The Vice Chancellor’s Conclave on Climate Interventions was held at Symbiosis International University in Pune, bringing together academic leaders to examine the role of universities in addressing accelerating climate risks. The discussions focused on whether academic institutions should lead transparent and ethically grounded exploration of climate intervention strategies, particularly at a time when decarbonization efforts remain essential but progress remains slower than the pace of climate impacts.

The dialogue was followed by a workshop conducted with Rituraj Phukan, along with Bunny Singh Chouhan and Samiksha Gotephode from MEER. The discussions focused on practical approaches to climate risk reduction and community-level interventions.

During the visit, meetings were also held with prominent environmental leaders including Jigmed Namgyal Wangchuk of Ladakh, Rajendra Singh, widely known as the “Waterman of India,” and Jadav Payeng, often referred to as the “Forest Man of India.” Discussions highlighted the growing urgency of glacial retreat in the Himalayan region and the broader implications for long-term water security across South Asia. The Chhota Shigri glacier project was also discussed as part of ongoing efforts to study and potentially slow glacier melt in the Himalayas.

A field visit in Pune examined a pilot initiative led by MEER addressing urban heat exposure in informal settlements. The project involves installing low-cost aluminum sheets above tin roofs to reduce indoor heat accumulation in homes where temperatures can exceed 45°C during peak summer. Initial observations from residents indicated noticeable cooling effects after installation, highlighting a potential of local solution to manage extreme heat for low-income households.

Interactions with students at Symbiosis International University further reflected growing youth engagement with sustainability initiatives and climate action. The visit demonstrated the importance of linking academic research, community innovation, and youth leadership in advancing practical responses to climate risks.