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:
Limiting the global temperature increase to “well below” 2°C, with efforts to stay within a 1.5°C rise.
Building resilience by helping countries adapt to the impacts of climate change.
Providing financial support for countries to achieve low-GHG emission targets and foster climate-resilient development.
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.
University Policies and Circulars
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 -
Rotaract Club’s Project Swabha
1. Project Objectives and Scope
Environmental Restoration: Project Swabha aims to tackle climate change by restoring local ecosystems, supporting biodiversity, and reducing environmental impacts caused by pollution and unsustainable practices.
Community Engagement: This initiative brings together local communities, raising awareness about sustainable practices and encouraging active participation in climate action.
2. Collaboration with Spa Ceylon
Through its partnership with Spa Ceylon, Project Swabha leverages resources and expertise to amplify its impact, enabling the community to adopt environmentally responsible habits and implement green solutions effectively.
3. Focused Climate and Sustainability Efforts
Project Swabha supports reforestation and clean-up activities, educates community members about waste reduction, and promotes the conservation of local flora and fauna. This project is a powerful example of how community-driven efforts can contribute to climate adaptation and environmental resilience.
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
Ecosystem Protection: Sobaraksha goes beyond traditional reforestation efforts by focusing on holistic ecosystem conservation, promoting biodiversity, and enhancing habitat quality for local wildlife.
Sustainable Approach: Unlike conventional tree planting campaigns, Sobaraksha leverages the university's resources and expertise to ensure that conservation efforts are sustainable and impactful, providing long-term ecological benefits.
2. Community Engagement and Participation
Involvement of Stakeholders: The project brings together 35 students and 5 government officers, fostering collaboration between university members and local authorities to maximize conservation efforts.
Educational Impact: Sobaraksha emphasizes environmental education, raising awareness about the importance of biodiversity and ecosystem health among participants and local communities.
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
Combating Misinformation: The program addresses the growing issue of climate misinformation by enhancing participants' media literacy skills, enabling them to identify and challenge false or misleading climate information.
Raising Climate Awareness: By educating participants on climate science and responsible media consumption, the program contributes to a more climate-conscious and informed community.
2. Community Engagement and Impact
Participants: The program engaged 60 individuals, providing them with tools to analyze and verify climate information, helping them become informed advocates for climate action.
Broader Educational Reach: Through discussions, workshops, and media analysis exercises, participants gain insights into climate change science and the effects of misinformation on public perception and policy.
For more details - https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=217790867674719&set=pcb.217793141007825
Community Cleanup Initiative
1. Program Highlights and Objectives
Promoting Environmental Responsibility: The cleanup program aimed to reduce litter, restore natural beauty, and create a cleaner, healthier environment at the National Zoological Gardens. Through active participation, volunteers learned the value of preserving natural spaces.
Building Awareness: By engaging in direct conservation activities, participants developed a deeper awareness of the environmental impact of waste and the importance of maintaining public areas.
2. Community Involvement and Impact
Participation: The program saw active involvement from 80 volunteers, including university students and community members, who collectively contributed to cleaning and beautifying the zoo premises.
For more details - https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=753401429917319&set=pcb.753402469917215
Addressing Greenwashing in Climate Action
1. Program Objectives and Awareness
Understanding Greenwashing: The initiative addresses the concept of greenwashing—where organizations exaggerate or misrepresent their environmental efforts. Participants learn to critically evaluate sustainability claims and recognize genuine climate actions, promoting accountability in environmental practices.
Quantifying Impact: By emphasizing measurable sustainability indicators, the program teaches participants how to assess the real impact of climate initiatives, fostering a culture of transparency and credibility in environmental reporting.
2. Community Engagement and Skill Development
Participation: With 100 attendees, this program brought together students and staff who are passionate about responsible environmental action. Through workshops and discussions, participants gained skills to critically analyze sustainability metrics and practices.
Promoting Ethical Climate Action: This initiative empowers individuals to support and advocate for verifiable, effective climate actions, helping to build a responsible and informed community.
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.