The UNESCO Madanjeet Singh Centre for South Asia Water Management (UMCSAWM) at the University of Moratuwa recently hosted a landmark event to promote climate science literacy and strengthen awareness of climate change. Bringing together students, academics, and climate experts, the event featured educational and interactive sessions designed to inspire climate action.

A major highlight was the Climate Awareness Quiz, where schoolchildren following the Advanced Level Science Stream from nearby schools actively participated. This interactive competition provided a unique platform for young students to enhance their understanding of climate science and global environmental challenges. By engaging with real-world climate issues in a dynamic format, the quiz fostered early awareness and encouraged proactive thinking on climate solutions.

Another key component was the unveiling of Climate Science Literacy Posters, a series of visually engaging educational materials consisting of 27 user-friendly posters designed by the UNESCO South Asia Regional Office in New Delhi to communicate fundamental climate concepts, highlight pressing environmental issues, and encourage informed action. The poster series visually emphasizes the basic facts of climate issues and how climate is of relevance to each of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of Agenda 2030 while serving as a permanent knowledge resource, reinforcing the urgency of climate action within the academic and broader community.

The event was further enriched by two expert guest lectures. Dr. Benno Böer, Chief of the Natural Sciences Unit at UNESCO New Delhi Office, emphasised the significance of climate literacy and the necessity for informed decision-making. Prof. A.W. Jayawardane, an adjunct professor at the University of Hong Kong and a renowned Sri Lankan hydro-scientist, provided valuable insights into the far-reaching impacts of climate change on society and the environment, underscoring critical adaptation strategies.

The event concluded with an Interactive Discussion Session, where participants exchanged ideas on climate challenges and potential solutions. This collaborative dialogue fostered a deeper understanding of climate resilience and inspired collective action to tackle climate-related issues.
By combining scientific insights, interactive learning, and expert perspectives, this event successfully reinforced the importance of climate literacy and empowered participants, including the next generation of scientists, to contribute toward a more sustainable future. Through such initiatives, UMCSAWM continues to play a pivotal role in addressing the adverse impacts of climate change by raising awareness and enlightening future scientists to take on the challenges of building a resilient world.