Journal of Contemporary Politics
Year: 2026, Volume: 5, Issue: 1, Pages: 47-55
Original Article
M P Shibu1*, P Nirmalya2, G S Subalekshmi3
1Assistant Professor, Department of Political Science, NSS College, Pandalam, Pathanamthitta District, Kerala-689501, India
2Guest Faculty, Department of Political Science, NSS College, Pandalam. Pathanamthitta District, Kerala-689501, India
3Assistant Professor, Department of Sociology, Mahatma Gandhi College, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
*Corresponding Author
Email: [email protected]
Received Date:09 January 2026, Accepted Date:11 March 2026, Published Date:31 March 2026
Localised approaches can bring about significant changes in how climate solutions are formulated and implemented. In this context, the state of Kerala is implementing a decentralised waste management initiative called Haritha Karma Sena under Haritha Kerala Mission. It serves as an excellent example of sustainable practice and job creation. The Haritha Karma Sena in Kerala employs an innovative approach to climate conservation through community-based waste management and environmental initiatives. Notably, women's active participation in the Sena highlights the potential for inclusive, community-driven climate action. This study examines the role of local initiatives in climate protection and analyses how it would result in the formulation of sustainable climate strategies at the global level.
Keywords: Haritha Karma Sena, Community Participation, Sustainable Climate Protection Strategy, Local Initiatives, Climate Protection, Women Empowerment, Waste Management
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© 2026 Published by Bangalore University. This is an open-access article under the CC BY license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)
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