Climatehood was born out of friendship, shared passion, and an urgent realization—the need for a youth-led movement actively engaging with climate issues. It all started with discussions between my close friend and co-founder, Bharath Govind, and a team of friends who supported the vision from the very beginning. Growing up, I always had an affinity for nature, but it wasn't until my college years that I truly grasped the scale of the environmental crisis. Through conversations with Bharath and our like-minded peers, the idea of Climatehood took shape. We knew that awareness alone wasn’t enough; action was needed. And so, Climatehood was formed as a platform for young people to take meaningful steps toward a greener future.
Our early days were fueled by sheer passion and a belief that change starts small. With the unwavering support of our friends, one of our first major events, Aaranyam 2019, was held to commemorate National Wildlife Week and raise awareness about wildlife conservation. From there, we began organizing interactive sessions, field visits, and awareness campaigns that directly engaged people with nature. Initiatives like Bird Watching in collaboration with Neerthadakam and Wings Birding Club at Punchakkari, Vellayani, showed us that there was a growing community eager to learn and take action.
As we gained momentum, Climatehood expanded its focus to tackle specific environmental challenges. The Single-use Plastic Free India Multi-Event Campaign, in collaboration with CISSA and other NGOs, was a milestone for us. We saw firsthand how collective effort could influence policy and encourage sustainable practices. Our Swap Shop initiative, where students could exchange unwanted clothes, helped us address waste reduction in a practical way. These initiatives reinforced our commitment to integrating sustainability into everyday life, from green events to waste management strategies.
One of Climatehood’s biggest strengths has been its emphasis on education. The Global Climate Education Month 2019 was a testament to this, as we conducted 127 sessions in 30 days, bringing climate awareness to students and professionals alike. The Endurance Talk Series, featuring international experts such as Former European Union Commissioner for Transportation Ms. Violeta Bulz, created a space for dialogue on sustainable development and climate policies. These engagements reinforced our belief that informed individuals are empowered individuals.
Climatehood has always been about inclusivity. We strive to ensure that climate action is accessible to everyone, especially marginalized communities disproportionately affected by environmental degradation. Our Sustainable Periods Campaign promoted eco-friendly menstrual hygiene solutions, while projects like Green Campus and Wetland Schooling gave students a hands-on approach to conservation. Wetland Schooling, in particular, remains one of our most successful ongoing initiatives, with hundreds of students participating every year.
Today, Climatehood is more than just an organization—it’s a movement. What began as an idea among friends has grown into a powerful force for environmental change, thanks to the unwavering support of our team. We have ambitious plans to scale our efforts and integrate sustainability into every aspect of society. From practical environmental education to fostering environmental entrepreneurship, we are committed to driving systemic change. The journey so far has been inspiring, and as we continue to grow, we invite more individuals to join us in shaping a greener future.
Climatehood is not just an initiative—it’s a call to action. Change starts with us, and together, we can build a world where sustainability is not just an option but a way of life.