Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) and AshokaX, an initiative from Ashoka University designed for lifelong learners, are joining forces to lead the Climate Corps Fellowship programme in India. This collaboration aims to enhance the capacity of companies and organizations to advance their climate goals while nurturing and training the next generation of sustainability leaders.

Climate change represents the most urgent and severe challenge facing humanity today, demanding a response of unprecedented ambition and scope. Confronting this complex issue will necessitate a significant expansion in green talent. Currently, there are too few professionals in India dedicated solely to sustainability or applying sustainability skills in their primary roles. The growing green skills gap highlights the need for initiatives like the Climate Corps Fellowship, which strives to enable India to industrialize without exacerbating carbon emissions.

“Environmental Defense Fund is thrilled to collaborate with Ashoka University to expand the Climate Corps Fellowship programme. Both Ashoka and EDF are committed to critical thinking, problem-solving, and innovation. This partnership will cultivate the next generation of sustainability leaders in India and is a crucial step toward achieving our vision of a vital and sustainable planet for all,” said Fred Krupp, President of the Environmental Defense Fund, a global non-profit dedicated to addressing climate change with bold, transformative solutions.

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

Launched by EDF in 2008, the Climate Corps Fellowship programme now operates in the United States, China, and India. It boasts a global alumni network of over 3,500, with 80% working directly in sustainability roles worldwide. These fellows have collaborated with over 600 organizations on 1,500 projects, including 40% of the Fortune 100 companies. Their efforts have resulted in approximately INR 14,000 crore in energy savings, equating to a reduction of 2.2 million metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions.

Climate Corps fellows engage in diverse projects that drive emissions reductions and advance sustainability goals in high-emitting 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. The alignment between Ashoka’s and EDF’s visions for a sustainable world is clear. This partnership will prepare the next generation of sustainability leaders to tackle the complex global challenges posed by climate change. The programme will provide fellows with the knowledge, skills, and resources needed to drive impactful climate action in India. We are optimistic about the lasting impact this initiative will have,” said Pramath Raj Sinha, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees and Founder at Ashoka University.

“This programme offers fellows a platform to launch their careers in sustainability while providing host organizations with high-quality talent to further their sustainability objectives. Ultimately, it contributes to a greener workforce in India,” added Hisham Mundol, Chief Advisor of Environmental Defense Fund in India.

In India, EDF focuses on four key strategic areas: (1) enhancing sustainable livelihoods in agriculture, livestock, and fisheries; (2) advancing corporate action to generate shareholder value through sustainable business practices; (3) supporting government capacity in areas like carbon pricing; and (4) helping balance economic growth with environmental sustainability.