The Climate Network

In this thought-provoking episode of The Climate Network, we sit down with Sarika Panda Bhatt, urban planner, sustainable mobility advocate, and co-founder of Raahgiri Day. From car-choked streets to walkable, breathable cities, Sarika Maam takes us through her journey of reclaiming urban spaces for people, not just vehicles. Tune in and walk with us into a more sustainable, inclusive urban future.

Welcome to The Climate Network! In today’s episode, we’re going off the beaten path—literally and figuratively—as we explore the intersection of travel, sustainability, and conservation. Our guest, Mr Pradeep Murthy, has donned many hats over the years. An IIM B alumnus, he is a sustainable travel expert who has spent years crafting experiences through MuddyBoots Vacations that don’t just delight travelers, but also give back to the planet.From transforming how we perceive tourism to integrating sustainable community engagements into travel models, Pradeep shares insights on how we can explore the world responsibly—without leaving a trail of destruction behind. We talk about how ecotourism can be a powerful tool for environmental and cultural preservation, and what it means to be a truly conscious traveler in today’s climate-challenged world.Whether you’re a weekend wanderer or a travel enthusiast, this episode is packed with thoughtful reflections and practical steps on how to tread lightly and travel better.Let’s dive in.

Today, we have an extraordinary guest—someone proving that age is no barrier to make an impact!At just 11, Prasiddhi Singh has already made waves as a social entrepreneur and environmental activist. Founder of the Prasiddhi Forest Foundation, she’s on a mission to restore green cover and inspire young minds to take action. With thousands of trees planted and a community-driven approach to sustainability, she’s leading by example and showing us that every small step counts!Get ready for an inspiring conversation that will leave you motivated to make a difference—one tree at a time!

In this episode, we are in conversation with a visionary in sustainability and renewable energy. He’s widely recognized as the 'Solar Man of India' for his unwavering commitment to a future powered by the sun. Dr. Chetan Solanki, a professor at IIT Bombay and the driving force behind the Energy Swaraj Movement, is not only transforming the landscape of solar energy in India but also inspiring communities worldwide to adopt sustainable energy practices. With a mission to bring about energy independence, he’s journeyed across regions, sparking conversations and planting seeds of change.We dive into his journey, his inspirations, and the profound impact he’s making in the quest for a sustainable world. Stay tuned as we explore how Mr. Solanki is leading an energy revolution!

Joining us is Tanaya Patnaik, the Editor of Sambad Group, one of the largest media conglomerates in the state of Odisha, India. Sambad Group is renowned for its influential newspaper 'Sambad,' as well as its ventures in television, radio, and digital media platforms. Under Tanaya's dynamic leadership, the group has not only expanded its media footprint but has also become a powerful voice in addressing social and environmental issues.Tanaya is a trailblazer who believes in the transformative power of media to bring about social change. With a deep commitment to environmental sustainability, she has been instrumental in steering Sambad's focus toward climate reporting and environmental journalism.

We had the pleasure of speaking with Mr. Labanya Prakash Jena, a leading voice in the field of climate finance. Labanya is known for his deep expertise and his extensive work on financing climate action, particularly in the Indian context. With a background that spans over policy analysis, international negotiations, and innovative financial instruments, his insights are not only rooted in rigorous analysis but also in a passionate commitment to ensuring that climate finance reaches the areas where it’s needed most, especially in developing countries like India. He is presently working as a sustainable finance specialist at the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA) and is an advisor at the Climate and Sustainability Initiative (CSI). He earlier led the Centre for Sustainable Finance, Climate Policy Initiative. Before this, he was working as the Regional Climate Finance Adviser Indo-Pacific Region at the Commonwealth Secretariat and also worked as a sustainable finance consultant for UNDP. Join us as we explore the critical intersections of public finance, policy, and investments!

In this episode, Padma Mahanti, distinguished Indian Forest Service officer and the current Deputy Inspector General in the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), who's been at the forefront of the conversation on how to harmonize development with conservation. Padma Ma’am brings years of experience in navigating the complexities of economic growth, sustainability, and environmental protection. Today, we’ll be discussing the real challenges and innovative solutions that lie at the intersection of development and conservation. Can infrastructure projects and environmental preservation coexist? How do we make development sustainable without compromising our ecosystems? Stick around as we unpack these crucial issues with Padma Mahanti.

Welcome to today's episode! We're thrilled to have a special guest with us – someone who is not only a visionary leader but also a relentless advocate for sustainable solutions. Joining us today is Neelima Mishra, Founder of Ceiba Green Solutions.Inspired by the devastating conditions she witnessed during her Arctic expedition, she established Ceiba to tackle waste management and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Neelima leads Ceiba with a mission to create a greener, more sustainable future for all. With a deep passion for the environment and a knack for innovative solutions, she's here to share her insights on the future of green technology, the challenges of running an eco-focused company, and what it takes to truly make a difference in the world. With a belief in empowering everyday citizens to take small, impactful actions, she emphasizes that anyone with a will can become part of the climate change movement.Check out the episode to know more about her Arctic expedition and waste entrepreneurship journey!

Mr. Aditya Panda, is a distinguished naturalist, a committed wildlife conservationist, and an accomplished photographer. His passion for wildlife conservation began in his teenage years, focusing primarily on the habitats of tigers and elephants in the vicinity of his home. Although his conservation efforts are concentrated in the eastern & Central India region, Aditya's quest as a naturalist and photographer has taken him far and wide across the diverse landscapes of India. He has explored the length and breadth of the country's rich tiger and elephant territories, ranging from well-known safari destinations to the more secluded pockets of wilderness. Through his lens and conservation activities, he actively contributes to the ongoing dialogue and action on wildlife preservation, underscoring the critical importance of harmony between humans and nature.

Join us in this exciting and insightful episode as we sit down with Padma Mohanty, a distinguished Indian Forest Service officer and the current Deputy Inspector General in the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), Regional Office, Bhubaneswar. With a career spanning over two decades, Padma shares her profound insights and experiences, from managing wildlife conservation to addressing climate change impacts.

Meet today’s guest Amarendra Das, a scholar in his own right, someone well-known in the policy circle for having made tremendous contributions as Deputy Commissioner during the 14th Finance Commission. He currently holds the position of Secretary of the Orissa Economics Association (OEA) and Executive Committee member of The Indian Econometric Society and is presently the Reader (F) in Economics at NISER. This episode talks not only about the economics of climate but also about just transition of energy. We further discuss the role of community and the need for new participatory mechanisms. We discuss how his work on issues of mining, environmental compliances and social responsibilities sheds light on the need for a balance between development and resource allocation. We further delve into nuances of the devolution formula of the finance commission used to help allocate finances to the states and districts in this episode. One of the most important conversations about how to meet our country’s new energy priorities.

In this episode, Archana Soreng, one of the seven members of Youth Advisory Group on Climate Change established by the Secretary-General of the United Nations as a part of UN Youth Strategy, unveils the untold stories of tribal and indigenous communities in the climate policy landscape. Hailing from Sundargarh, Archana passionately advocates for indigenous rights, drawing strength from her rock-solid roots! Her research on local communities and climate justice emphasizes the need for indigenous voices in policy creation, implementation, and monitoring. Dedicated to bridging generational and cultural gaps, she also advocates to integrate this inter generational knowledge into the global climate discourse.

In this episode, we explore the critical theme of disaster risk reduction, resilience and adaptation with Ms Abha Mishra, Head of Office, UNDP Odisha. From natural calamities to unforeseen crises, the ability to bounce back and rebuild is a testament to human strength and preparedness. Join us as we discuss proactive strategies and initiatives aimed at mitigating climate disasters and a sneak peak into the functionality and programmes of UNDP in India.

Jason Strother is a passionate multimedia journalist, dedicated to raising awareness and fostering change on issues related to climate change and disability rights. With a wealth of knowledge and a deep understanding of the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities during disasters, Jason is a driving force in the conversation surrounding these critical issues. Through his work, he aims to inform, empower, and inspire change for a more inclusive and accessible future. Join us as we explore topics such as community, climate migration, accessibility and disasters with Jason in this episode.

Meet Snehasis Das, the climate crusader whose lens doesn't just capture moments but also the emotions of the first line of casualty of climate change.Using ‘The Naked Eye’ as his canvas, he unearths real stories and paints a vivid picture of environmental challenges, inspiring action one frame at a time. From climate migration to love and life during a natural disaster, he unearths narratives that spark conversations that are real.Armed with his camera and passion, Snehasis has illuminated the path with a humanitarian lens . This award-winning filmmaker has not only narrated stories of climate change but scripted them, earning him accolades and fellowships that have taken him around the world. Join us as we unravel the captivating journey of this climate storyteller in this episode.

Bakul Foundation is a movement for volunteerism in India, that started with the State of Odisha. It is not just an organisation, it is an idea. An idea, that anything can happen when individuals come together for a common cause. It is also a movement to spread volunteerism like wild fire, Bakul inspires selfless work in the field of Education, Environment, Arts and Volunteerism. After 17yrs of being a Bakul Foundation Volunteer myself, it felt apt that we begin our Climate Network with An Ode to Bakul and Dedi Loku, The Tree Man. Come find out what The Bakul Way of doing things mean; a ride through the last decade and more of creative campaigns using art & culture as tools to bring in transformation through innovative solutions, a peoples' movement from the very grassroots!In conversation with the Founder, reluctant story-teller and full-time volunteer, Sujit Mahapatra!

'The Climate Network' is not just a podcast; it's a dynamic platform where in each episode, Deepsha engages with remarkable individuals who are driving change globally!From cinematographers capturing environmental stories to artists weaving activism into their creations, and entrepreneurs developing sustainable solutions to venture capitalists investing in the green economy, a rich tapestry of guests share their experiences.Beyond these creative voices, 'The Climate Network' opens its doors to leaders, policy makers, and change-makers who are instrumental in shaping policies, governance structures, and international collaborations for a sustainable future. Through in-depth conversations, the podcast unravels the intricate threads of how these various players contribute to the larger picture of environmental protection.What sets 'The Climate Network' apart is its commitment to showcasing the synergy between seemingly disparate fields. Deepsha explores how art, business, governance, and policy intertwine to create innovative solutions and foster a collective movement against climate change. Listeners can expect to gain a deeper understanding of the complexities involved in addressing this global challenge, while also finding inspiration in the resilience and dedication of individuals who are making a difference.In a world where climate change requires urgent attention, it serves as a reminder that every action, no matter how unconventional, contributes to the greater cause. By highlighting stories from the Global South and weaving together diverse perspectives, the podcast encourages us all to be part of the solution and drive change on a global scale. So, join Deepsha and her guests as they navigate the intricate web of climate action, one episode at a time!