What Makes 2YO Aadavi The World's First 'Carbon-Neutral' Baby?

At just two years old, Aadavi from Krishnagiri, Tamil Nadu, is creating a legacy like no other-- she is the world's first 'carbon-neutral baby', according to the Asia Book of Records. How did she achieve this? By the time she was less than a year old, her parents, along with local farmers, planted at least 6,000 fruit trees around their home. This means the baby's carbon emissions would be fully absorbed by the environment. Thanks to Dinesh and Janaga's green thinking, Aadavi is set to produce zero carbon emissions for the rest of her life. 

Aadavi's Story

Aadavi, also known as NOVA, has become a climate action champion before she can even attend school. Her story started when her father, Dinesh S P, left Indian Institute of Technology, Madras, to found an environmental conservation non-profit organisation called Seerakku with his wife, Janaganandhini D. 

When Aadavi was born, the couple established an 'agroforestry model food forest' in their village, Sivalingapuram, in Krishnagiri district. "By working with farmers and using sustainable practices, we've ensured the forest will continue to grow and offset Aadavi's carbon emissions throughout her life," they said in an Instagram post.

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In March 2024, Aadavi was recognised by the Asia Book of Records at an event in Chennai. She was also appointed as the 'Child Ambassador' of Green Mission by the Tamil Nadu government.

Through initiatives such as tree plantation, forest conservation, water restoration, nurturing coasts, and empowering the agricultural sector, Dinesh and Janaga are creating a sustainability-forward India. In just two years, they have planted four lakh trees and regenerated forests across India, inspiring countless people to follow along.

Dinesh and Janaga hope that Aadavi's story can motivate more new parents in India to sow a greener future for their babies. "We've planted over 300,000 trees and partnered with corporate volunteers to not only lead plantation drives but also educate people on sustainability, inspiring communities to take meaningful action," they said on Instagram.