Indian Youth Climate Network

About Us

WExCLIMATE is a youth-led initiative founded in 2022 by Parnika and Aayushi, driven by a shared passion for climate action and education. Our organization focuses on making climate awareness engaging, accessible, and impactful for young people. We believe that real change starts with informed understanding, which is why we have developed creative tools, like our climate comic series to inspire students and ignite meaningful conversations about the environment.

https://iycn.in/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Introduction.pdf

Our Mission

Our goal is to transform complex climate concepts into digestible, relatable content. Through the power of visual storytelling and art, our comics address pressing environmental challenges in India, connecting local issues to national and global contexts. By doing so, we aim to foster a generation of climate-conscious youth ready to champion solutions and advocate for resilience in their communities.

Our Approach

  1. Interactive Workshops: We host workshops in schools and colleges, combining storytelling with engaging activities. We simplify scientific jargon and policies to make climate education relatable and memorable.
  2. Comics as a Tool: Our comics highlight specific climate crises, such as pollution, water scarcity, and deforestation, while emphasizing community resilience and sustainable practices.
  3. Empowering Youth: We encourage young people to think critically, empathize, and take initiative. By equipping them with the right knowledge, we inspire them to be change-makers in the climate movement.

Comic Overview

Our climate comic series brings to life real environmental challenges faced by Indian communities, making complex topics relatable through engaging narratives and characters.

What’s Up with Vijayawada?

In this storyline, we explore the severe impacts of climate change on Vijayawada, a vibrant city known for its rich history and river ecosystems. The comic delves into how extreme flooding and erratic weather patterns have affected local livelihoods, infrastructure, and agriculture. We address the concept of “loss and damage” by illustrating the tangible economic and sociological consequences, such as displaced families and disrupted education for youth. The characters emphasize the need for climate adaptation and the importance of youth-led action to push for sustainable urban planning and river conservation.

Educational Impact: By narrating Vijayawada’s climate struggles, the comic raises awareness among young readers about urban climate vulnerabilities and motivates them to think about solutions that can strengthen community resilience.

https://iycn.in/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Vijaywada.pdf

What’s Up with Wayanad?

Set in the lush landscapes of Wayanad, this story brings attention to the ecological and human toll of changing monsoon patterns. It showcases the loss of biodiversity, soil erosion, and the challenges faced by local farmers. Wayanad’s narrative focuses on how the community has been battling unpredictable rainfall, which has devastated crops and strained resources, forcing families to adapt or relocate. We weave in local voices and traditional knowledge to emphasize the impact of climate change on indigenous and agricultural communities.

Educational Impact: By capturing the essence of Wayanad’s struggles, the comic series teaches youth about the critical intersection of climate and culture, emphasizing how environmental shifts impact food security, livelihoods, and community cohesion. The story encourages youth to consider both technological and nature-based solutions, from improved irrigation practices to reforestation efforts.

https://iycn.in/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Wayanad.pdf 

Connecting Loss and Damage Themes Across Stories

Our comics illustrate the overarching theme of loss and damage, emphasizing the urgency of climate adaptation and mitigation. They highlight how different regions experience unique climate impacts but share common challenges in building resilience. Through relatable characters and compelling visuals, we aim to educate young audiences about the importance of proactive environmental stewardship.

Engagement Strategy: By merging local stories with broader climate issues, our comics make environmental science digestible and actionable, inspiring youth to advocate for policy changes and engage in community-driven solutions.

https://iycn.in/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Final-COP-Comic.pdf