University Climate Action Plan: Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham’s Comprehensive Strategy with Local Government and Community Engagement (2024)
Overview of Amrita’s Climate Action Plan
Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham has developed and implemented a comprehensive Climate Action Plan that positions the university as a leader in climate resilience and sustainable development at local, national, and global scales. The plan integrates advanced technology, evidence-based research, policy advocacy, and grassroots community engagement, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals and global commitments outlined at COP28. The Climate Action Plan is actively shared with local governments, state authorities, and community organizations, creating a collaborative framework for climate action across 1,200+ communities in 28 Indian states and 154 countries globally.
1. SREE Platform: Technology-Enabled Community Resilience Assessment
The SREE (Sustainability & Resilience for Community Engagement & Empowerment) Platform represents Amrita’s flagship technology solution for translating climate action into local practice. Launched at the International Conference on Sustainable & Resilient Futures (ICSRF 2025), SREE is a geo-spatial, crowd-sourced platform designed to empower rural communities with sustainability and resilience data.
Platform Capabilities:
Community-Scale Sustainability Assessments: Real-time evaluation of local environmental and socioeconomic indicators
Geo-Enabled Monitoring: Interactive maps and spatial analysis using satellite imagery and ground sensors
Bottom-Up Decision-Making: Enables communities to identify climate challenges and co-develop solutions
Multi-Country Implementation: Deployed across multiple countries for localized, informed climate action
Community Reach: 1,200+ communities across 28 Indian states, reaching government agencies and rural households
As a leading example for communities, Amrita has installed real-time carbon monitoring dashboards in every campus building across its eight campuses. This transparent, live-tracking system creates climate awareness among students, faculty, and administrative staff.
Technical Features:
MEMS Sensors Integration: Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems integrated with building management systems for real-time data collection
Building-Level Dashboards: Individual facilities display live carbon emissions, energy consumption, and efficiency metrics
Public Display Screens: Information accessible to all campus users, fostering a culture of climate consciousness
Data Transparency: Continuous measurement enables accountability and informed decision-making on energy use
3. Policy Advocacy through C20 India 2023 Working Group
Amrita hosted and led the Civil 20 India 2023 Working Group on Sustainable and Resilient Communities – Climate, Environment and Net Zero Targets, one of 16 working groups under C20 India. This critical initiative directly influenced G20 policy recommendations and global climate governance.
Scope of C20 India 2023 (2023 Leadership Year):
790+ Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) registered and actively engaged
290 CSOs focused specifically on climate, environment, and net-zero targets
6,000+ organizations from 154 countries participated in consultations
500+ policy deliberations across 16 working groups
10,000+ mass outreach events reaching communities globally
C20 India’s Climate-Focused Policy Recommendations to G20:
Circular economy principles for sustainable development and net-zero transitions
Policies promoting equitable climate finance and debt sustainability
Strategies for disaster resilience and management of climate-induced displacement
Climate-sensitive policies for vulnerable and marginalized communities
Gender-equitable approaches to climate action and displacement
Integration of traditional ecological knowledge into climate strategies
Global Recognition and Leadership Transition: In 2024, Amrita Dean Prof. Krishnashree Achuthan represented India’s C20 leadership at the G20 closing summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (November 13, 2024), continuing advocacy for climate resilience and adaptive policies.
Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham’s Climate Action Plan: Community and Government Engagement (2024)
Formal Government Partnerships and MoUs
Strategic Partnership with Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority (SSDMA)
One of Amrita’s most significant climate action partnerships is with the Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority. A comprehensive Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed on May 10, 2025, formalizing over a decade of collaborative work in disaster risk reduction and climate resilience.
MoU Scope:
Large-Scale Capacity-Building: Training for youth, school children, teachers, and government officials
Field-Based Awareness Campaigns: Community-level engagement on disaster preparedness and climate adaptation
Grassroots Resilience Initiatives: Implementation of locally-driven climate action strategies
Digital Platform Deployment: Advanced wireless sensor networks for real-time early warning systems
Multilingual Educational Tools: Resources in local languages for accessibility and inclusivity
Co-Developed Climate Strategies: Collaborative development of sustainable, inclusive disaster management frameworks
Long-Term Collaboration History:
2009: Initial partnership began with landslide early warning research in Munnar, Kerala
2013: Amrita deployed 50+ sensors in Chandmari, Gangtok, Sikkim, establishing the region’s first warning system
2015: AI-enabled IoT system co-funded by India’s Ministry of Earth Sciences with 200+ sensors deployed
2024-2025: Partnership expansion to address multi-hazard risks including earthquakes, landslides, and flash floods
Technological Integration:
The AI-enabled landslide early warning system uses over 200 sensors to monitor:
Real-time rainfall patterns
Soil moisture levels
Seismic activity
Hydrological parameters
Data flows from Field Management Centre (FMC) in Sikkim to Data Management Centre (DMC) at Amrita for analysis, enabling early warnings 24 hours before potential landslide events, reducing disaster impact by approximately 30%.
Community Capacity Building Under SSDMA Partnership:
Training programs for local youth and community leaders
School and teacher education on disaster resilience
Development of inclusive digital learning modules in local languages
Coordination with grassroots stakeholders for participatory resilience building
Partnership with Odisha State Government and Ministry Agencies
Amrita has extended its landslide early warning and disaster preparedness initiatives to Odisha, collaborating with the Odisha State Disaster Management Authority (OSDMA) and international experts from the Resilient and Inclusive Sustainable Economic development (RISE) project.
Collaboration Focus:
Deploying early warning technology for landslide-prone regions
Training civil administration and community members
Building institutional capacity for disaster risk management
Partnership with Alappuzha Municipality and Kerala Government
The “Wave of Change: Water for a Sustainable Future” initiative demonstrates Amrita’s integration of climate adaptation with local government and municipal leadership.
Stakeholder Engagement:
Vice President of Alappuzha Municipality, Sheeb Mansoor inaugurated the program on March 22, 2024
Ward Member Saju Prakash and local coordinators actively participated in implementation
Ward-Level Initiatives: Direct integration with municipal administrative structures in Kallikkadu Ward 14
Partnership Scope:
Water conservation training for 150 women residents
Identification and training of “water champions” within communities
Expansion planning to 108 communities across India in subsequent phases
Distinguished international lecture series on water sustainability
The C-Chaupals represent Amrita’s methodology for ensuring inclusive, participatory climate action at the grassroots level. These initiatives brought together diverse community voices—villagers, local administration, Self Help Group members, farmers, women residents, and health workers—for collective climate and sustainability discussions.
Coverage and Scale:
35 C-Choupals organized across rural India
27 villages reached in 11 Indian states: Rajasthan, Haryana, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Sikkim, Kerala, West Bengal, Maharashtra
2,200+ participants in direct discussions
Discussion Topics:
Environmental sustainability and ecosystem protection
Climate change impacts on agriculture and livelihoods
Water conservation and resource management
Climate adaptation strategies for vulnerable communities
SDG implementation at village level
Governance Model:
C-Choupals operated as collective decision-making forums where community voices directly informed government and organizational policies, demonstrating participatory climate governance.
Global Seedball Campaign: Mass Mobilization for Environmental Restoration
Launched under the C20 India 2023 Working Group, the Global Seedball Campaign represents unprecedented mobilization for climate action through ecosystem restoration.
Global Reach and Impact:
5 continents: North America, Europe, Africa, Asia-Pacific, Australia
12 Indian states: Kerala, Sikkim, Odisha, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Uttarakhand, Jharkhand
500,000+ participants: Students, community members, NGOs, government representatives
2,000,000+ seedballs produced in less than 6 months
Campaign Mechanism:
Each seedball contained seeds, soil, and nutrients, designed for easy dispersal in fragile ecosystems. The campaign combined environmental education with direct restoration action, creating awareness about biodiversity conservation and climate impact reduction.
Representation at G20 2024:
Dr. Krishnashree Achuthan highlighted the seedball campaign at the 2024 G20 closing summit in Brazil as a scalable, community-driven model for environmental sustainability.
Wave of Change: Water Sustainability Initiative (March-April 2024)
Launched on World Water Day 2024, this month-long initiative coordinated climate adaptation with municipal and community structures.
Participants and Stakeholders:
150 women residents actively trained
Municipal leadership: Vice President of Alappuzha Municipality, ward members
Amrita School for Sustainable Futures faculty: Prof. Vinod P.T., Dr. P. Raji, Dr. Sajith Kumar, Dr. Shruthi
UNESCO Chair representatives and water sustainability researchers
Integrated Climate Adaptation Measures:
Rainwater harvesting systems training
Water resource reuse and conservation practices
Daily household water usage monitoring
Identification and training of “water champions” for community leadership
Expert lecture series featuring international scholars
Expansion Plan:
Similar programs planned for 108 communities across India, creating a scalable model for water security in the context of climate change.
Energy Efficiency Community Outreach Programs
Amrita’s student-led energy efficiency campaigns extend climate mitigation education directly to villages surrounding all university campuses.
Village Coverage:
Tamil Nadu: Ettimada region, Vengal (Chennai), Bogadi (Mysore)
Kerala: Amritapuri, Kochi
Delhi Region: Faridabad
Community Activities:
Interactive Workshops: Energy efficiency benefits and renewable energy adoption
Practical Demonstrations: Solar-powered streetlights, energy-efficient appliances, biogas systems
School Campaigns: Awareness drives for students, drawing competitions on energy conservation
Industry Partnerships: Collaborations with local organizations and government bodies
Energy Conservation Week Initiatives (November):
Drawing competitions for children aged 5-17 years
Flashmobs and public awareness performances
Community engagement on sustainable energy transitions
Sharing the Climate Action Plan: Dissemination and Stakeholder Communication
1. Policy Advocacy and Government Briefings
Amrita actively shares its Climate Action Plan findings and recommendations with government bodies at multiple levels through:
C20 India 2023 Policy Recommendations: Formal submissions to G20 leadership on climate finance, disaster resilience, and net-zero strategies
Government Consultations: Regular briefings with Ministry of Earth Sciences, state disaster management authorities, and environmental departments
International Forums: Presentations at UN and OECD forums on climate-resilient infrastructure and early warning systems
Global Climate Reports Recognition: Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham is highlighted in international climate reports as a model for integrating technology and community engagement for sustainability.
2. Community Briefings and Awareness Sessions
The university conducts regular community-level briefings on climate action plan components:
Disaster Resilience Training Sessions: Regular workshops in Sikkim, Kerala, and other regions
Sustainability Assessment Demonstrations: SREE platform presentations to communities
School and Teacher Training: Curriculum integration sessions with educators
Water and Energy Awareness Campaigns: Public engagement events in villages
3. Academic and Research Symposia
ARISE 2024 (Amrita Research & Innovation Symposium for Excellence) provided a platform for Amrita’s 500+ faculty members from eight campuses to collaboratively develop strategic research visions (1-year, 3-year, and 5-year) aligned with the climate action plan.
Through its UNESCO Chair on Experiential Learning for Sustainable Innovation and Development, Amrita has spearheaded development of a global curriculum on sustainable development applicable to 14 SDGs.
International Symposium on Sustainable Innovation and Development (December 11-13, 2023):
60+ participants from 24 countries
24 countries represented including UNESCO Chairs, academicians, and experts
Topics Deliberated: Climate change, water sustainability, environmental sustainability, disaster resilience
Group photo of participants at Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham’s 2024 workshop on cultural ecology and climate change, held in collaboration with Tamil Nadu State Council for Science and Technology.
Integrated Water Management: Sustainable Water Governance
Amrita’s climate action plan specifically addresses water resilience through sustainable water governance frameworks and ecosystem restoration projects.
Climate Action Plan Summary: Key Metrics and Achievements
Overall Impact Statistics (2024):
1,200+ Communities Reached: Through SREE platform and community programs
28 Indian States Covered: Systematic geographic expansion
6,000+ Global Organizations Engaged: C20 India 2023 initiative reaching 154 countries
200+ Early Warning Sensors Deployed: Active landslide and disaster monitoring
10,000+ Direct Participants: Across training, workshops, and engagement programs
2,000,000+ Seedballs Distributed: Global ecosystem restoration initiative
8 Major Government Partnerships: Including SSDMA, OSDMA, Ministry of Earth Sciences
Multiple MoUs Signed: Formalizing collaborations with state and international entities
Strategic Partnerships and Collaborative Framework
Amrita’s Climate Action Plan operates through a network of formal partnerships:
Partner Organization
Partnership Type
Focus Area
Geographic Scope
Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority
MoU (May 2025)
Disaster risk reduction, early warning
Sikkim, Northeast Himalayas
Odisha State Government
Collaboration Agreement
Disaster preparedness, landslide monitoring
Odisha state
Ministry of Earth Sciences (India)
Co-Funded Research
Landslide monitoring infrastructure
Pan-India
Alappuzha Municipality
Partnership Agreement
Water sustainability and community empowerment
Kerala
UNESCO Chair Network
Joint Implementation
SDG curriculum, sustainable innovation
Global (154 countries)
Civil 20 India
Hosted Working Group
Climate policy advocacy, net-zero targets
G20 nations
International Consortium on Landslides
Joint Training
Disaster resilience and capacity building
Multi-state
Team Environment Kenya
MoU-Based Collaboration
Environmental education and waste management
International
Future Expansion and Scaling
The Climate Action Plan includes ambitious scaling targets:
108 Communities: Planned expansion of Wave of Change water sustainability programs
Multi-State Coverage: Extension of disaster early warning systems to additional vulnerable regions
Global Replication: SREE platform deployment in multiple countries for localized climate action
Youth Engagement: Continued Train-the-Trainer models to create multiplier effects in communities
Policy Integration: Ongoing advocacy for incorporation of findings into national and state climate policies
Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham’s Climate Action Plan represents a comprehensive, multi-stakeholder approach to climate resilience that directly engages local governments, municipalities, civil society organizations, and communities. Through technology-enabled platforms, evidence-based research, inclusive policy advocacy, and grassroots implementation, the university demonstrates how educational institutions can catalyze systemic change toward sustainable and resilient communities across local, national, and global scales.
