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Introduction

Amrita University has taken significant strides in addressing climate change and fostering sustainable and resilient communities. As highlighted in the “Sustainable & Resilient Communities” report, the university’s efforts align with global priorities such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and commitments discussed at COP28. By integrating technology, research, and education, Amrita University is actively contributing to global sustainability frameworks and international platforms.

Key Contributions

  • Amrita University has developed the SREE (Sustainability & Resilience for Community Engagement & Empowerment) platform, a technology-driven solution for:
    • Community-scale sustainability assessments.
    • Real-time monitoring and risk analysis using geo-enabled software.
    • Bottom-up decision-making for climate resilience and resource management.
  • Implemented across multiple countries, the platform supports localized, informed action toward resilience

Real-Time Campus Carbon Footprint Monitoring

  • Dashboards installed in every campus building to track and visualize carbon emissions in real-time.
  • MEMS sensors integrated with building systems to provide live environmental data, enhancing climate awareness among students and staff.
  • Policy Advocacy and Global Participation
    • Contributions to the C20 India 2023 Working Group on Sustainable and Resilient Communities – Climate, Environment, and Net Zero Targets, focusing on:
      • Circular economy principles for sustainable development.
      • Policies promoting net-zero emissions and equitable climate finance.
      • Strategies for disaster resilience and climate-induced displacement.
  • Community-Centric Initiatives
    • Promoting agroecology and sustainable agricultural practices to mitigate climate impacts.
    • Facilitating water resilience through sustainable water governance frameworks and ecosystem restoration projects.

Innovative Highlights from the Sustainable & Resilient Communities Policy Pack

  1. Fostering Climate Resilience and Social Justice
    • Advocated for climate-sensitive policies, particularly for vulnerable and marginalized communities.
    • Recommended gender-equitable approaches to climate-induced displacement.
    • Supported the integration of traditional ecological knowledge into climate strategies.
  2. Environmental Sustainability Initiatives
    • Prioritized ecosystem restoration and biodiversity conservation through:
      • Creation of protected areas in line with COP15 goals.
      • Adoption of nature-based solutions for climate adaptation
    • Promoted sustainable food systems, reducing waste and enhancing nutrition security.
  3. Net-Zero Emissions Management
    • Advocated for deep decarbonization across sectors through:
      • Renewable energy adoption and phasing out fossil fuels.
      • Circular economy strategies emphasizing reuse, recycling, and energy-efficient designs.
    • Encouraged sustainable lifestyles, reducing residual emissions while maintaining well-being.
  4. Compassion-Driven Sustainability
    • Focused on integrating compassion into education and governance frameworks.
    • Proposed experiential learning models for students to connect with local traditions and sustainable practices.

Global Recognition

Amrita University’s climate action initiatives have been showcased on international platforms, including:
C20 India 2023: Contributed to policy recommendations for the G20, focusing on sustainable finance, climate resilience, and social justice.
UN and OECD Forums: Advocated for investments in climate-resilient infrastructure and early warning systems.
Global Climate Reports: Highlighted as a model for integrating technology and community engagement for sustainability.

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