EYLCCC

Pariwartan’s Flagship Programme on promoting Youth Leadership to take actions over Climate Change

A Two-
Two-day Training Program on

Enabling Young Leaders

to

Combat Climate Change

Organized by-
by-

From August 12 to 13, 2008

At Rotary Town Hall, The Mall, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh
 INTRODUCTION

CLIMATE CHANGE has emerged as the most critical and threatening challenge before
the world in the 21st century. Despite of several policy-related initiatives taken in order
to tackle this challenge, the conceptual understanding and approach towards “acting
locally” has not been realized yet so far. It is unanimously believed that aware and
motivated Youth, well-equipped with “in-depth” knowledge over the aspects related to
climate change, will be of immense potential for making the communities aware &
sensitive towards the environment and for taking actions in defence of the earth. United
Nations has underpinned the role of youth in tackling with the climate change challenge
and has declared the theme of the INTERNATIONAL YOUTH DAY 2008 as “Youth and
Climate Change: Time for Action”.

Considering the capacity building of youth over the Climate Change as the most basic
step towards the promotion of sustainable actions for combating this problem,
Pariwartan organized a 2-day long training program for the Youth Leaders from district
Shimla from August 12 to 13, 2008 at the Rotary Town Hall, The Mall, Shimla. The
training program christened as “Enabling Young Leaders to Combat Climate Change” is
the first of its kind program in Himachal Pradesh and the organization aims to replicate
the same at other parts of the state. In order to maximize the outreach of the program,
the organization partnered with relevant Government Departments, Business Groups,
NGOs, CBOs, Educational Institutions, Media and Youth Associations.

The resource persons for the training were renowned subject matter specialists from Forest

Department, Non Governmental Organizations and Environmental Advocacy Groups. 50

trainees belonging to 16-25 years age-group attended this training program with great
enthusiasm and interest. These young leaders will now act as the Awareness Promoters
and change makers over the various aspects related to Climate Change, its impacts and
consequences at local level and will also take focused actions through a Youth Task
Force. By joining this youth movement against climate change, these participants have
naturally become a part of the INDIAN YOUTH CLIMATE NETWORK (IYCN), a coalition
uniting Indian youth and Indian youth oriented organizations who are concerned about
climate change. Contributing its efforts to this great movement, PARIWARTAN is
coordinating the initiatives undertaken by IYCN at Himachal Pradesh level and enhancing
the outreach of IYCN in the state.

Making this small endeavor transform into a grand drive against climate change,
PARIWARTAN will soon organize a series of Training of Trainers (ToT) for the capable and
self-motivated participants which will enhance their skills and capacity to take more
focused and determined actions against the factors that contribute to the Climate
Change at various levels including the self level, family level and community levels.
PARIWARTAN encourages the Youth of Himachal Pradesh to come ahead and reveal their
potential to become a Climate Leader, a leader who is concerned not only about his/her
own future, but also about the future of the coming generations.
 EVENT DETAILS

OBJECTIVES OF THE TRAINING:

• To enhance the understanding of Young Leaders on the issues pertaining to the Climate
Change and the possible solutions to this problem.
• To build their capacities by providing them with the most required leadership skills and
knowledge for becoming a Climate Leader.
• To constitute a Youth Task Force for taking sincere actions against climate change at
local and regional levels.

METHODOLOGY:

PowerPoint Presentations with Illustrations on White Board.

Showcasing of the movie “An Inconvenient Truth”

Interactive discussions between the speakers and participants during presentations.

Written exercises to examine the skills & knowledge level of participants.

Questions round after every presentation for doubts clearance and query redressal.

Group discussions among the participants and speakers over future course of action.

RESOURCE PERSONS:
Senior officials from different Government Departments, Non Governmental Organizations
and Environmental Advocacy Groups having expertise in different issues interconnected
with the climate change and its solutions-
1. Mr. J. S. Walia (IFS), CEO- ET & CCF, H.P. Forest Department
2. Dr. R.K. Sood, JMS, H.P. State Council for Science, Technology & Environment
3. Mr. Surender Kumar (IFS), Director- South, H.P. State Forest Corporation Ltd.
4. Mr. G. S. Thakur (HPFS), H.P. State Forest Corporation Ltd.
5. Mr. Farhad Vania, GTZ (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Technische Zusammenarbeit GmbH)
6. Mr. Anand Sharma (Advocate), H.P. High Court

PARTICIPANTS:
50 Young Leaders belonging to the following colleges-
1. Rajkeeya Kanya Maha Vidyalaya (RKMV), Longwood, Shimla
2. Rajeev Gandhi Government Degree College, Kotshera, Shimla
3. Centre of Excellence- Government Degree College Sanjauli, Shimla

ANCHOR:

Mr. H. R. Thakur

MODERATORS:

Mrs. Sudesh Kaith

Mr. Navneet Yadav

EVENT MANAGERS:

Mr. Yogesh Chauhan

Mr. Harish Verma
 PROCEEDINGS: DAY-1

INTRODUCTORY SESSION:
Mr. Het Ram Thakur, General Secretary, Pariwartan, welcomed the participants with a brief
note over the background of event. Mr. Thakur also offered a warm welcome to Mr. Pankaj
Khullar (IFS), Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Govt. of Himachal Pradesh who was
the Chief Guest of the event. Mr. Khullar, despite of his very busy schedule, found time to
address the young participants who appeared to be very excited to be a part of the first
ever Youth-centric drive against Climate Change. Mr. Khullar encouraged the young
leaders to step ahead in defence of the environment as it is their future and the future of
the next generations which is going to be most affected by the impacts of climate change.
He also added that setting goals is easy but to realize these goals as reality takes discipline
and sincere efforts. Mr. Khullar concluded his short speech by encouraging the young
leaders not to “keep silence” on the issues that are of immense concern for the
environmental sustainability and pose a threat to their future. Mrs. Sudesh Kaith, Convener
of Pariwartan, offered the vote of thanks to Mr. Khullar for becoming the Chief Guest of the
first Training Program on “Enabling Young Leaders to Combat Climate Change” in Himachal
Pradesh and inspiring the Young Leaders with his inspirational words. Later, the
participants from different colleges introduced themselves.

SHOWCASING OF “AN INCONVENIENT TRUTH”

After the introductory session, it was the time to showcase the brainstorming movie on the
impacts of global warming and threats & predictions related to climate change- “An
Inconvenient Truth” featuring former Vice President of USA, Mr. Al Gore. In order to
maximize the better understanding of the information provided in the movie, we
showcased a Hindi version of the movie which was dubbed in Hindi and widely circulated in
India by GTZ. Participants liked the movie very much and some teachers who came along
with the participants requested ‘Pariwartan’ to arrange a Film Show at their colleges i.e.
Rajkeeya Kanya Maha Vidyalaya (RKMV), Longwood, Shimla and Rajeev Gandhi Govt.
Degree College (RGGC), Kotshera, Shimla. After watching the movie, participants were
asked to give their comments on the movie and almost all the participants said that the
movie has raised a huge concern in their mindsets and has opened an avenue for
discussion and further actions to save the Earth from the crisis of climate change.

PRESENTATIONS:
A series of very informative and brainstorming presentations were delivered by different
presenters. All the presentations were made in such a way where there was enough
opportunity for the participants to clear their doubts or queries simultaneously with the
presentation. Besides this, a short question round after the presentations was an additional
help for the participants to have a better understanding of all the vital points of the
presentations. The main points of each presentation are given on the next pages for easy
understanding of the aspects covered by different speakers on the topic assigned to them
for the presentation.

No. of Presentations made on the First Day- 3

No. of Presentations made on the Second Day- 4
PROCEEDINGS: DAY-1

PRESENTATION #1: Basic Overview of Climate Change

(By- Mr. J. S. Walia (IFS), CEO- ET & CCF, H. P. Forest Department)

Understanding the Earth, Ecology and the Environment

The distinct life-supporting characteristics of Earth

Phenomenon of “natural” Green House Effect in Earth’s atmosphere

Factors that regulate the surface and atmospheric temperatures of Earth

Main Green House Gases and their sources

Anthropogenic causes that affect the “natural” Green House Effect

Global Warming and its impacts on the Climate & Ecosystems

Various models endorsing change in climate system

Impacts of Climate Change on the people, biodiversity and natural resources

Possible ways of dealing with the climate change- from mitigation to adaptation

PRESENTATION #2: Local & Regional Issues pertaining to Climate Change

(By- Dr. R. K. Sood, JMS, H.P. State Council for Science, Technology & Environment)

How climate change is affecting the Himalayan region

Impacts of climate change resulting in natural disasters

Variability in regional weather patterns due to global warming

Precipitation & snowfall trends in Himachal Pradesh

Impacts on Agriculture, Horticulture, Water and other natural resources

Shift and migration of plants & animal species to new habitats

Introduction of alien species (like mosquitoes) in colder parts of the state

Afforestation & Reforestation are two big solutions

Significance of accurate data on trends showing climate change

Enhancing Energy Efficiency through technology development

Individual and Community level initiatives could be really vital

PRESENTATION #3: Development and Climate Change

(By- Mr. Surender Kumar (IFS), Director- South, H.P. State Forest Corporation Ltd.)

Various cross-cutting factors related to development

Major indicators of sustainable development

Inter-relation between development and environment

Contribution of population growth & urbanization in global warming

Distribution of resources between the rich and poor of the world

Role of Strong and Effective Legislation in dealing with climate change

Reforestation of marginal areas with native species

Significance of new, large-scale plantations around industrial areas

Biomass plantations for energy production for rural areas

Substitution of fossil fuels with alternative sources like electricity

Introduction of trees into existing agricultural systems- Agroforestry

Compulsory use of modern, fuel-efficient technologies in vehicles
PROCEEDINGS: DAY-2

PRESENTATION #4: Attitude, Skills & Knowledge to become a Climate Leader

(By- Mr. G. S. Thakur (HPFS), DM, H.P. State Forest Corporation Ltd.)

Importance of having clear understanding of What, Why, Who, Where, When & How

Need of self-realization for meeting the set goals

Youth and Climate Change: From perspective to decision making

Dream of a future world- how it would look like

Personal Assessment: Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities & Threats

Adopting leadership lessons from the religious epics and fables

Techniques of self-realization and motivation to lead

Importance of having right attitude in meeting the goals

Potential of Young Leaders in dealing with the climate change crisis

Leadership skills required to become a Climate Leader

Factors that will determine the success or failure of Climate Leaders

PRESENTATION #5: Youths and Environmental Advocacy

(By- Mr. Anand Sharma, Advocate, H.P. High Court)

Understanding the Environmental Advocacy

Strengths & Limitations of Environmental Legislation

Local & Regional Success Stories based on environmental advocacy

Various legal procedures and tools for environment protection

Right to Information Act: Empowerment through Information

Role of RTI in enhancing the decision making processes

Procedure of obtaining information through RTI Act

Public Interest Litigation: people’s action for the good

Procedure of filing a PIL for defending the nature or communities interests

Specific roles of Young Leaders in Environmental Advocacy

Different kind of legal assistance provided under the Law

Advisory Support from the Human Rights Law Network (HRLN)

PRESENTATION #6: Role of Youth & NGOs in dealing with Climate Change

(By- Mr. Farhad Vania, Project Leader, GTZ Himachal Pradesh)

Himachal specific issues pertaining to Climate Change

Growing water scarcity in Shimla town and degrading environment

Role of local youth in dealing with environmental problems

Youths’ perspective on general environmental issues of Shimla

Figuring out the priorities for action at town level

Importance of individual and organizational networking in finding solutions

Opportunities for youth to influence policies affecting the environment

Strategy formulation for Youth-led actions over climate change

Need for building a stronger network of like-minded individuals

Planning of future course of action
PROCEEDINGS: DAY-2

PRESENTATION #7: Indian Youth Climate Network (IYCN) in Himachal Pradesh

(By- Mr. Navneet Yadav, Chief Program Officer, Pariwartan)

Youth-led National Movement on Climate Change

History, Vision & Mission of Indian Youth Climate Network (IYCN)

IYCN’s strategy over contributing to the global drive against climate change

Significance of Youth Leadership in taking real actions over climate change crisis

Present outreach of IYCN in various regions of India

Programmes and projects undertaken by IYCN

Pariwartan’s Role as the Himachal Pradesh state coordination agency for IYCN

Information about the 1st Indian Youth Summit on Climate Change at Hyderabad

Information about the National Youth Action Plan on Climate Change

Mobilization of Youth to participate in IYCN’s endeavors at local level

Formation of Youth Task Force for Shimla city

KEY POINTS OF THE TRAINING PROGRAM

1. The first initiative in Himachal Pradesh on the capacity building of Young Leaders over
climate change.

2. Higher participation of female participants reflects that females from Shimla are
keener to learn about Climate Change.

3. Resource Persons belonging to diverse intellectual backgrounds added great quality to

the training program.

4. All the presentations contained locally-relevant information that made the

presentations more interesting.

5. Attending such kind of event for the first time, the participants were very keen about
learning the vital aspects of climate change and their role in dealing with it.

6. Data & Information provided by the resource persons during their presentations
sensitized the participants over terrible consequences of climate change in future.

7. Some very interactive discussions and question rounds took place during the
presentations, which also symbolizes the zeal of participants to take sincere actions.

8. Participants expressed their happiness over their inclusion in the state chapter of
Indian Youth Climate Network (IYCN).

9. Teachers and lecturers from the participating colleges requested ‘Pariwartan’ to host
similar workshops/training programs in their colleges for a larger participation.

10. In the two-day training program, participants liked the movie “An Inconvenient Truth”
most, as it sensitized them and the message delivered by the movie helped them to
understand their responsibility to combat climate change.

11. The event got a wider coverage in the local and national newspapers and also got
broadcasted through local News channels.
LIST OF PARTICIPANTS

# Name of the Participant Institution/Organization

1 Ms. Harsha Verma R.K.M.V., Longwood, Shimla
2 Ms. Gian Wati R.K.M.V., Longwood, Shimla
3 Ms. Vandana Chauhan R.K.M.V., Longwood, Shimla
4 Ms. Ankita R.K.M.V., Longwood, Shimla
5 Ms. Ved R.K.M.V., Longwood, Shimla
6 Ms. Dipika Sharma R.K.M.V., Longwood, Shimla
7 Ms. Ritu Chauhan R.K.M.V., Longwood, Shimla
8 Ms. Kanchan R.K.M.V., Longwood, Shimla
9 Ms. Rajni Kapta R.K.M.V., Longwood, Shimla
10 Ms. Priti R.K.M.V., Longwood, Shimla
11 Ms. Kalpana R.K.M.V., Longwood, Shimla
12 Ms. Dimple R.K.M.V., Longwood, Shimla
13 Ms. Smiriti R.K.M.V., Longwood, Shimla
14 Ms. Arvita R.K.M.V., Longwood, Shimla
15 Ms. Ritika Chauhan R.K.M.V., Longwood, Shimla
16 Ms. Mamta R.K.M.V., Longwood, Shimla
17 Ms. Anuradha Fishta R.K.M.V., Longwood, Shimla
18 Ms. Pallavi Sood R.K.M.V., Longwood, Shimla
19 Ms. Aditya Rajta R.K.M.V., Longwood, Shimla
20 Ms. Aarti Singh R.K.M.V., Longwood, Shimla
21 Ms. Meenakshi Chauhan R.K.M.V., Longwood, Shimla
22 Ms. Swati Mahant R.K.M.V., Longwood, Shimla
23 Ms. Anamika Thakur R.K.M.V., Longwood, Shimla
24 Ms. Priyanka Sharma R.K.M.V., Longwood, Shimla
25 Ms. Prinyanka Negi R.K.M.V., Longwood, Shimla
26 Ms. Neha Sharma R.K.M.V., Longwood, Shimla
27 Ms. Suchi Depta R.K.M.V., Longwood, Shimla
28 Ms. Preeti Kanwer R.K.M.V., Longwood, Shimla
29 Ms. Pooja Verma R.K.M.V., Longwood, Shimla
30 Ms. Neelam Thakur R.K.M.V., Longwood, Shimla
31 Mr. Ram Gopal Govt. College, Sanjauli, Shimla
32 Mr. Anil Khachi Govt. College, Sanjauli, Shimla
33 Mr. Narendra Kumar H.P. University, Shimla
34 Ms. Santosh Thakur H.P. University, Shimla
35 Mr. Vaneet Kumar R.G.G. College, Kotshera, Shimla
36 Mr. Devender Singh R.G.G. College, Kotshera, Shimla
37 Mr. Girish Kumar R.G.G. College, Kotshera, Shimla
38 Ms. Poonam Kumari R.G.G. College, Kotshera, Shimla
39 Mr. Arun Bhatia R.G.G. College, Kotshera, Shimla
40 Mr. Surinder Sharma R.G.G. College, Kotshera, Shimla
LIST OF PARTICIPANTS

# Name of the Participant Institution/Organization

41 Mr. Arun R.G.G. College, Kotshera, Shimla
42 Mr. Anil R.G.G. College, Kotshera, Shimla
43 Mr. Ashok Kumar R.G.G. College, Kotshera, Shimla
44 Mr. Sem Kumar R.G.G. College, Kotshera, Shimla
45 Mr. Kapil Sharma R.G.G. College, Kotshera, Shimla
46 Mr. Khemraj R.G.G. College, Kotshera, Shimla
47 Mr. Kishore Kumar Garg R.G.G. College, Kotshera, Shimla
48 Mr. Meli Ram R.G.G. College, Kotshera, Shimla
49 Mr. Khem Prakash R.G.G. College, Kotshera, Shimla
50 Mr. Vipin Singh R.G.G. College, Kotshera, Shimla
51 Mr. Suresh Kumar R.G.G. College, Kotshera, Shimla
52 Mr. Sandeep Shukla R.G.G. College, Kotshera, Shimla
53 Mr. Ankush Sharma R.G.G. College, Kotshera, Shimla
54 Mr. Lokinder Bassanta R.G.G. College, Kotshera, Shimla
55 Ms. Rajni Walia (Sr. Lectr.) R.G.G. College, Kotshera, Shimla
56 Ms. Meenu Jiwan (Sr. Lectr.) R.G.G. College, Kotshera, Shimla
57 Mr. Jai Chand Sharma Green Carpet (NGO)
58 Ms. Taruna Misra (President) Sparsh (NGO)
59 Ms. Deepa Bhikta (Journalist) Ajeet Samachar
60 Ms. Pushpa Sahota (Journalist) Dainik Bhaskar
61 Mr. Raj Kumar Sharma (Journalist) Ajeet Samachar
62 Mr. Anil Thakur (Journalist) Divya Himachal
63 Mr. Mukesh Sharma (Journalist) Hindustan Times
64 Mr. Naresh Kumar (Journalist) Punjab Kesari
65 Mr. Rahul Sharma (Correspondent) City Channel
66 Mr. Ravi Rahi (Correspondent) City Channel
67 Mr. Rajender Sharma (Journalist) Aapka Phaisla & Bhartendu
68 Mr. Rajeshwar Gautam Amar Ujaala
69 Mr. Yadesh Thakur H.P. Electricity Board
70 Ms. Geeta Thakur Pariwartan
71 Ms. Sudesh Kaith Pariwartan
72 Mr. Yogesh Chauhan Pariwartan
73 Mr. Harish Verma Pariwartan
74 Mr. Het Ram Thakur Pariwartan
75 Mr. Navneet Yadav Pariwartan
 PARIWARTAN

…from awareness to awakening

CONTACT US

Postal Address
P.O. Box # 27, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh (INDIA)

Registered Office
Chalaunthi, Sanjauli, Shimla- 171006, Himachal Pradesh (INDIA)

Phone
+91 9816637634, 9817075488, 9418901188, 9857192386

E-mail
pariwartan.india@gmail.com

Website
www.pariwartan.bravehost.com