APNA Climate Action and Friday For Future Campaign

Conscious Steps Towards Preserving Nature

Sustainable Development Goal 13 of the United Nations “calls for the widest possible international cooperation aimed at accelerating the reduction of global greenhouse gas emissions and addressing adaptation to the adverse impacts of climate change.” Rising temperatures are evident across the globe, reflected in events such as the Amazon wildfires, the Kedarnath floods, the melting glaciers of Antarctica, depletion of the ozone layer over Australia, rising sea levels, and the overall intensification of global warming.

In response, the Association for Parivartan of Nation launched a “silent global climate strike” on 27 September 2019 in the two Indian cities of Ranchi and Hazaribagh, coinciding with the #FridaysForFuture movement. Students from various colleges supported this initiative, which aimed to strengthen public awareness and understanding of climate change. Demonstrators raised slogans that questioned the government’s complacency on the issue and criticised its negligence. Among them were messages such as “environment is a gift to us, save and secure it” and "government apathy towards my future scares me.” 

APNA recognises that while global leaders acknowledge the economic risks posed by climate change, there is a lack of strong political will to increase investment in renewable resources or to integrate sustainable natural resource management into national policies. We therefore strive to empower young people, encouraging them to take responsibility and play an active role in addressing these pressing issues.
Through this campaign, APNA also realised that undereducated groups such as vegetable vendors, watchmen, ice-cream sellers, and domestic workers often lack even basic awareness about the importance of protecting the environment. To bridge this gap, we organised street plays, campaigns, and panel discussions, helping people understand the significance of environmental protection and practical steps they could take.

On New Year’s Eve 2020, APNA organised a plantation drive which brought together participants from different cities to plant trees in their neighbourhoods. Attendees, numbering approximately 100, pledged to plant at least three trees annually to contribute to environmental conservation. We further encouraged participants to adopt sustainable practices, such as using canvas bags in place of plastic ones. Looking ahead, APNA remains committed to conducting more plantation drives and continuing to foster meaningful environmental change.