Ashoka University and Environmental Defense Fund partner to develop ‘sustainability leaders’ across organisations

(New Delhi, August 5, 2024) Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) and AshokaX, a unique initiative from Ashoka University for lifelong learners, are partnering to lead the Climate Corps Fellowship programme in India. This partnership will boost the capacity of companies and other organisations in advancing their climate goals while identifying and training the next generation of sustainability leaders.

Climate change is the most urgent and serious problem facing humanity. It requires a response that is unprecedented in ambition and reach. Addressing this scale and complexity will require an enormous growth in green talent. Too few professionals in India either work exclusively on sustainability or use sustainability skills in their core jobs. The green skills gap is large and growing and the Climate Corps Fellowship seeks to address this so India is able to industrialize without carbonizing.

“Environmental Defense Fund is thrilled to partner with Ashoka University to grow the Climate Corps Fellowship programme. Ashoka and EDF share similar approaches of critical thinking, problem solving and innovation. This partnership will help build the next generation of sustainability talent in India. It is a pivotal step in our vision of realizing a vital earth, for everyone,” said Fred Krupp, President of the Environmental Defense Fund, a global non-profit tackling climate change with bold, game-changing solutions.

In the last three years in India, the Climate Corps Fellowship programme has recruited, trained and placed more than 80 Climate Corps fellows, across 20+ organizations including AB InBev, Amazon, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, ITC, JSW Cement, Mahindra, Nestlé, Tata Steel and Zomato, among others.

EDF started the Climate Corp Fellowship programme in 2008, and it is now operational in the United States, China and India. It has a 3500+ strong alumni network worldwide, with 80% directly working in sustainability roles across the world. Cumulatively, these fellows have worked with over 600 organisations on 1500 projects, including with 40% of the Fortune 100 companies. Through their efforts, they have managed about INR 14,000 crore in energy savings, equivalent to 2.2 million metric tons of reduced greenhouse gas emissions.

Climate Corps fellows work on a range of projects that lead to emissions reductions and accelerate action on sustainability goals in high-emitting underserved sectors in India such as: Freight & Logistics, Food & Agriculture, and Industrial Manufacturing.

“We are excited to partner with EDF for the Climate Corps Fellowship programme. There are many synergies between Ashoka’s and EDF's visions for creating a sustainable world. This partnership will help prepare the next generation of sustainability leaders for the complex challenges posed by climate change globally. The programme will equip the fellows with the awareness, skills, and resources to drive climate action in India. We are hopeful that this programme will make a lasting impact,” said Pramath Raj Sinha, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees and Founder at Ashoka University.

“This programme gives fellows a launching pad for a career in sustainability. Host organisations get high-quality talent to advance their sustainability goals. India’s workforce gets greener,” said Hisham Mundol, Chief Advisor of Environmental Defense Fund in India.

In the Indian context, EDF has been working to provide support in four distinct strategic areas for the country – (1) enhancing sustainable livelihoods in agriculture, livestock, and fisheries; (2) advancing corporate action to generate shareholder value through sustainable business operations; (3) supporting government capacity in areas like carbon pricing; and (4) helping India balance economic growth and environmental sustainability imperatives.

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About Ashoka University

Ashoka University is a premier interdisciplinary higher education and research-focused institution, offering world-class opportunities in fields ranging from arts to natural sciences.  Established in 2014 by leaders, thinkers, academics and philanthropists from diverse fields, it operates on a unique model of collective philanthropy, blending finest governance practices with cutting-edge pedagogy and an internationally reputed faculty. Today, the University has a community of 3000+ students, and operates with 20 dedicated Centres of Excellence, producing research and interventions for impact in areas such as public health and disease control, energy transition, digitization of society, women empowerment, among other areas of public policy. The University stands for principles of inclusivity and diversity, having 47% women, 4% international scholars, 50+ specially abled students, and over 50% students on financial-aid. A non-profit university established under the Haryana Private Universities Act (2006), it is located in Rajiv Gandhi Education City, Sonipat, Haryana, India.

For further information, visit www.ashoka.edu.in.

About AshokaX

AshokaX is a unique and pioneering learning initiative by Ashoka University, designed to extend its world-renowned faculty and dynamic learning experiences to a broader audience. This platform embodies Ashoka University's dedication to inclusivity, diversity, equity, and innovation, providing accessible education to a wide range of learners. By offering targeted programs for Higher Education students, working professionals and lifelong learners, AshokaX seeks to modernize traditional education models and make high-quality learning more accessible. Backed by Ashoka University's esteemed faculty and strong reputation in Indian higher education, AshokaX leverages extensive academic resources to deliver exceptional learning experiences.