Scottish Church College Leads Climate Literacy Workshop for Kolkata Schools
In a significant step toward enhancing environmental awareness, Scottish Church College, in partnership with TERI School of Advanced Studies (TERI SAS) and the Kolkata-based non-governmental organization SHER, successfully conducted a comprehensive workshop titled "Knowing Climate Change." This pioneering initiative was specifically designed to deepen climate literacy among school students, fostering a new generation of eco-conscious leaders.
Workshop Draws Participation from 28 Regional Schools
The event attracted representatives from 28 schools across the region, with each institution sending one teacher and one student to engage in a full day of expert-led sessions. The workshop served as a platform for interactive learning and collaboration, emphasizing the urgent need for climate education in today's world.
Launch of the Climate Ambassador Program
A highlight of the workshop was the formal launch of the Climate Ambassador Program. Under this initiative, participating students are tasked with carrying forward the knowledge acquired during the workshop and translating it into tangible, school-level action projects. The most impactful initiatives will be recognized and awarded, encouraging a culture of sustained climate action at the grassroots level. This program aims to empower youth to become active agents of change in their communities.
Scholarly Resources and Inaugural Session
Each participant received a copy of the booklet "Anthropocene," authored by Ratul Ghosh, a research assistant at TERI SAS. This resource set a thoughtful and scholarly tone for the day's proceedings, providing attendees with in-depth insights into climate issues. The inaugural session was presided over by Madhumanjari Mandal, principal of Scottish Church College, alongside Ranjana Ray Chaudhuri from TERI SAS and Joydip Kundu of SHER, highlighting the collaborative effort behind the event.
Technical Sessions Cover Climate Science and Urban Resilience
The technical program commenced with Session I, led by Debal Ray, IFS (Retd.), who delivered a comprehensive introduction to climate change. His presentation covered:
- The mechanics of the greenhouse gas effect
- The role of oceans as carbon sinks
- Historical patterns of climatic shifts
- Socio-economic consequences of climate change
- Policy frameworks required to address environmental challenges
The focus then shifted to urban resilience and social vulnerability, with Ranjana Ray Chaudhuri presenting on Climate Smart Cities. She drew sharp connections between global warming and pressing threats such as heat stress, rising sea levels, and food and water insecurity. Her talk elaborated on the Urban Heat Island effect and the necessity for robust mitigation and adaptation frameworks in smart city planning.
Applied Science and Technology Demonstrations
The second half of the day pivoted toward applied science and technology. Amitava Roy of Scottish Church College conducted a hands-on laboratory demonstration, showcasing advanced instruments including:
- RT-PCR
- UV-Vis Spectrophotometer
- High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC)
This demonstration illustrated how pollutant analysis and environmental research are carried out in modern scientific settings, providing students with a practical understanding of scientific methodologies.
Role of AI and Machine Learning in Climate Science
One of the sessions featured Ratul Ghosh, research assistant at TERI SAS, who explored the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in climate science. He discussed the integration of satellite data with Large Language Models (LLMs) and Physics-Informed ML models, drawing on his own fieldwork in the Sundarbans to demonstrate real-world applications in species identification and mangrove detection. As Co-Lead of World's Youth for Climate Justice (WYCJ), India, Ghosh also inspired students to engage with international platforms such as the UNFCCC's YOUNGO network, underscoring the critical role of youth in shaping climate policy and advancing climate justice.
Valedictory Session and Closing Message
The workshop concluded with a valedictory session graced by chief guest Amita Prasad, a distinguished senior educationist. Her closing address carried a powerful message: "We are the Climate Champions," motivating participants to take ownership of environmental stewardship. The session ended with the distribution of certificates to all attendees, recognizing their commitment to climate literacy and action.
