A four-member team from Karachi Grammar School (KGS) has won a gold medal at the International Olympiad on Climate Change and Environmental Issues (IOCE) 2026 in Russia.
The Olympiad took place from September 20 to 29 at the Sirius Federal Territory in Russia. It brought together young researchers and mentors from 14 countries.
The Pakistani team comprised Sharym Danish Kalia, Mohammad Aazan Khurrum, Abdullah Siddiqui Ghani and Mohammad Gardezi. KGS had earlier announced the students’ selection to represent Pakistan at the international competition.
The students also received the Ozon Limited Partners Award for Best Team Project at the Olympiad’s Festival of Projects.
Their project used artificial intelligence to study urban heat mitigation in Karachi and Sochi. The model combined remote-sensing data, machine learning and microclimate modelling.
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The research examined the potential impact of expanding urban tree canopies and introducing reflective “cool” roofs.
The students said their model could help identify cost-effective measures to reduce the urban heat island effect. They also highlighted its potential application in Karachi’s industrial and densely populated areas.
They called for greater urban forestation across Karachi to help reduce temperatures during the summer months.
Olympiad Tests Climate and Environmental Skills
The IOCE featured theoretical and practical rounds. Students competed in individual and team stages before taking part in field and laboratory research.
The competition covered climate and environmental sciences. Participants also conducted field research in Sochi National Park and analysed environmental data in laboratory sessions.
The students presented their research project during the Festival of Projects. Organisers said such projects allow teams to demonstrate how they approach environmental challenges.
Russian Consul General Congratulates KGS Team
Consul General of the Russian Federation in Karachi Andrey Viktorovich Fedorov congratulated the students on their achievement.
He said the Olympiad helped raise awareness about climate and environmental challenges. It also created opportunities for young people from different countries to exchange ideas and develop solutions.
Fedorov said Russia continued to expand opportunities for Pakistani students seeking higher education.
KGS Principal Dr Carl P. Lander also praised the students for representing Pakistan internationally. He said their project combined research, technology and creativity to address challenges facing future cities and the planet.
The students’ achievement adds to KGS’s participation in international academic and STEM competitions. The school’s STEM Society runs programmes and selection activities for students seeking to compete in national and international Olympiads.
