Dear Friends and Colleagues,
This past quarter has shown once again that South Asia’s climate journey is defined by resilience, collaboration, and people’s voices at the centre. From Dhaka to Odisha and Kolkata, dialogues on Just Transition and climate-resilient cities have highlighted both the urgency of the challenges we face and the opportunities for inclusive solutions. These conversations remind us that addressing the climate crisis is not only about technology and finance, but also about equity, dignity, and justice for workers, communities, and future generations.
Youth across the region are stepping forward with creativity and determination, shaping discussions on climate finance and justice, while civil society continues to engage governments and global platforms with strong, people-centered perspectives. Together, these efforts are strengthening our regional solidarity and ensuring that the priorities of South Asia are not lost in global negotiations.
At the global level, the International Court of Justice ruling on state responsibility for emissions has redefined the conversation on accountability and justice, strengthening calls that echo across South Asia and beyond.
As we move toward COP30 in Brazil, our collective efforts—in mobilizing communities, advancing just and resilient transitions, and amplifying the voices of youth and vulnerable groups—remain vital in shaping a fairer, more sustainable future for our region.
In solidarity,
Sanjay Vashist
Director, Climate Action Network South Asia
Stakeholders’ consultation on Just Transition in Odisha | 4 August 2025
On 4 August 2025, CANSA, together with Utkal University and partners, convened a Stakeholders Consultation on Just Transition at Syndicate Hall, Bhubaneswar. The event brought together academics, policymakers, civil society, government institutions, and development practitioners to explore how Odisha can lead a fair, inclusive transition as India advances toward its 2070 net-zero target.
Discussions emphasized that Just Transition must go beyond energy shifts, addressing livelihoods, equity, and social protection, while ensuring that vulnerable communities are not left behind. Speakers highlighted Odisha’s pioneering role in climate budgeting, its ambitious renewable energy targets, and the importance of linking state-level realities to national strategies and global frameworks. Key interventions stressed community participation, climate justice, and policies that integrate adaptation, resilience, and sustainable livelihoods.
The consultation concluded with strong recommendations: embedding nature-based approaches, strengthening participatory climate budgeting, reskilling workers, engaging youth and MSMEs, and leveraging Odisha’s recognized disaster preparedness to shape a people-centered Just Transition. These insights will feed into state and national climate planning, contributing to India’s forthcoming NDC 3.0. Read more.
Just Energy Transition: Challenges and Opportunities | 25 August 2025
A discussion on “Just Energy Transition: Challenges and Opportunities” was held in Dhaka, bringing together experts, civil society, and policymakers to explore pathways for equitable, inclusive, and sustainable energy transitions in Bangladesh.
Why South Asia Needs Inclusive Conversations for a Just Transition
By Dr. Sanjay Vashist, Director, Climate Action Network South Asia (CANSA)
South Asia’s climate vulnerability is escalating—from Uttarakhand floods to record-breaking heatwaves. Fair, inclusive transitions are vital, ensuring coal workers, garment industry women, and small farmers aren’t left behind as the region shifts toward resilience and clean energy. Read the blog here.
Advancing Equity in Energy Transition: Civil Society Perspectives for the South Africa C20 | G20 Process | 13 August 2025
As part of the G20 South Africa Presidency, Vasudha Foundation and CANSA co-hosted a multi-stakeholder webinar on Just Energy Transition. The session gathered CSO and expert inputs from Asia, Africa, and Latin America, aiming to strengthen C20-G20 recommendations and ensure people-centric, equitable, and inclusive energy transition pathways. Read details about the webinar here.
Draw the Line for Climate Justice | 15-21 September 2025
In September, Climate Action Network International (CAN International) launched the Draw the Line Campaign, a global mobilization calling for urgent climate justice. From 15–21 September, communities, workers, farmers, youth, and movements across the world came together to confront fossil fuel greed, inequality, and authoritarianism. Through online rallies, street actions, and powerful stories, the campaign amplified demands for a fast, fair, and feminist phaseout of fossil fuels, investment in people not billionaires, and protection of rights and democracy. This collective action highlighted the strength of people power and the urgency of ensuring a just transition that leaves no one behind.
Youth for COP Edition 2 launched
The Youth for COP – Edition 2 initiative has been launched through a partnership between the Indian Youth Climate Network (IYCN), Climate Action Network South Asia (CANSA), and other allies to amplify the voices of young people across South Asia in the global climate process.
This youth-led program engages participants aged 18–30 through a series of webinars, trainings, and workshops on key themes such as climate finance, just transitions, adaptation and resilience, forests and biodiversity, and NDCs 3.0. The sessions aim to strengthen skills in negotiation, advocacy, and communications, while fostering collaboration among youth leaders across the region.
By providing a platform for young people—from students and artists to activists and professionals—Youth for COP is helping ensure that the perspectives of South Asia’s youth are visible, influential, and impactful in international climate dialogues, including the road to COP30.
The series has already begun with its first webinar, where voices like CANSA’s Nakul Sharma joined to highlight youth perspectives on climate finance and justice. You can find details about the program here.
What it means to the World, India, and West Bengal | 3 September 2025
Webinar Series: Adapting Together: Climate Stories and Strategies from Asian Cities
curtain-raiser on COP30 was held at Press Club Kolkata, co-organised by the Brazilian Consulate, EnGIO, CANSA, The Plurals, and partners, exploring what the summit means for India and West Bengal. Read more here.
Webinar Series:
Adapting Together: Climate Stories and Strategies from Asian Cities
CANSA, AIDMI, CityNet, and INHAF, has launched a five-part webinar series titled Adapting Together: Climate Stories and Strategies from Asian Cities. The series responds to the escalating climate crisis and its growing impact on urban environments, highlighting how cities—responsible for over 70% of global emissions yet highly vulnerable to flooding, heatwaves, sea-level rise, and water scarcity—can adapt more equitably. It aims to showcase stories, strategies, and cross-regional lessons that place resilience, inclusivity, and sustainability at the heart of Asia’s urban future. For details, click here.
| Renewables for Resilience and Development: Community Voices and Policy Perspectives | 26 Aug 2025 |
CAN International, CAN Africa, CAN South Asia, and SARCAN co-hosted a webinar on renewable energy’s role in climate resilience and adaptation. The session connected grassroots realities with global negotiations, highlighting renewable energy as central to resilience, equity, and sustainable development.
The speakers were Tasneem Essop, Executive Director of CAN International, Anusree A.B., Research Fellow at Thanal, Grace Mwende Mboya, Operations Manager at Solar Sister, and Katlego Malesa, Project Coordinator at SCMAC
For details, click here.
Shaping the Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage | 24 July 2025
This webinar convened by IRID, Germanwatch, ICSC, LAYA-INECC, Greenovation Hub, and SLYCAN Trust explored the Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage (FRLD), highlighting its $250M pilot phase and stressing the need for fair, accountable, community-centered implementation.
The speakers were Adao Soares Barbosa, FRLD Board Member, Claire Miranda, Deputy Program Manager, APMDD, Bertha L. Argueta Tejeda, Adaptation Fund Board Member, and Simon Stumpf, FRLD Alternate Board Member. The session was moderated by Nakul Sharma, Program Manager, CANSA. Read more here.
For details, click here.
By Nakul Sharma, Program Coordinator, CANSA
The 2025 BRICS Summit in Rio signaled emerging Global South climate leadership but revealed contradictions—promoting green finance while expanding fossil fuels. As COP30 nears, Brazil faces the challenge of turning ambitious declarations into credible, just climate action. Read the blog here.
By Dr. Abid Suleri, Executive Director, SDPI, Pakistan
The Bonn climate talks (SB62) ended with frustration over finance, adaptation, and loss & damage, but saw progress on just transition. With COP30 approaching, Brazil faces pressure to turn declarations into implementation and deliver real climate justice. Read the blog here.
Click here to watch now and see how working with nature can help us breathe easier, live better, and build a sustainable future.
In the face of floods, heatwaves, and choking pollution, young Alia from a South Asian city dares to imagine a different future. This inspirational short animation film follows her journey through a crumbling urban landscape—and into a new world of hope, resilience, and action. Guided by active citizen Kabir and supported by her community, Alia discovers how nature-based solutions can restore our cities, our climate, and our connection to each other. From rooftop gardens to mangrove plantations, from rainwater harvesting to solar lights—every step toward resilience begins with one person choosing to act.
Real world moving faster than politics’: Experts reject Trump’s dismissal of climate change
www.thedeccanherald.com | Sep 24, 2025
Plant The Funds: South Asia’s call for climate justice
www.themorning.lk | Sep 16, 2025
Skills, compliance, and coordination vital for agro export readiness
www.thedailystar.net | Aug 27, 2025
Asia’s youth unite to demand climate justice and grant-based finance
www.daily-sun.com | Aug 15, 2025
Wiped off the map: How climate change claimed a Himalayan village
www.bignewsnetwork.com | Aug 14, 2025
Stakeholders’ Consultation on Just Transition in Odisha Lays Foundation for a People-Centric Climate Roadmap
orissadiary.com | Aug 4, 2025
Country actions driving climate change ‘illegal’, states should be held legally responsible for emissions: International Court of Justice
www.downtoearth.org.in | Jul 24, 2025
ICJ ruling strengthens India’s call for climate justice but raises bar on domestic action, say experts
theprint.in | Jul 24, 2025
Many in Kolkata buy India’s first climate insurance; heat, rain & cold risks included in policy
www.msn.com | Jul 12, 2025
ICIMOD signs MOU with SDPI
ICIMOD signed an MoU with SDPI, Pakistan’s leading independent policy think tank. The partnership aims to foster collaborative research, policy dialogue, and joint advocacy on climate resilience, sustainable development, and upstream-downstream linkages.
The MoU was signed by Dr. Pema Gyatmtsho, Director General of ICIMOD, and Dr. Abid Qaiyum Suleri, Executive Director of SDPI, reaffirming their shared commitment to regional cooperation and evidence-informed action.
A Landmark Green Report from Afghanistan
After a decade, Afghanistan is getting a clear, evidence-based picture of its environment, and it’s happening now. REHA, in partnership with NEPA and supported by UNDP, has launched the State of the Environment (SOE) Assessment Report, a first-of-its-kind effort to map the country’s forests, rivers, air quality, biodiversity, climate change impacts, waste management and more. This isn’t just data on paper, it’s a national blueprint for action, community resilience, and a greener future. Work began in June, and the landmark report will be unveiled in November 2025.
Pakistan’s CPDI Launches GREEN ZAMEEN BULLETIN as part of the Fellowship
The Center for Peace and Development Initiatives (CPDI) is a non-partisan, non-profit civil society organization working to strengthen institutions and foster informed policy dialogue. Its Green Zameen Fellowship promotes the shift from imported fossil fuels to locally sourced, renewable, and sustainable energy in Pakistan through a fair and inclusive approach. The program brings together parliamentarians, policymakers, media professionals, academics, and youth advocates to collaborate on just energy transformation. By enhancing stakeholders’ knowledge, the fellowship empowers them to champion renewable energy solutions that meet community needs, reduce dependence on imports, and address Pakistan’s pressing climate challenges.
Launch of the second cohort of Climate Leadership Program and Earth Talks engagements in Delhi, Odisha, Hyderabad, and Varanasi through ClimACT
The ClimAct Initiative has had a busy and inspiring September. We launched the second cohort of the Climate Leadership Programme (CLP), a six-month fellowship designed for young leaders aged 18–29. CLP equips fellows with the knowledge to understand climate science, the skills to design and implement purposeful projects, and the values to lead with empathy and collaboration. Through a mix of virtual training, in-person gatherings, mentorship, and project-based learning, the programme continues to nurture the next generation of climate leaders in India.
