Groundbreaking academy aimed at managing climate change issues

By Ifham Nizam

Climata (Pvt) Ltd and BCAS Campus recently announced the launching of Climata Academy, a groundbreaking educational initiative aimed at empowering individuals to take action against climate change through a practical based education with the help of artificial intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies.

‘The launch of the Climata Academy marks a significant milestone in the country’s fight against climate change. By investing in education and empowering future generations, Sri Lanka is paving the way for a more sustainable and resilient future for all, company sources said.

These sources added: ‘The Academy would be teaching Certificate, Diploma and Degree programs, spanning Climate Smart Agriculture, Climate Smart Aquaculture, Sustainable Finance, Corporate Sustainability, Green Marketing and more.

‘The Climata Academy offers immersive learning experiences designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to build a greener future. The Climata Academy provides a unique platform where learning translates directly into tangible action, fostering a generation of climate-conscious leaders.’

Speaking at a press conference, IAS Holdings Group Managing Director Tania Polonnowita Wettimuny said that investing in corporate sustainability isn’t just about the planet; it’s about the bottom line.

Wettimuny added that ‘it’s about optimizing resource usage, reducing waste, and innovating for a greener future. It’s about creating a workforce empowered with the knowledge and skills to lead this transformation.

Speaking on the topic, ` Why it’s important for organizations to invest on corporate sustainability’, Wettimuny said: “We at IAS Holdings understand the gravity of climate change and corporate sustainability. The road ahead demands climate action, one where economic prosperity and environmental responsibility walk hand-in-hand.”

Wettimuny stressed that it is the very reason why IAS Holdings, a company dedicated to logistics, finds itself at the forefront of Climata, ‘a venture dedicated to combating climate change. Climate change isn’t a distant threat; it’s a present reality demanding immediate action.

‘Businesses, once passive observers, are now key players in this fight. Why? Because sustainability is a survival strategy. It’s about building resilience, mitigating risks, and attracting talent and customers who crave purpose-driven brands. Sustainable companies outperform their less-green counterparts in efficiency, profitability, and brand loyalty,” she added.

Climata Academy, Founder and Chief Executive Officer Clair Prakash said that the institution is the first of its kind which is dedicated to climate change and sustainability education, powered by modern technology to equip people with the knowledge, skills and tools to address climate change and sustainability.

The Board of Directors of Climata Academy consists of a diverse panel, such as, Clair Prakash, Teresh Amaratunga, CEO of BCAS Campus, Tania Polonnowita Wettimuny and Gihan Mendis, Co-founder/CEO Engenuity AI.