Workshop on Microplastics in a Warming World at BVIEER
On 6–7 April 2026, a teacher capacity-building workshop on Microplastics in a Warming World brought together 20 teachers from schools across Pune. Conducted by Bharati Vidyapeeth’s Institute of Environment Education and Research in collaboration with the University of Cologne and supported by the Cologne International Forum for Innovative Tandem Collaboration, the workshop unfolded through expert-led sessions.
Prof. Dr. Shamita Kumar, Principal, BVIEER, introduced plastic use in a warming world and built the climate science foundation, while also guiding understanding of microplastics. Dr. Binaya Pattnaik, Assistant Professor, BVIEER, led the microscope lab, where teachers observed microplastic particles firsthand under the microscope for the first time. Ms. Samruddhi Patwardhan, Program Officer, BVIEER, facilitated systems mapping of the climate–plastic nexus and an ocean food web simulation to understand bioaccumulation and biomagnification. Dr. Madhurima Dey , Program Officer, introduced geospatial tools to examine links between heatwaves, urban heat islands, and plastic distribution.
Across sessions, for two days, teachers explored types, sizes, and shapes of microplastics, mapped plastic use on the human body, analysed environmental data, and designed classroom-ready activities, culminating in action projects for schools and communities. When teachers understand the crisis, classrooms change — and so do generations.