ICLEI South Asia advanced Tamil Nadu’s growing climate action agenda through active participation in two key events in Chennai: the seminar on “Climate Change: Science, Impacts and Adaptation Strategies” on 1 November 2025 and the workshop on “Standardization of District Climate Action Plan (DCAP)” on 5 November 2025. Across both platforms, ICLEI South Asia showcased practical, science-based approaches to support stronger, evidence-led climate planning across districts.

Tamil Nadu has positioned itself as a national leader in climate action and leadership through the Tamil Nadu Green Climate Company (TNGCC), one of India’s pioneering dedicated state-level climate governance institutions. By driving four flagship missions: Tamil Nadu Climate Change Mission (TNCCM), The Green Tamil Nadu Mission (GTNM), The Tamil Nadu Wetlands Mission (TNWM), and The Tamil Nadu Coastal Restoration Mission (TN SHORE), TNGCC is steering the state towards its target of achieving net zero before 2070.

To translate this vision into action and to ensure that climate action has on-ground impact,  Tamil Nadu has adopted a bottom-up strategy that focuses on district-level plans, local governance, and climate finance. A significant milestone in this direction was reached in October 2025 with the launch of four District Climate Action Plans (DCAPs) and a real-time Climate Action Tracker, developed with the Vasudha Foundation. These initiatives marked a new era of district-level monitoring and coordinated implementation, supported further by newly formed District Climate Change Missions.

Strengthening District Climate Planning – 5 November 2025

At the workshop hosted by CCCDM, Anna University, and UNICEF India, ICLEI South Asia presented its Net Zero Climate Resilient Cities methodology, adapted specifically for district-level application and climate planning. Dr. Radha Priya P, Manager-Tamil Nadu operations, ICLEI South Asia, and Ramya M.A., Senior Project Officer, ICLEI South Asia, highlighted tools that help districts develop structured, data-driven, and actionable DCAPs, including GHG inventories, climate risk assessments, urban system gap analysis, and policy integration. The workshop brought together over 30 representatives from UNICEF India, CCCDM, the Tamil Nadu Climate Change Mission, NCSCM, the Water Resources Department, TNPDCL, Vasudha Foundation, and C40 Cities. Participants shared insights on standardised data collection, vulnerability assessment methods, and prioritisation of district-specific actions. The discussions built strong momentum towards a common, replicable DCAP framework for the entire state.

Engaging Youth on Climate Action – 1 November 2025

Earlier in the week, ICLEI South Asia participated in  CCCDM’s seminar focused on youth engagement in climate science and resilience. Speaking on “Climate Change Impacts on Water,” Dr. Radha Priya P. drew on learnings from the SDC-funded CapaCITIES project, explaining the role of cities in climate adaptation and the powerful contribution youth can make to low-carbon, climate-resilient futures.

More than 30 undergraduate and postgraduate students participated and engaged in technical discussions, sustainability activities, and design-based problem-solving sessions aimed at building climate literacy and leadership.

Together, the seminar and workshop reflect Tamil Nadu’s strong push to embed climate action at the district level through structured, standardised, and science-led planning. With institutions like TNGCC and CCCDM driving the agenda, and partners such as  ICLEI South Asia providing technical leadership, the state is shaping a robust model for subnational climate governance in India.