Overview On December 17, 2025 , Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin announced the expansion of the state's climate change initiatives. These include extending the cool roof program to 297 green schools and increasing the duration of environmental awareness camps for schoolchildren. The announcement was made during the third meeting of the Tamil Nadu Governing Council on Climate Change in Chennai. Key Developments Expansion of Climate Initiatives Cool Roof Initiative: The program will be implemented in 297 green schools across Tamil Nadu. This initiative aims to reduce indoor temperatures in classrooms using heat-reflective paint. Environmental Awareness Camps: The one-day summer and winter camps will be extended to two-day camps, providing more in-depth environmental education for schoolchildren. State Government's Efforts Mr. Stalin highlighted various initiatives undertaken by the Tamil Nadu government over the past three years: Tamil Nadu Wetlands Mission: Focuses on the conservation and management of wetlands in the state. Tamil Nadu Climate Change Mission: A comprehensive mission to address climate change through mitigation and adaptation strategies. Tamil Nadu Coastal Restoration Mission (TN-SHORE): Aims to restore and protect coastal ecosystems. Climate Literacy and Awareness Teacher Training: 4,000 teachers have been selected for climate literacy programs. School Camps: The expansion of summer and winter camps will enhance environmental awareness among schoolchildren. Climate Resilient Village Programme The state government is transforming Killai near Pichavaram in Cuddalore district into a climate-resilient village. The mangrove cover in Tamil Nadu has increased from 4,500 hectares to 9,000 hectares . Gender and Climate Change Mr. Stalin emphasized the importance of gender equality in climate action, noting that women and girl children are disproportionately affected by natural disasters. The state government has provided 100 e-autorickshaws to 100 women self-help groups under the climate warriors program to promote awareness campaigns on climate change and plastic elimination. Transport Sector Emissions The transport sector's share of Tamil Nadu's total greenhouse gas emissions has increased from 12% to 19% . To address this, the state government has introduced 120 electric buses in Chennai and plans to introduce another 600 electric buses soon. Net Zero Target and Disaster Relief Funds Tamil Nadu aims to achieve net zero emissions before 2070 . The state government requested ₹24,679 crore in disaster relief funds from the Centre but received only ₹4,136 crore . UPSC Relevance This news article is relevant for the UPSC Civil Services Exam, particularly for GS Paper III (Environment) and GS Paper II (Government Policies) . It highlights the state government's initiatives to combat climate change, promote sustainable development, and address environmental challenges. The article also touches upon issues related to disaster management, gender equality, and transport emissions, which are important topics for the exam. Important Facts for Prelims The number of green schools where the cool roof initiative will be implemented. The increase in mangrove cover in Tamil Nadu. The target year for achieving net zero emissions. The amount of disaster relief funds requested and received by the state government. Potential Mains Questions Evaluate the effectiveness of Tamil Nadu's climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies. Discuss the challenges and opportunities for achieving net zero emissions in Tamil Nadu. Analyze the role of state governments in promoting sustainable development and addressing climate change.