In this episode of the Climate Conundrum Podcast, host Sanika Diwanji engages with textile leaders Robert Antoshak and Tricia Carey to explore the intricate relationship between fashion, textiles, and climate change. The conversation delves into the complexities of the textile supply chain, the role of fibers in sustainability, the impact of US trade tariffs, and the future of textile production in India. The discussion also highlights the importance of recycling, consumer responsibility, and the need for systemic changes to achieve sustainability goals in the industry.
Key Takeaways-
Chapters
00:00 - Introduction to Climate and Textiles
02:47 - Understanding the Textile Supply Chain
05:52 - The Role of Fibers in Sustainability
08:55 - Natural vs Synthetic Fibers: A Complex Discussion
11:44 - Navigating Trade-offs in Fiber Sourcing
14:44 - Impact of US Trade Tariffs on the Textile Industry
18:37 - Sustainability Goals Amidst Industry Challenges
31:39 - Challenges & Opportunities for India Amid Global Shifts
33:32 - The Evolution of India's Textile Industry
38:19 - Balancing Tradition and Innovation in Textiles
40:45 - Sustainability Challenges in Cotton Production
44:02 - Recycling and Circularity in Textiles
47:45 - The Disconnect Between Sustainability and Business
51:28 - Consumer Responsibility and Sustainable Choices
57:07 - Shortening Supply Chains for Sustainability
This episode of the Climate Conundrum Podcast delves into the critical issue of sea level rise and its implications for coastal cities, particularly in India. Host Sanika Diwanji is joined by Dr. Indu Murthy, who discusses the science behind sea level rise, the vulnerability of urban areas, and the socio-economic impacts on communities. The conversation highlights the importance of ecosystem-based solutions and the need for comprehensive policy responses to address the challenges posed by climate change.Key Takeaways- 230 million people live within one meter above sea level.- Sea level rise is a slow but creeping issue.- Coastal cities are hubs of economic activity and at risk.- Land loss is evident for communities near the coast.- The impacts of climate change are differential across regions.- Ecosystems like mangroves provide vital protection.- There is no single solution to combat climate change.- Strengthening coastal infrastructure is essential for resilience.- Restoring natural buffers is crucial for coastal protection.- Planned relocation of communities is costly and complex.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Sea Level Rise and Its Impacts02:33 Understanding the Connection Between Climate Change and Sea Level Rise07:06 The Role of Rivers and Urban Flooding08:45 Perception of Sea Level Rise Among Coastal Residents11:16 Research Insights on Sea Level Rise in Indian Cities15:14 Community-Based Analysis and Future Projections17:49 The Importance of Preparedness and Climate Scenarios20:21 Vulnerability of Indian Cities to Sea Level Rise22:36 Nature-Based Solutions and Ecosystem Services26:15 Identifying the Most Vulnerable Cities28:09 Social and Economic Implications of Displacement30:25 Steps for Government and Urban Planning33:22 Success Stories and Recommendations for Action36:15 Outro template with music.mp4
In this episode, Sanika Diwanji and Saurabh Kumar, VP of GEAPP India, discuss the critical themes of energy equity and justice, particularly in the context of India's energy transition. They highlight the challenges faced by marginalized communities, the importance of decentralized renewable energy, and the role of financing in achieving a just energy transition.
The episode also addresses India's coal dependency and the innovative approaches being taken by GEAPP to foster sustainable energy solutions, including the GEAPP's Entice Project aimed at promoting startups in the climate tech space.
Takeaways
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Energy Justice and Equity
04:25 India's Energy Transition Paradigm
07:26 Decentralized Renewables and Their Impact
10:19 Innovations in Solar Financing
13:13 The Role of Decentralized Energy in Rural Livelihoods
16:19 Addressing Historical Inequities in Energy Access
19:15 Coal Dependency and Transition Challenges
22:08 Financing the Energy Transition
25:10 The Future of Energy in India
28:07 The Entice Project and Innovation in Energy
31:03 Hope for the Future of Energy
34:10 Regulatory Challenges and Private Sector Involvement
41:52 Conclusion
📢 The Future of Our Cities: Green, Just, Liveable? 🌍🏙️Urbanization is shaping our climate future. Cities occupy only 3% of the world’s land but generate over 70% of global CO₂ emissions. With 416 million new urban residents expected in India by 2050, how we plan our cities today will determine the sustainability, resilience, and inclusivity of our future.In this episode of the Climate Conundrum Podcast, host Sanika Diwanji speaks with Ashali Bhandari, Managing Director of the People’s Urban Living Lab at Transitions Research , about:✅ Why cities are both the problem and the solution in climate action✅ The governance and financial roadblocks to sustainable urban planning✅ How Maharashtra is pioneering Climate Action Plans in 44 cities✅ The critical role of communities in shaping resilient urban spaces✅ How informal settlements and marginalized voices must be included in climate policy✅ What makes a ‘just transition’ in urban planning?🎧 Tune in to explore how cities can be designed to be greener, fairer, and more livable for all.#climatechange #urbanplanning #JustTransition #sustainablecities #india #podcast #climateactionpodcast #climatecrisis #urbandevelopment
In this episode of The Climate Conundrum Podcast, host Sanika Diwanji sits down with Gopi Warrier, Managing Editor of Mongabay-India, to explore the evolution of environmental journalism in India. With stories spanning grassroots movements, climate policy, and the delicate balance between journalism and activism, this conversation sheds light on how storytelling shapes public opinion and drives action.
Dive into the rich tapestry of environmental storytelling with Gopi Warrier and discover why balanced reporting matters more than ever. 🌍
From pivotal movements like the Chipko Andolan to today’s energy transition debates, we explored:
✨ The role of media in shaping India’s environmental discourse.
✨ Lessons from grassroots movements and their modern-day challenges.
✨ Striking a balance between activism, journalism, and policy.
✨ Insights on how journalists can move beyond hopelessness to inspire action.
Timestamps:
📲 We are available on Spotify as well as YouTube.
In this episode host Sanika Diwanji dives into the intersection of #climateresilience and #publichealth , joined by Abhiyant Tiwari, a leading expert in climate resilience and health at #nrdc India. The episode highlights: Key Themes:
Abhiyant explains how climate change exacerbates health risks, from heat stress and vector-borne diseases to air pollution and its impact on vulnerable populations.
Abhiyant shares his experience in developing South Asia's first Heat Action Plan, which has become a global benchmark for tackling heat-related health challenges.
- 2023 marked alarming levels of heat stress, with each Indian experiencing 100 days of heat stress on average, according to the @Lancet. - Increasing frequency and severity of extreme weather events like heatwaves, floods, and landslides due to climate change.
- The National Program on Climate Change and Human Health aims to mitigate health impacts by building climate-resilient health facilities and enhancing early warning systems. - Initiatives like Ayushman Bharat provide health insurance and revamp public health infrastructure, focusing on prevention and access.
Join this engaging discussion to explore how we can build a climate-resilient future while safeguarding public health. Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more in-depth conversations! #climateaction #publichealth #resilience #HeatActionPlan #sustainabledevelopment #india #Indiaclimatechange #podcast #climateeducation Time Stamps 00:00 - Climate Resilience and Health Importance 05:37 - Abhiyant's Journey in Public Health 08:27 - Climate Change and Public Health in India 15:47 - Disaster Management in India's Climate Change 22:21 - Risk Literacy and Capacity Building 29:08 - Improving India's Healthcare System Challenges 33:16 - Addressing Vector-Borne Diseases in India 37:02 - Enabling State Disaster Policies 41:00 - Community-Led Solutions in Disaster Management 45:24 - Energy Access Solutions marginalised communities & future roadmap
In this episode of The Climate Conundrum Podcast, host Sanika Diwanji is joined by Abinash Mohanty, Global Sector Head of Climate Change and Sustainability at IPE Global, to unpack the outcomes of COP29. The discussion covers: - The $300 billion annual climate finance deal finalized at COP29 and India’s strong objections to it. - The shift in focus to the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) and the establishment of a global carbon market. - How these decisions impact India and other developing countries. - How climate action on ground will now be shaped based on these decisions. Abinash shares his first-hand experience from Baku and provides insights into what’s needed to accelerate climate action in India amidst shifting global priorities. 🎧 Listen now for an informed take on the challenges and opportunities emerging from COP29.
In this episode of Climate Conundrum, we dive deep into the topic of climate finance as we prepare for COP29, dubbed the Finance COP. Sanika Diwanji sits down with Arjun Dutt, Senior Program Lead, Center for Energy Finance at the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW), to unpack the critical role finance plays in global climate action.
We break down:
This episode offers a comprehensive overview of climate finance and its significance ahead of one of the most pivotal COP events yet.
Listen now to get ahead on what will be one of the biggest themes at COP29.
In this episode of the Climate Conundrum Podcast, we dive deep into the evolving world of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) with Vipul Arora, author of The Essence of ESG and partner at Sattva Consulting. We explore the ethical challenges and opportunities within the ESG framework, focusing on how businesses can move beyond compliance to create meaningful, long-term impact.
Vipul shares his insights on how ethics plays a pivotal role in building trust, transparency, and sustainability, and why it’s crucial for companies to align their ESG strategies with genuine accountability.
From practical tips for ESG reporting to addressing greenwashing and capacity gaps, this episode offers a comprehensive look at how businesses can ethically navigate their ESG journey and drive responsible growth.
Whether you’re a business leader, investor, or someone interested in the intersection of sustainability and corporate responsibility, this conversation will provide valuable insights into the future of ethical ESG practices.
Tune in to learn how ethics can be a powerful catalyst for transformation in the ESG landscape.
Further reading material:
In this episode of Climate Conundrum, we sit down with Vipul Arora, a leading expert in ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance), to break down what ESG truly means and why it’s becoming a non-negotiable factor for businesses worldwide. 🌍 Vipul explains how ESG goes beyond sustainability buzzwords to impact real-world business strategies, long-term growth, and ethical governance. We dive into the importance of integrating ESG frameworks for companies looking to future-proof themselves, attract investors, and make meaningful social and environmental contributions. 🌱 Topics covered include: - What ESG stands for and its key pillars: Environmental, Social, and Governance. - Real-life case studies on successful ESG implementation. - Challenges companies face in integrating ESG. - The Indian perspective: how ESG is shaping industries in India. - Why ESG is critical for long-term business success and resilience. Whether you're a climate advocate, business leader, or someone new to ESG, this episode offers valuable insights into how responsible business practices can drive both profit and positive change. 💼 Tune in for an engaging conversation that simplifies the complexities of ESG and offers actionable steps for individuals and businesses alike.
In this episode of the Climate Conundrum Podcast, host Sanika Diwanji interviews Unnikrishnan Nair, Assistant Director of Climate Change and Sustainability at the Commonwealth Secretariat, about the vital role of international cooperation in tackling climate change. Join us as we explore: - How the Commonwealth Secretariat supports small island and vulnerable nations in addressing coastal erosion and climate resilience. - The importance of climate finance and how the Commonwealth Climate Finance Access Hub helps member countries secure much-needed funding. - Real-world examples of gender-responsive climate action and how technology like geospatial data and AI are being used to drive impactful climate solutions. - The role of youth and gender in shaping climate policies and how they are being integrated into national climate strategies (NDCs). - Insights into global efforts to create sustainable agriculture and food security, as well as projects that support these critical goals. Mr. Nair brings over two decades of experience from organisations like the UNFCCC, GIZ India, and the Global Green Growth Institute. This episode offers a deep dive into the policies and initiatives that are helping shape a resilient and sustainable future for Commonwealth nations. 🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell for more insightful conversations on climate action and sustainability!
In this episode of the Climate Conundrum Podcast, we explore the growing mental health challenges linked to climate change, particularly eco-anxiety. Joined by Barkha Bajaj, a renowned psychologist and founder of Unalome Therapy, we dive into the psychological impacts of climate change on different communities, especially in India. From the stress faced by farmers to the anxiety of urban youth, this conversation offers a comprehensive look at how our changing environment affects mental well-being.
Barkha shares insights on how to recognize and manage eco-anxiety, providing practical strategies for coping with the overwhelming feelings that come with climate change concerns. Whether you’re personally affected or interested in understanding this emerging issue, this episode offers valuable perspectives and actionable advice.
Tune in now to learn how we can build resilience and protect our mental health in the face of climate change.
In this deep-dive episode, join Sanika Diwanji and economist Ajay Shah as they explore the intricacies of India's energy landscape. During the course of this hour-long conversation, we break down the fundamentals of energy—what it is and why it matters—before moving into the critical economic aspects of power generation, distribution, and storage. The discussion doesn't stop there. We tackle the challenge of providing equitable access to energy in a developing country like India, and delve into the complex political economy that underpins energy systems. With the global transition to renewable energy sources underway, Ajay Shah provides insightful perspectives on what this means for India, and we conclude with a practical approach to the future of energy in the country. Key Topics: - Fundamentals of Energy: What it is and why it matters - Economics of Power Generation, Distribution, and Storage - Access to Energy in a Developing India - The Political Economy of Energy Systems - Transition to Renewable Energy in India - Practical Future Approaches for India’s Energy Sector
Don't miss this comprehensive discussion that covers every layer of India's energy landscape, offering you a better understanding of the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
On this episode of the Climate Conundrum Podcast, host Sanika Diwanji sits down with carbon market expert Sandeep Roy Choudhury to unpack the essentials of carbon markets. What you'll learn: - The fundamentals of carbon markets - Global climate trends and their impact - India's carbon market policy and areas of interest - Challenges and Opportunities Join us for an in-depth exploration of how carbon markets are shaping our world and India's role in this critical movement.
In Part 2 of the "Climate Conundrum" podcast episode on short-lived climate pollutants (SLCPs), Zerin Osho highlights the significant role of the waste sector in India's overall emissions, alongside the agriculture sector and logistics and transport. She emphasizes the direct link between SLCPs and the accelerated melting of polar and Himalayan ice caps, framing this as a critical geopolitical threat. Zerin argues that without addressing this issue urgently, we are poised to face severe global repercussions, stressing the need for immediate and concerted action to mitigate the impacts of SLCPs on climate change.
In this episode of the Climate Conundrum Podcast, hosts Sanika Diwanji and Zerin Osho, Director for the India Program at the Institute for Governance and Sustainable Development, delve into the often overlooked but critical topic of non-CO2 emission, that are categorised as Short Lived Climate Pollutants (SLCPs), and their impact on climate change. While CO2 often takes the spotlight in climate discussions, SLCPs like methane, black carbon, and hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) also play a crucial role in global warming. Reducing these pollutants can deliver rapid climate benefits, improve air quality, and protect public health.
Timestamps
0:00 - 5:13 - Introduction
5:14 - 8:53- What are short-lived pollutants?
8:54 - 17:53- Where do SLCPs come from?
17: 54 - 25:44- How do SLCPs affect us?
25:45 - 35:39- India's front on SLCPs?
35:40- Solutions to get rid of SLCPs
A freewheeling, myth-busting chat on all things food! Joining us this time is Radhika Mittal who helps us understand the basics of sustainable food systems and how there is a symbiotic relationship between what we eat and the climate. With it, she also helps bust the many myths surrounding food, sustainability and climate-friendly diets.
This is an absolutely special episode as we got to have a candid yet in-depth chat with Dr. Ajay Mathur, Directorate General of the International Solar Alliance about the current global landscape of the solar sector, the priority policy areas and the challenges as well as opportunities facing the sector globally at this point. He also highlights some key data points about India's progress on its solar energy ambitions and how it plays a crucial role in the transition to renewable energy.
Timestamps
0:00 - 2:12- Introduction
2:13 - 5:28- Role of Solar Energy in Climate Change
5:29 - 18:07- International Solar Alliance Priorities for Climate Change
18:08 - 20:45- ISA's approach to solar powers heavy use of land & materials
20:46 - 23:54- Solar Energy impact on biodiversity
23:55 - 27:21- Moving away from fossil fuel to renewable energy: bridging the gap
27:22 - 30:05- Solar energy at the health centre
30:06 - 31:19- ISA's 9 program areas
31:10 - 35:05- Green hydrogen era
35:06 - 40:57- Individuals contribution towards solar energy
40:58 - 41:43- Unique Innovations using solar energy
41:44 - 45:13- Investment towards renewable energy
In the fourth episode of the Climate Conundrum Podcast, waste management expert, Hamsa Iyer brings out a plethora of interesting facets of about the state of waste management in India and also presents some hard hitting facts.
The freewheeling discussion touches upon numerous aspects of this complex topic - right from the life cycle of our everyday trash to landfills, circularity and composting! We also play a few interesting games to find out what is trash and what can become treasure in our journey into waste management.
Timestamps:
00:00 - 2:36- Introduction 02:37 - 05:29- How did Hamsa get into waste management as a career option? 05:30 - 11:33- Understanding the life cycle of trash.11:34 - 16:04- Policies for waste management in India 16:05 - 18:13- Have people become indifferent to waste and landfills?18:14 - 21:24- Uniform segregation waste: Bangalore case study 21:25 - 22:21- Steward leadership from administrative wing22:22 - 23:45- Swach Bharat Abhiyan 2.023:46 - 29:46- What exactly is circularity in the circular economy? 29:47 - 35:19- Unique challenges of working in the waste management sector 35:20 - 39:23- India's Circular Economy and Workers in Waste Management 35:24 - 41:50- Weirdest thing encountered in the waste-management field 41:51 - 42: 56- Individually reducing waste 42:57 - 49:50- Basics of composting 49:51 - 56:09- Hamsa three Rs 56:10 - 58:14- Refill Movement 58:15 - 1:06:35- How can we encourage businesses and industries to implement better waste management practices?1:06:36 - 1:15:13- Game-time: Trash your Treasure! 1:15:14 - 1:18:26- Future trends in the sector 1:18:27 - 1:21:49- Misconceptions about waste management 1:21:50 - 1:23:40- Proper way to dispose of broken or old electronics 1:23:41 - 1:25:40- Recycling or disposing of old mattress 1:25:41 - 1:28:33- Online shopping packages 1:28:34 - 1:29:54- Recycling Mechanism in Local Government 1:29:54 - 1:30:49- Bio-medical waste 1:30:50 - 1:33:58- Changing one aspect of how society views waste and its relationship to climate change.
Welcome to another insightful episode of the Climate Conundrum podcast! Join host Sanika Diwanji as she sits down with Siddharth Desai, Jt. Managing Director at Kishor Pumps and a water security expert, for a deep dive into the complexities of water management, conservation, equitable distribution and climate change in India. Explore the challenges, solutions, and silver linings in India's water landscape along with the policies and administrative issues.
Tune in now and broaden your understanding of the crucial issue of water!