SDG 13 - Climate Action

Climate Action

The past decade has seen unprecedented warming trends, with the global mean temperature projected to rise by 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels (1850-1900) within the next five years. The years 2015 to 2021 were recorded as the warmest on record, illustrating a trend driven largely by greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. These changes are contributing to extreme weather patterns worldwide, resulting in sea level rise, glacial melt, floods, droughts, and desertification. The cascading impacts of climate change extend far beyond environmental issues, as they jeopardize food security, displace populations, widen the wealth gap, and trigger geo-political tensions. 

In response to these challenges, the Paris Agreement was adopted in 2015 by 196 countries, setting ambitious targets to address global climate change. The core objectives of this agreement include:

Despite contributing only 0.08% of global GHG emissions in 2019, Sri Lanka remains highly vulnerable to climate impacts, ranking 104th on the Climate Vulnerability Index. The primary sources of GHG emissions in Sri Lanka are the transportation and electricity sectors. Recognizing these challenges, Sri Lanka has committed to the Paris Agreement’s goals by setting its own targets: an increase in forest cover to 32% and a reduction in GHG emissions by 14.5% by 2030. This includes an unconditional reduction of 4%, with additional reductions dependent on international support. 

The University of Kelaniya is an active participant in Sri Lanka’s climate change response, contributing through education, research, and sustainable practices. By focusing on renewable energy adoption, efficient water and waste management, and biodiversity conservation, the university aligns itself with national and global climate action strategies. University -wide initiatives such as the installation of solar panels, water-saving techniques, and sustainable waste recycling reflect the university’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint.

Moreover, the university plays a critical educational role, fostering climate awareness and empowering students and staff with knowledge on sustainable practices and environmental stewardship. Through workshops, public lectures, and community projects, the University of Kelaniya not only advances the principles of the Paris Agreement but also helps build a climate-conscious community within Sri Lanka.

Programs

Collaboration with NGOs for Climate Adaptation and Carbon Neutralization 

Mangrove Restoration Project in Collaboration with Norlanka 

Phase 1 Completion: In collaboration with Norlanka, the Environmental Conservation and Management Society at the University of Kelaniya successfully completed Phase 1 of a significant mangrove restoration project in the coastal region of Chilaw. This phase involved the restoration of 650 mangrove plants, which play a critical role in protecting coastal ecosystems and enhancing biodiversity.

Carbon Sequestration Impact: The restoration of these mangroves contributes to carbon sequestration, with an estimated absorption of 7,995 kg of CO₂ annually. Over the lifetime of these 650 mangrove plants, approximately 199,875 kg of CO₂ will be removed from the atmosphere, significantly contributing to carbon neutrality and climate change mitigation.


For more details -

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/norlanka_norlanka-environment-impact-activity-6998906768340762624-8Aha/?trk=public_profile_like_view&originalSubdomain=lk

https://archives1.sundayobserver.lk/2022/12/04/norlanka-and-kelaniya-university-mangrove-conservation-efforts

https://island.lk/norlanka-and-university-of-kelaniya-take-the-lead-in-mangrove-conservation-efforts-carbon-neutralization/ 

Rotaract Club’s Project Swabha 

1. Project Objectives and Scope

2. Collaboration with Spa Ceylon

3. Focused Climate and Sustainability Efforts

For more details - Refer page No 130

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1PSjJrhBS58K4vB5J3Zwjc7hVe5-dHu39/view?usp=drive_link

Rotaract Club’s "Sobaraksha" Project 

1. Project Purpose and Conservation Goals

2. Community Engagement and Participation

For more details - Refer page No 122-124

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1PSjJrhBS58K4vB5J3Zwjc7hVe5-dHu39/view?usp=drive_link

Media Literacy and Climate Change Awareness 

1. Program Objectives

2. Community Engagement and Impact

For more details - https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=217790867674719&set=pcb.217793141007825 

Community Cleanup Initiative 

1. Program Highlights and Objectives

2. Community Involvement and Impact

For more details - https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=753401429917319&set=pcb.753402469917215 

Addressing Greenwashing in Climate Action 

1. Program Objectives and Awareness

2. Community Engagement and Skill Development

For more details - https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=773884277869034&set=pcb.773884584535670 

Monthly Plastic Collection and Recycling 

Under this program, collected plastics from the campus are handed over to Beira Enviro Solutions (Pvt) Ltd on a monthly basis. This partnership ensures that plastics are recycled effectively, diverting waste from landfills and reducing the environmental impact of plastic disposal.