Sri Lanka (Commonwealth Union)_ The inauguration of Sri Lanka’s first academy exclusively dedicated to climate change and sustainability education, powered by advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT), signals a concerted effort to cultivate environmentally conscious executives and entrepreneurs. This pioneering initiative, a collaboration between The Climata Academy’s founder, Clair Prakash, and a partnership between Climata Pvt Ltd and BCAS Campus, seeks to foster a cadre of ‘green’ professionals poised to address the challenges of climate change.
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Gihan Mendis, Co-founder and CEO of Engenuity AI, anticipates a substantial “Green Business Opportunity” in Asia, valued at approximately USD 5 trillion, according to McKinzie’s analysis. Furthermore, Mendis highlighted that corporations globally have allocated over USD 20 trillion to the Environmental, Services, and Governance (ESG) sector. He underscored the significance of educating and investing in this burgeoning market to meet the growing demands, emphasizing the timeliness of the education initiative’s launch.
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Founder of The Climata Academy, Clair Prakash, emphasizes the urgency of climate change, asserting that it is progressing at a pace faster than commonly perceived. This educational institution, the first of its kind, merges climate change and sustainability education with cutting-edge technology to empower individuals with the knowledge, skills, and tools necessary to combat these environmental issues. Recognizing the multi-faceted nature of addressing climate change, Prakash deems climate education paramount. The initiative, underpinned by advanced AI and IoT technologies, aims to prepare future generations for the real-world challenges posed by environmental issues. Specialized subjects include AI & IoT-powered Climate Smart Agriculture, AI & IoT-powered Climate Smart Aquaculture, Sustainable Finance, Sustainable Marketing, and Corporate Sustainability.
Rajendra Theagaraja, Non-Executive Chairman of BCAS, underscored Sri Lanka’s untapped green resources in its oceans, rivers, jungles, and renewable energy potential from the sun and wind. The current focus on green initiatives by President Ranil Wickremesinghe and the government, post-economic crisis, aligns with the academy’s vision of fostering entrepreneurs, startups, and a workforce tailored for the green economy. As a former Managing Director of Cargills Bank and HNB, and CEO of DFCC Bank, Theagaraja views the launch of the Climate Academy as a significant milestone in Sri Lanka’s fight against climate change. He expressed satisfaction in observing rural youth adopting technology for the agricultural sector, emphasizing that investing in education and empowering future generations is pivotal for ensuring a sustainable and resilient future.
