Just Transition, Young Minds: Youth Dialogue at Central University of South Bihar, Gaya ji
On 12 March 2026, The Climate Agenda under the Harit Safar initiative conducted a Youth Dialogue at the Department of Sociological Studies, Central University of South Bihar (CUSB), Gaya. The session brought together faculty and over 50+ students of Social Work and Sociology for an engaging conversation on climate change and urban sustainability.
The dialogue centred on the concept of Just Transition – the need for equitable, inclusive pathways as societies shift towards low-carbon development. Students explored a striking paradox: India is simultaneously the world’s third-largest greenhouse gas emitter and one of its most climate-vulnerable nations, making the urgency of transition across energy, transport, and urban systems all the more critical.
Discussions dove into how urban lifestyles, consumption patterns, and limited climate awareness compound environmental challenges. A particularly thought-provoking thread examined how easy access to energy in cities often masks its deeper environmental and social costs – creating a disconnect that informed public participation and behavioural change can begin to bridge.
Faculty members Prof. Anil Kumar Singh Jha, Prof. (Dr.) M.V. Kr. Sharma, and Dr. Priya Ranjan enriched the session with academic perspective, while students actively voiced their experiences, asked critical questions, and connected the discussion to their own social work and sociological frameworks.
The session concluded with a shared understanding of collective responsibility and the importance of community-driven climate action – laying the foundation for future collaboration on sustainable mobility campaigns and awareness initiatives.
This dialogue is part of Harit Safar’s ongoing effort to engage youth in building inclusive, low-carbon urban futures.
