To further strengthen the knowledge, skills and professional capabilities of the Green Fellows, the Government of Tamil Nadu, through the Environment, Climate Change and Forests Department, has partnered with the Institute for Energy Studies, Anna University, to offer an exclusive Post Graduate Diploma in Climate Change and Sustainability.
The diploma programme has been designed to equip Fellows with a comprehensive understanding of climate science, environmental governance, sustainability, climate policy, natural resource management and emerging environmental challenges.
The curriculum covers key areas including climate change mitigation and adaptation, clean energy technologies, climate-resilient urban planning, carbon accounting, carbon markets, climate finance, disaster risk reduction, pollution control technologies, ESG frameworks, environmental management and corporate sustainability.
The programme follows a multidisciplinary and practice-oriented approach, combining academic learning with field experience gained through the Fellowship. A major highlight of the course is the project thesis component, through which Fellows will work on real-world climate and sustainability challenges under the guidance of academic experts and government practitioners.
Structured as a 42-credit, three-semester programme, the diploma is aligned with globally recognised frameworks including the IPCC Assessment Reports, the Paris Agreement, India’s Nationally Determined Contributions, the Sendai Framework, GHG Protocol and other internationally accepted sustainability standards.
The blended learning model has been specifically designed to enable Green Fellows to pursue academic learning while continuing their field responsibilities.
The programme is expected to create a new generation of climate professionals capable of bridging science, policy and implementation. It will strengthen institutional capacity, enhance climate literacy and support evidence-based decision-making across districts while contributing to Tamil Nadu’s vision of sustainable, inclusive and climate-resilient development.
The programme was launched by State Minister for Environment and Climate Change, Dr. V. Rajeev, in the presence of Supriya Sahu, Additional Chief Secretary to Government, Environment, Climate Change and Forests Department, Asha Ajith, Director, Department of Environment and Climate Change; Dr. V. Kumaresan, Registrar (i/c), Anna University among others.
“The transition towards a climate-resilient future requires dedicated professionals who can bridge the gap between policy, science, and implementation. The Green Fellows have emerged as valuable contributors in advancing environmental and climate initiativesacross Tamil Nadu. This programme reflects our commitment to investing in human capital and creating a strong foundation for informed, evidence-based climate action across the State,” Rajeev said.
“Young people are among the most powerful drivers of climate action today. They bring energy, innovation, fresh perspectives and a deep sense of responsibility towards the future,” Supriya Sahu said.
“The Post Graduate Diploma will further strengthen their capacities by providing a strong foundation in climate science, sustainability and public policy, enabling them to emerge as informed climate leaders and change-makers for the State and beyond,” she added.
The Chief Minister’s Green Fellowship Programme is a first-of-its-kind Government-led initiative in India that seeks to empower young professionals to contribute meaningfully to climate action, environmental sustainability and grassroots development.
The programme provides an opportunity for young leaders to work closely with district administrations, local communities and government institutions, while supporting the implementation of Tamil Nadu’s environmental and climate initiatives.
The first phase of the Fellowship programme witnessed the selection of 40 Green Fellows from over 3,700 applications received across the State.
Working under the guidance of District Collectors, District Forest Officers and senior government officials, the Fellows played an important role in supporting awareness campaigns, environmental initiatives and the implementation of the State’s flagship missions, including the Tamil Nadu Climate Change Mission, Green Tamil Nadu Mission, Tamil Nadu Wetlands Mission and Tamil Nadu Coastal Restoration Mission.
Building on the success of the first phase, the Government launched the second cohort of the Chief Minister’s Green Fellowship Programme in 2025. The programme received an overwhelming response with more than 9,000 applications from across Tamil Nadu, reflecting the growing interest among young people to contribute towards climate action and sustainable development.
Following a rigorous and transparent selection process, 38 Green Fellows were selected and deployed across districts to support climate and environmental initiatives at the grassroots level.
