Climate Pioneer Schools Partnership

Operation Earth-China and TERRE Policy Centre-India have launched China-wide 'Climate Pioneer Schools Partnership' to contribute to mitigate climate change and Sustainable Development Goal #3, 7, 13 and 17 in January 2019 at Beijing. The partnership will also contribute to President Xi's urgency for 'Ecological Civilization' through activities in the schools. The project would be under the flagship initiative of TERRE Policy Centre, Smart Campus Cloud Network (SCCN), which promotes Youth-to-Youth engagement and interaction in the university campuses for learning and skilling through information exchange and action-based activities. 'Climate Pioneer Schools Partnership' is simplified version of SCCN that was launched for the schools with the students of 12-18 years age.

Objectives of this Partnership includes;

1. To create strong dedication in minds of the young students about 'Ecological Civilization and Shared Sustainable Future' which is promoted by President Xi, as priority.
2. To address the issue of Climate Change through awareness and actions in school campuses and buildings
3. To inculcate behavioral change and climate consciousness among students towards conservation of nature and sustainable approach to the economic growth.

Some of the activities that will initiate this Partnership are:

1. Enhancing awareness campaigns through fun-learning campaigns, i.e. promoting essay, video and online promotions on use of renewable energy devices like, solar calculators, lamps, educational toys based on solar energy, installation of small solar rooftops and other renewable energy devices

2. Making proposals, calculations, and implementation of improving energy efficiency of lighting, fans and air conditioning and other appliances in schools/campuses

3. Strategizing activities in schools to bring transformation in the behavioral patterns of students towards environment

4. Planting and growing trees in school premises and surroundings to create carbon sink

5. Undertaking Field Research expeditions for assessing and addressing the climate impacts on nature and biodiversity. 

EXPECTED OUTPUT:

​'Climate Pioneer Schools Partnership' is a partnership with  multi-vision approach and hence, it has direct as well as indirect expected outputs, which are mentioned below but not restrictive to;

1. Awareness on climate change and about for China's pledges to United Nations Paris Climate Agreement
2. Reduction of use of fossil fuel related energy in the schools 
3. Dissemination of the knowledge that action to mitigate climate change also helps in saving cost and reduce of air pollution.
4. Partnerships among the schools for generating positive competition on energy efficiency and renewable energy.
5. Environment and Energy-smart students 
6. Annually awarding best climate pioneer schools at National level in China.

Operation Earth and TERRE Policy Centre strongly believe that engaging the students in 'Climate Pioneer Schools Partnership' would broaden their approach towards their lifestyle choices and serve in choosing the suitable field of interest while seeking their career. Young Students are known for their creative and innovative minds. Hence, this project would also generate new ideas and approaches to contribute in fulfilling China's pledge to Paris Climate Agreement.