1M1B Launches ‘1.5 Matters’ to Empower Youth for Climate Action

The 1M1B Green Skills Academy, an initiative of 1M1B (One Million for One Billion), a United Nations–accredited organization driving environmental and social impact, launched “1.5 Matters” at the UN House, with the objective of building India’s climate dividend and driving the nation’s Net Zero ambitions.

Curated by Manav Subodh, 1.5 Matters is a ground-up global movement to accelerate net zero and keep global warming below 1.5°C, turning the Paris Agreement into a youth-powered mission. The initiative aims to reshape India’s climate leadership by uniting governments, corporations, academia, and changemakers. Under the Paris Agreement, countries have committed to limiting global temperature rise within 1.5°C to mitigate the worst impacts of climate change.

The initiative marks a milestone in India’s youth-led climate action movement and sets the stage for the upcoming 1M1B Summit at the United Nations, Geneva, on 7 November 2025.

A key component, Youth Climate Diplomacy for 1.5°C, positions India’s youth as global ambassadors for climate action. It provides young people with a platform to represent India at national and international forums, including the United Nations, showcasing India’s climate leadership and commitment to sustainable development.

The 1.5 Matters initiative builds on pilots launched in Hyderabad in November 2024 and later presented at the Annual 1M1B Summit at the UN Headquarters, New York, in December 2024.

Speaking at the launch, Manav Subodh, Founder of 1M1B and Curator of 1.5 Matters, said, “Through 1.5 Matters and our 1M1B Green Skills Academy, we are creating pathways for youth to participate directly in shaping global climate policy and solutions. Through Youth Climate Diplomacy, we will spotlight how India’s youth are addressing global challenges and UN SDGs like climate change and environmental issues. By turning India’s youth dividend into a climate dividend, the initiative will help shape international opinion, influence policy debates, and build a new generation of leaders who can act, innovate, and advocate for keeping global warming below 1.5°C.”

The event was address by Shombi Sharp, UN Resident Coordinator in India, and was attended by dignitaries including Mona K. Khandar, IAS, Principal Secretary, Government of Gujarat; Srinivasulu, IAS, Principal Secretary, Government of Karnataka; Vijay Kumar Mantri, IAS, Commissioner & Secretary, Government of Meghalaya; Shrikant Sinha, CEO, TASK; Darrin Farrant, Communications Director, United Nations; along with senior officials from the Government of India, state governments, and corporate and education leaders.

The launch marked the beginning of a collaborative effort to mobilize 10 million people and build 1 million climate professionals across India, strengthening youth participation in global climate action.