The Tamil Nadu government is set to introduce a new policy aimed at promoting climate literacy across the state. In his opening remarks at the Tamil Nadu Climate Summit 3.0 held in Chennai, Chief Minister MK Stalin emphasized the importance of raising climate awareness among all sections of society, particularly through the education system. He announced plans to establish eco-clubs in every school in the state as part of this initiative.
Stalin highlighted that the government views climate education as a cornerstone for future development in Tamil Nadu. He expressed the administration’s commitment to advancing climate literacy as a pivotal mission.
To further this goal, the government will provide capacity-building training for officials from various departments on strategies for climate change mitigation and adaptation. Special attention will be given to sectors like agriculture and water resources, which are particularly susceptible to the impacts of climate change.
In a significant move, the Tamil Nadu government has officially classified heat waves as a state disaster, as stated in the recent gazette notification. As part of this announcement, the government has dedicated a compensation of ₹4 lakh for families affected by fatalities caused by heat waves.
The chief minister addressed the gravity of climate change, recognizing it as the foremost challenge confronting humanity today. He reiterated the government’s commitment to not only raising awareness but also implementing effective strategies to combat this issue.
During the event, Stalin also introduced an online waste exchange platform, designed to disseminate information about various waste generators and available recycling options within the state. Additionally, he launched a report titled “Lifestyle for Climate Document,” aiming to guide sustainable practices in daily life.