Telangana will start a new B.A. programme in Climate Change, Sustainability and Environmental Governance from the next academic year. TGCHE chairman Balakista Reddy said, "The challenges of environmental protection, conservation and preservation will increasingly define the 21st century." This first-of-its-kind course aims to prepare students to tackle global environmental issues.
Programme on Climate Change, Sustainability and Environmental Governance to begin next academic year, says TGCHE chairman Balakista Reddy
Hyderabad: Telangana Council of Higher Education (TGCHE) Chairman Prof V Balakista Reddy said the challenges of environmental protection, conservation and preservation will increasingly define the 21st century.
Climate change, global warming, biodiversity loss, water scarcity, pollution and depletion of natural resources have emerged as major developmental, economic and social challenges rather than merely isolated environmental concerns.
He addressed after inaugurating the 6th edition of the Conference of People for Climate Action, organised jointly by the Telangana Council of Higher Education (TGCHE) and the Council of Green Revolution as a curtain raiser to the 31stConference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC-COP 31), being held in the city on Thursday.
He emphasised that the environment recognises no geographical or political boundaries and that its protection requires collective responsibility and coordinated action at every level, from individuals, villages, and local communities to States, nations, and the international community.
Prof Reddy stressed that environmental protection is not merely a social responsibility but also a constitutional obligation, and that every citizen must recognise their duty to protect the environment and make sustainable practices an integral part of everyday life.
Highlighting the crucial role of higher education in addressing these challenges, Prof. Balakista Reddy announced that Telangana is taking a pioneering initiative by introducing a B.A. programme in Climate Change, Sustainability and Environmental Governance from the next academic year, marking a first-of-its-kind initiative in the country.
The proposed undergraduate programme aims to equip students with interdisciplinary knowledge, practical understanding and professional competencies to address emerging environmental challenges. It will cover key areas such as climate change, environmental policies, sustainability principles, natural resource management, environmental laws, and governance mechanisms, preparing a new generation of environmentally conscious and skilled youth capable of contributing meaningfully to environmental protection, climate action, and sustainable development.
Representatives of the Council of Green Revolution, eminent educationists, Vice-Chancellors of various universities, academicians, environmental experts, researchers, students, and other distinguished guests attended the programme.