 27 degrees Celsius.
These improvements reduced reliance on fans while enhancing thermal comfort for students and teachers. The Cool Roof initiative is now part of the Tamil Nadu Climate Change Mission Action Plan for 2025-26.
Official Launch and Expansion
State Environment and Finance Minister Thangam Thennarasu officially launched the program on Monday. During the launch event, he inaugurated Cool Roofs at Chennai Girls Higher Secondary School in Shenoy Nagar and Chennai Higher Secondary School in Thiruvanmiyur.
State Forests and Environment Secretary Supriya Sahu emphasized the importance of these measures. She stated that schools must adopt passive cooling techniques to combat rising temperatures driven by climate change. These techniques can reduce indoor heat, improve student focus, and alleviate heat stress effectively.
Sahu also highlighted that through the UNEP-backed Be Cool Project, this model could be scaled to schools and public buildings across the country. The initiative represents a practical approach to making educational environments more comfortable and conducive to learning despite challenging weather conditions.
