Climate Action

Thanal is participating at COP30 in Belém, Brazil, where we will be releasing our latest study:

“Mitigation of Methane from Municipal Organic Waste through Decentralised Solid Waste Management Systems – Case Study of Thiruvananthapuram Municipal Corporation.”

In 2025, TMC serves a population of 1,068,163 across 377,232 households in 100 wards, along with a daily floating population of 150,000. The city’s waste stream is primarily biodegradable, making organic waste management vital for climate action. Globally, the waste sector contributes nearly 20% of human-induced methane emissions. Effective source-level waste reduction, segregation at origin, and separate collection systems can drastically reduce landfill methane release.
Recognising this urgency, Thanal’s study explores how decentralised systems can play a key role in emission reduction and sustainable urban waste management. The findings of this important study will be released at COP 30 in Brazil. Stay tuned for the upcoming report on this pressing climate issue.

Meenangadi recently witnessed the grand celebration of Thulitham, a program marking the first anniversary of the Carbon Neutral Accelerator Lab. This Lab has been instrumental in providing technical support to the Carbon Neutral Meenangadi project and conducting climate education and awareness programs throughout the region.

The primary agenda behind Thulitham was to educate and create awareness about Meenangadi’s carbon-neutral actions, carbon balance, climate change, and its aftereffects. The program served as a platform for the public to voice their opinions and concerns regarding climate change. An open discussion was conducted, allowing farmers and other community members to present their views on climate change and Agriculture.

During the event, a speech competition was held where children and other members of the community passionately expressed their opinions and concerns about climate change. Their speeches highlighted the urgency of environmental conservation and the need for sustainable practices to mitigate climate change’s impact on their lives and future generations.

Notably, Niranjan, a student who undertook a project related to carbon neutrality, shared his findings and insights with the audience, inspiring others with his dedication and knowledge.

A significant highlight of the event was the release of the Malayalam version of the “Carbon Neutral Meenangadi Assessments and Recommendations” report by the honorable Assistant Collector S Gautham Raj IAS. This report provides a comprehensive overview of the current status and future recommendations for achieving carbon neutrality in Meenangadi.

To support local farmers, the farmers’ collective from Manivayal, known for their success in regenerative farming, was honored during the event. The Assistant Collector felicitated all 16 farmers from Manivayal and presented them with a tiller, recognizing their efforts and encouraging sustainable farming practices.

Ensuring local participation and celebrating the region’s cultural heritage, the program featured a folk song performance.
Thulitham underscored the message that by empowering our livelihoods and preserving our culture, we can effectively counter climate change. It was not just a celebration but a call to action, highlighting the importance of community involvement and sustainable practices in the fight against climate change. Through education, awareness, and active participation, Meenangadi continues to pave the way towards a carbon-neutral future.

We are excited to celebrate the first anniversary of the Carbon Neutral Accelerator Lab, on Friday, June 14, from 9:30 AM to 5 PM at the Meenangadi Community Hall. This event marks a year of dedicated support and technical assistance to the award-winning Carbon Neutral Meenangadi Project.

The celebration will include an inauguration by District Panchayat President Shamsad Marakkar, a keynote address by Thanal Executive Director Jayakumar C, and various activities such as a climate adaptation exhibition fair, speech competitions, and an open discussion on “Climate Change and Agriculture” with prominent farmers.

Additionally, Sub-Collector Shri Misal Sagar Bharat IAS will release the Malayalam version of the “Carbon Neutral Meenangadi Assessment and Recommendations” report, and we will honor the successful farmers’ collective from Manivayal.

Embark on a transformative journey with Carbon-Neutral Meenangadi, a trailblazing initiative at the forefront of climate-responsive development. Delve into the project’s foundational principles, instrumental in shaping Kerala’s decentralized approach to climate action. Witness its evolution as a catalyst, seamlessly integrating climate change strategies into the very fabric of development planning. This pioneering initiative has garnered recognition, including the prestigious Carbon Neutral Vishesh Panchayat Puraskar from the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, underscoring its effectiveness in combating climate change at the grassroots level. Join us in this enlightening pursuit of carbon-neutral development, a testament to the power of proactive climate action in shaping resilient and sustainable communities.
Read More

Meenangadi Panchayat’s bold stride towards carbon neutrality unfolds through the establishment of Pachathuruth (green islets) across its 19 wards. Thanal’s pivotal role in providing technical support underscores its commitment to this initiative, aimed at reducing carbon emissions and conserving biodiversity. A landmark moment transpired on May 12th, marked by the inauguration of the inaugural Pachathuruth at Manivayal by Mr. K. E. Vinayan. This symbolic event witnessed the planting of 152 bamboo saplings, representing 21 distinct varieties, fostering sustainable growth and environmental stewardship. As Meenangadi embraces this transformative endeavor, the community embarks on a promising journey towards a greener and more sustainable future.

Embracing Climate Adaptation: A Journey Towards Resilience

In our latest video, part of the Climate Literacy Campaign under the Carbon Neutral Meenangadi Project by Meenangadi Panchayat, we delve into the essence of climate adaptation. Climate adaptation encompasses a range of strategies and measures aimed at helping communities thrive in the face of a changing climate. As our planet undergoes rapid environmental shifts, it’s crucial to protect our communities and ecosystems while ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come. Through this educational journey, we explore innovative approaches to climate adaptation, empowering individuals and communities to become part of the solution. Join us as we unravel the importance of climate adaptation and discover how together, we can create resilient and thriving communities amidst the challenges of climate change. Watch our video now to embark on this enlightening exploration.

Unlocking Climate Mitigation: Building a Sustainable Tomorrow

Climate mitigation refers to efforts aimed at reducing or preventing the emission of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, thereby mitigating the effects of climate change. This includes strategies such as transitioning to renewable energy sources, improving energy efficiency, implementing sustainable transportation systems, and promoting afforestation and reforestation initiatives.

As the impacts of climate change become increasingly severe, the need for effective climate mitigation practices has never been greater. By reducing carbon emissions and other greenhouse gases, we can slow the rate of global warming, minimize environmental degradation, and safeguard ecosystems and biodiversity.

Meenangadi Grama Panchayat, renowned for its pioneering carbon-neutral initiatives, introduces a groundbreaking sustainable program – solar-powered irrigation. Located in Manivayal, the initiative targets the area’s tribal population facing agricultural challenges due to water scarcity.

With support from Thanal, solar panels are installed to irrigate over 8 acres of previously barren land. A group of tribal farmers, led by a dedicated ward member, spearheads the project, aiming to achieve agricultural sustainability, food security, and financial independence.

Inaugurated by Meenangadi Grama Panchayat President K E Vinayan, and guided by Thanal’s Executive Head C Jayakumar, the pilot project not only addresses immediate agricultural needs but also explores the potential of solar energy. Success could pave the way for widespread adoption, catalyzing carbon-neutral initiatives across the panchayat.

Beyond financial benefits like reduced electricity bills, this holistic approach merges solar energy with organic farming, offering both economic and environmental advantages. It signifies a transformative step towards sustainable livelihoods and a greener future for all.

Thanal continues to lead the charge in innovative programs like solar-powered irrigation, strategically reducing carbon emissions and combatting climate change. By combining technological advancements with grassroots initiatives, Thanal drives meaningful change, inspiring communities to embrace sustainable practices for a brighter tomorrow

From 23–25 February 2024, the Wayanad District Panchayat organised Jathire’ 2024—a Climate Summit and Biodiversity Agricultural Exhibition—at the Meenangadi Gram Panchayat Stadium, bringing together communities, institutions, and climate practitioners from across the district.

The event featured over 70 stalls, including dedicated exhibits highlighting Meenangadi Panchayat’s ongoing carbon-neutral initiatives. Supported by the Thanal team and NSS volunteers from Meenangadi Government Polytechnic, these stalls showcased key interventions such as Pacha Thuruth (Green Islands), Tree Banking, solar-powered irrigation, and other community-led practices contributing to emission reduction and ecological restoration.

A major highlight of the summit was the public release of the Carbon Neutral Wayanad report during the Wayanad Climate Conclave. The report outlines pathways for scaling local, low-carbon development models across the district, drawing from Meenangadi’s experience. Its release marked an important milestone in strengthening district-level climate action grounded in local governance and community participation.

Jathire 2024 reinforced Meenangadi’s role as a living example of grassroots climate action, while also creating a wider platform for dialogue on biodiversity conservation, sustainable livelihoods, and climate-resilient development in Wayanad.

On 25 October 2025, an Augmented Weather Station (AWS) was inaugurated at the Government Higher Secondary School, Meenangadi, strengthening local climate adaptation efforts under the Carbon Neutral Meenangadi initiative. Installed in collaboration with the Meenangadi Grama Panchayat and the Association for India’s Development (AID), the system provides hyperlocal, real-time weather data to support climate-smart decision-making.

Covering a radius of approximately 1.5–2 kilometres, the AWS records key parameters such as temperature, humidity, rainfall, wind speed, and wind direction, with updates every 15 minutes. This enables farmers to better plan irrigation, anticipate extreme weather events, manage pests, and reduce crop losses linked to sudden climatic changes.

By making climate data accessible at the community level, the AWS strengthens Meenangadi’s transition toward data-driven, climate-resilient agriculture. The installation reinforces the project’s broader goal of combining science, local governance, and community participation to respond effectively to climate variability.

As part of the Carbon Neutral Meenangadi initiative, two Anganwadis at Thachambath and Mundanadapp were transformed into solar-powered, carbon-neutral learning hubs under the Anganjyothi Programme, supported by KIMS Health CSR.

Inaugurated on 31 October 2025, the initiative introduced 5kW rooftop solar systems that now meet nearly 100% of the energy needs of the centres. The installations ensure uninterrupted electricity for lighting, kitchen operations, and daily activities, while reducing dependence on fossil fuels such as LPG and firewood through energy-efficient cooking systems.

By integrating renewable energy into early childhood care centres, Anganjyothi establishes a model for clean energy adoption in rural learning spaces and marks a significant step in Meenangadi Panchayat’s journey toward carbon neutrality—linking climate action directly with child welfare, education, and community resilience.

Smrithivanam, launched on 12 October 2025 at Purakkadi Poomala Paradevatha Kshethram, Meenangadi, is an ongoing ecological restoration and memorial forest initiative led by Thanal Trust, in partnership with KIMS Health (CSR) and the Meenangadi Grama Panchayat.

Envisioned as a living tribute to poet and environmentalist Sugathakumari Teacher, Smrithivanam combines ecological regeneration, cultural memory, and community participation. The project focuses on restoring degraded land through native species planting, creating a self-sustaining forest ecosystem rooted in local ecology and collective stewardship.

The initiative includes restoration of 3 acres using native Western Ghats species, development of a memorial forest integrating fruit trees, flowering species, and mixed vegetation, and continuous ecological monitoring to ensure long-term ecosystem stability. With 500 saplings already planted and a long-term goal of 10,000 trees, Smrithivanam strengthens biodiversity, supports carbon sequestration, and reinforces Meenangadi’s climate resilience through landscape restoration.