Knowledge to Action: Empowering Youth Climate Innovators A TERI–HCLFoundation Initiative
In an era where the impacts of climate change are increasingly visible and urgent, empowering the next generation to lead climate action is more critical than ever. Knowledge to Action: Empowering Youth Climate Innovators is a collaborative initiative by HCLFoundation and The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), implemented under “Harit”, HCLFoundation’s flagship climate action programme. It is designed to nurture climate leadership among students in government schools across Bengaluru. The programme aligns with national priorities on environmental education and aims to cultivate youth-led innovation and grassroots sustainability.
The highlight of the initiative is to equip students with a solid foundation in climate science and its real-world implications. Through engaging, hands-on learning experiences and capacity-building sessions, students are encouraged to think critically and develop innovative solutions to pressing environmental issues. Furthermore, the programme supports teachers with the tools and training needed to integrate climate change education into school curricula, creating a holistic and supportive learning ecosystem. By focusing on both student empowerment and educator development, the initiative lays the groundwork for sustained climate action within school communities.
In the first phase of the programme, “Creating Climate Change Agents through Capacity Building”, October 2024- March 31, 2025, a series of student workshops titled Creating Climate Change Agents through Capacity Building has been conducted for upper primary children of BBMP government schools in Bengaluru. These workshops provided students with an in-depth understanding of climate science, its impacts, and effective mitigation strategies while promoting practical approaches to reducing carbon footprints and managing waste sustainably. Through interactive activities and expert-led discussions, students were inspired to adopt environmentally responsible behaviours and contribute actively to sustainability efforts within their communities. The workshop was attended by 679 students from Grade 6 and 7; and 22 teachers from 15 schools under BBMP.
The current phase of the program, “Knowledge to Action: Empowering Youth Climate Innovators” is engaging with 50 government schools in Bengaluru, and set to expand its reach in the coming years. The initiative promotes localized, youth-driven climate solutions with the potential to influence broader community practices. Its impact extends beyond education, shaping students into climate-conscious citizens who are ready to lead sustainable change in their homes, schools, and neighbourhoods.
To transfer knowledge into action, the current phase of the programme features several key components. The Youth Climate Innovators Challenge offers students a platform to identify local environmental challenges and propose scalable, innovative solutions. Complementing this is the Climate Innovation Laboratory—a physical space where students can prototype and test their ideas. The programme also hosts two flagship events: the NextGen Climate Confluence for students and the Educators’ Conclave for teachers. These events create meaningful spaces for dialogue with experts, collaborative learning, and the sharing of diverse perspectives. Further, exposure visits to operational climate solution hubs enhance students’ understanding and inspire action by connecting classroom learning with real-world practice.
As part of TERI’s broader work under the Environment Education and Awareness (EEA) programme, Knowledge to Action exemplifies how inclusive, interdisciplinary, and action-based environmental learning can create long-lasting societal impact. This collaborative effort between TERI and HCLFoundation is not only empowering youth but also reinforcing community-level climate resilience and supporting India’s broader sustainability goals.