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Launching PAD - Partnership, Act, Deliver for Net Zero

Message From Director's Desk

Net Zero: What, Why, When and How

I plan to write series of articles , one in each of ‘Globally Smart’ bulletin on What , Why, When and How to be Net Zero. It would include why Universtieis must become Net Zero for the world to become Net Zero. Here is the first of the four articles:

What is net zero?

Our planet is heated by the Sun . Part of that heat is radiated back to the atmosphere.  Green House Gases ( GHGs ) like carbon dioxide, methane and four others  trap that  heat radiated from the Earth  to keep the planet’s temperature to sustain the life on the Earth. 

Due to human activities, particularly after industrial revolution, more GHGs is emitted in the atmosphere than there removal thereby accumulating more GHGs that trap more heat radiated from the Earth-resulting in Global Warming-climate change. Not allowing the Green House Gases (GHGs) to accumulate in the atmosphere to the level beyond which global average temperature rises and disturbs the natural balance will sustain the life on the earth. READ MORE

IIT Jodhpur Drives Net-Zero Mission with Student-Led Experiential Learning

IIT Jodhpur is a proud member of the SCCN network, committed to advancing sustainability through its 'living laboratory' concept. The institute strives to achieve a net-zero energy, water, and waste campus, setting a benchmark for sustainable development. To accelerate these efforts, a core group meeting was convened to launch Net Zero initiatives on campus. In support of these goals, the SCCN is dedicated to equipping youth with the necessary skills for the future. Through experiential learning, the network focuses on preparing them for green jobs and addressing global sustainability challenges. This initiative is a part of a broader effort to leverage India's demographic dividend to foster a culture of sustainability.

World Environment Day 5th June 2025- Beyond the Mask: Rethinking Plastic, Pandemic & Planetary Health

In a world grappling with the aftershocks of a global pandemic, an invisible crisis has silently surged: plastic pollution. In this thought-provoking dialogue, Dr Rajendra Shende, sustainability trailblazer and former Director at UNEP, joins public health champion Dr Joe Thomas to unpack the intertwined challenges of single-use plastics, pandemic-induced waste, and our planet’s fragile health. Together, they explore how crisis can inspire transformation—calling for policy shifts, collective action, and a reimagined future where protecting people and the planet go hand in hand. Tune in and discover how we can move ‘Beyond the Mask’ towards a cleaner, healthier world.

Universities as Climate Catalysts: Transforming Higher Education into a Global Force for Climate Solutions

The meeting with University of Toronto and University of Cambridge served as a dynamic platform to align strategies, formalize collaborative frameworks, and drive ambitious net-zero commitments across university campuses worldwide. Discussions centered on leveraging the collective power of a "Network of Networks," enhancing ESG education, and pioneering innovative solutions like carbon trading and University Determined Contributions (UDCs). With a shared vision for 2030, participants outlined actionable next steps for youth engagement strategies to transform universities into hubs of climate leadership and accountability.

Charting the Green Horizon: Dayananda Sagar University’s Strategic Roadmap to Net Zero 2030

In a pivotal gathering on June 26, 2025, Dayananda Sagar University (DSU) solidified its commitment to sustainability by advancing its Net Zero 2030 initiative. Led by key stakeholders including the Board Member, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, Dr. Rajendra Shende of Green TERRE Foundation, and Capt. Nagaraj Subbarao, the meeting underscored transformative actions from curriculum integration and student-led carbon audits to an ambitious international conference on AI for sustainability. The meeting encapsulated the strategic vision, collaborative milestones, and actionable steps driving DSU toward carbon neutrality, positioning it as a leader in climate-conscious education and innovation.

From Classroom to Carbon Neutral: Godavari Global University Takes Bold Step with SCCN

Welcoming Godavari Global University to the Smart Campus Cloud Network (SCCN)! We’re excited to announce Godavari Global University (GGU) as the newest member of the Smart Campus Cloud Network (SCCN), joining a global movement to transform campuses into Net Zero living labs and empower youth with hands-on SDG action! What This Means:
✅ GGU’s campus becomes a real-world sustainability lab: students will drive projects on renewable energy, waste management, and carbon tracking.
✅ Experiential learning for green careers: bridging the gap between education and employability in the sustainability sector.
✅ A step closer to NetZero: SCCN’s digital tools will help monitor & optimize GGU’s climate actions.

SCCN Advisor's Corner: Prof Joe Thomas

Beyond Borders: How Health Diplomacy is Reshaping Foreign Policy

In an increasingly interconnected world, health crises transcend borders, making global cooperation not just a moral imperative but a strategic necessity. As pandemics, vaccine diplomacy, and healthcare inequities reshape geopolitical dynamics, nations must leverage health diplomacy as a cornerstone of foreign policy. This article explores how prioritizing global health collaboration can strengthen alliances, enhance soft power, and secure national interests—proving that a healthier world isn’t just altruistic, but astute statecraft. READ ARTICLE


Credits: Dr Joe Thomas is Global Public Health Chair at Sustainable Policy Solutions Foundation, a policy think tank based in New Delhi. He is also Professor of Public Health at Institute of Health and Management, Victoria, Australia. Opinions expressed in this article are personal.

Designed & Curated by:

Ar. Durga Kamat, Project Leader, Green TERRE Foundation - SCCN

Conceptualized by:

Dr Rajendra Shende, Founder, Green TERRE Foundation - SCCN


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