During the last quarter of 2016, when the assembly elections were around the corner, The Climate Agenda (TCA) and Purpose Climate Lab (PCL) together forged a strategic regional coalition called “100% UP” to mainstream climate-related issues in the public discourse. By leveraging the specialized expertise of the core organizations, TCA assumed primary responsibility for promoting the clean air agenda throughout the state’s 40+ districts, while PCL provided specialized expertise in movement building and resource allocation to broaden this network.

With a significant investment of time and resources, the concept imagined in 2016 became a reality after the 2017 state assembly election. Capacity building sessions were organized regularly, in different zones of the state on air pollution and its potential solutions, which helped foster a better understanding of air pollution. 

As part of these capacity building sessions, organizations discussed the interdisciplinary nature of the issue as well as how they can continue their contribution while dealing with their issues. Separate workshops on the best possible utilization of Social media and mainstream media tools were also organized for partner organizations. Eventually, it became a strong network of 350+ organizational representatives and individuals from very diverse backgrounds strongly embedded in communities throughout UP. Through its establishment, this network has helped mainstream new nuanced narratives on climate change issues in the state, including recognized climate solutions. 

Several narratives were introduced about air pollution, its causes, and solutions such as renewable energy, waste management, clean mobility, etc. The network ushered in a new era in UP’s climate movement that went beyond the traditional practice of tree plantation as the only climate solution.

During the next three years, the 100% UP network remained thoroughly engaged in public and media mobilization activities which were strategically focused on moving the political establishment and public opinion towards climate solutions and action. Through the network’s efforts in the state, climate progressive announcements were made including:

1.     UP Solar Policy (2017)
2.     Council for Climate Change (2017)
3.     E V Policy (2019)
4.     Solar City Policy (2020)
5.     Selection of UP’s 16 nonattainment cities under NCAP 

Furthermore, not only has this network worked for policy announcements and commitments from the government but pushed for the policy implementation on-ground. The ‘Suraj Se Samriddh Uttar Pradesh’ Campaign, which leveraged the network’s on-ground presence for RE policies implementation and commitments in 9 key cities, is a remarkable example of how the network leveraged its on-ground presence for RE policy implementation and commitments.

The network is poised to promote and strengthen a just transition movement that supports adoption of climate solutions at all levels.