In the last and final episode of Cool It Down, RJ Sayema brings together inspiring voices to explore the intersection of climate change, health, and sustainability.

She engages in an enlightening and passionate conversation with actor and environmental advocate Dia Mirza, who shares her journey from childhood inspiration to championing collective action for a greener future.

Alan Dangour from the Wellcome Trust delves into the connections between climate, health, and food systems, shedding light on the One Health approach and sharing personal reflections on nature and resilience.

Finally, Bhumika Saraswati, another climate advocate, highlights the disproportionate health impacts of climate change on marginalized communities, emphasizing the urgent need for equitable solutions and collective action.

Together, they offer practical tips, inspiring and innovative ideas and empowering insights to inspire both individual and collective responsibility in tackling the climate crisis.

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Host: RJ Sayema

Created by: BBC Media Action India

Supported by: U.S. Department of State

In this episode of Cool It Down, RJ Sayema brings together two inspiring conversations with sustainability leaders Anirban Ghosh from the Mahindra Group and Swati Kalra, a sustainability champion from Accenture Development Partnerships. 

Together, they explore the intersection of business, personal responsibility, and the growing green economy. Anirban shares insights into balancing business growth with eco-conscious practices, while Swati delves into the rise of green jobs and practical advice for young professionals entering the field. 

This episode offers actionable steps for listeners to contribute to climate action and embrace opportunities in the evolving sustainable landscape.

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Host: RJ Sayema

Created by: BBC Media Action India

Supported by: U.S. Department of State

In this insightful episode of Cool It Down, RJ Sayema delves into the intricate relationship between agriculture and climate change with four passionate advocates for sustainable farming.

With Timothy J. Krupnik, Regional Director, Sustainable Agrifood Systems Program, Asia and Country Representative, CIMMYT Bangladesh, the episode also explores the significant contributions of farming practices to greenhouse gas emissions, the challenges farmers face in adopting sustainable methods, and the potential of carbon farming as a new approach to mitigate climate change. (Note: I moved this to the top since Tim is the first speaker on the podcast. Let’s publish it in chronological order, as it is in the recording.)

Shaik Imran Hussain Choudhary, Co-founder, Prakheti discusses innovative approaches to sustainable agriculture, emphasizing biodiversity, and the critical role of youth in climate action. He shares his experiences with Prakheti, focusing on helping farmers transition to sustainable practices and the importance of youth engagement in global climate policies.

Satyajit and Ajinkya Hange from Two Brothers Organic Farms talk about their journey from banking to organic farming, highlighting the challenges and rewards of sustainable agriculture. They underscore the importance of consumer choices in promoting sustainable practices and offer advice for aspiring farmers.

Together, these conversations emphasize the urgency of addressing climate impacts on agriculture and inspire listeners to support and engage in sustainable farming practices.

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Host: RJ Sayema

Created by: BBC Media Action India

Supported by: U.S. Department of State

In this compelling episode of Cool It Down, RJ Sayema brings together three inspiring voices in the climate action space. Ashish Beergi, a social entrepreneur, shares his journey from early environmental advocacy to innovative waste management solutions, emphasizing the power of community and youth in driving change.

Kaushik Deb, Executive Director, Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago, India delves into India's clean energy revolution, discussing the importance of individual actions, disruptive innovations, and the transformative impact of clean energy on rural and urban lives.

Abinash Mohanty from IPE Global reflects on the intersection of climate action and policy, highlighting insights from the recent COP29 conference and the development of India's climate vulnerability index. Together, these conversations underscore the critical role of grassroots initiatives, policy, and individual efforts in addressing climate challenges and inspire listeners to engage in sustainable solutions.

We value your feedback! Please participate in this survey to share your thoughts on the episode: https://forms.office.com/e/8YCL8vyv6j

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Host: RJ Sayema

Created by: BBC Media Action India

Supported by: U.S. Department of State

In this episode of Cool It Down, host RJ Sayema delves into the transformative potential of the shared economy in waste management and sustainable fashion.

She engages with Shekar Prabhakar, co-founder of Hasiru Dala Innovations, and Alfiya Khan and Sana, co-founders of Bombay Closet Cleanse, to explore innovative solutions in textile recycling and the importance of embracing secondhand fashion.

The episode highlights the crucial role of waste pickers, the challenges and opportunities in recycling textiles, and practical steps for making secondhand shopping enjoyable and accessible. The conversation emphasizes consumer responsibility, community engagement, and the positive shift in attitudes towards sustainability and entrepreneurship in the recycling sector.

We value your feedback! Please participate in this survey to share your thoughts on the episode:

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Host: RJ Sayema

Created by: BBC Media Action India

Supported by: U.S. Department of State

In this episode of Cool It Down, Shruti Narayan, Regional Director at C40 Cities, and Anirudh Arun,Co-founder and CEO of BluSmart Fleet, delve into the transformative role of cities and individuals in driving climate action through e-mobility.

Shruti discusses the critical importance of sustainable urban planning, the shift to electric vehicles (EVs), and the power of public transport, walking, and biking in reducing emissions. Anirudh shares insights into the evolution of e-mobility in India, BluSmart's innovative approach to clean ride-hailing, and the opportunities for young entrepreneurs in the sustainable mobility space.

Together along with RJ Sayema, they explore the challenges and opportunities in building a greener future, emphasizing collaboration, innovation, and personal responsibility in reducing carbon footprint.

We value your feedback! Please participate in this survey to share your thoughts on the episode: https://forms.office.com/e/8YCL8vyv6j

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Host: RJ Sayema

Created by: BBC Media Action India

Supported by: U.S. Department of State

In this episode of Cool It Down, RJ Sayema dives into the world of sustainable weddings with insights from sustainability expert Swati Singh Sambyal and green event planner Ashwin Malwade. Together, they explore how to celebrate love responsibly while minimizing environmental impact.

Swati highlights the environmental challenges of Indian weddings, offering practical tips for waste management, embracing circular economy principles, and balancing tradition with sustainability. Ashwin shares his inspiring journey from marine conservation to planning low-waste weddings, detailing the challenges, triumphs, and cost-effectiveness of eco-friendly celebrations.

Tune in for practical advice, innovative ideas, and inspiration to make weddings greener and pave the way for mindful, impactful celebrations.

We value your feedback! Please participate in this survey to share your thoughts on the episode: https://forms.office.com/e/8YCL8vyv6j

Additionally, we’d love to hear your suggestions via email at [email protected]

Host: RJ Sayema

Created by: BBC Media Action India

Supported by: U.S. Department of State

In this episode of Cool It Down, we delve into the power of storytelling and education in addressing climate change. Featuring insightful conversations with Radharani Mitra and Sonali Khan, RJ Sayema explores how narratives and playful learning can inspire action and foster climate consciousness.

Radharani Mitra highlights the role of strategic communications, youth engagement, and popular culture in making climate issues relatable and actionable, advocating for optimistic stories that empower change. Meanwhile, Sonali Khan shares her experience in nurturing young minds through creative education, from the playful "Hawa Hawai" book to impactful campaigns like "Kachara Karo Zero, Bano Planet Ka Hero."

Join us for an engaging discussion on how stories and education can transform complex climate challenges into opportunities for hope, action, and a sustainable future.

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Additionally, we’d love to hear your suggestions via email at [email protected]

Host: RJ Sayema

Created by: BBC Media Action India

Supported by: U.S. Department of State

In this episode of Cool It Down, RJ Sayema explores the future of sustainable food with Chef Radhika Khandelwal and Dr. Jessica Fanzo. Chef Radhika shares her journey in sustainable cooking, offering practical tips to reduce kitchen waste and highlighting innovative ways to repurpose food scraps.

Dr. Fanzo discusses the global challenges of food security, the link between dietary choices and climate change, and the role of governments in promoting healthier food systems.

Together, they unpack the importance of reconnecting with food sources, embracing sustainable eating habits, and engaging in trends like plant-based diets and lab-grown meat to reshape the food industry for a greener future.

We value your feedback! Please participate in this survey to share your thoughts on the episode: https://forms.office.com/e/8YCL8vyv6j

Additionally, we’d love to hear your suggestions via email at [email protected]

Host: RJ Sayema

Created by: BBC Media Action India

Supported by: U.S. Department of State

In this episode of Cool It Down, RJ Sayema engages with Pranab Ranjan, an expert on natural resource management from the Center from Land Governance and Dimgong Rongmei, Executive Director, Realm of Nature Based Actions to explore the intricate connection between indigenous communities and nature. Together, they delve into the role of traditional knowledge in biodiversity conservation, resource management, and addressing contemporary challenges like climate change.

The conversation highlights the cultural ties communities have with nature, the potential of indigenous practices to inform urban living, and how they can inspire green entrepreneurship and social enterprises.

They also discuss the importance of engaging younger generations in environmental stewardship to foster a more sustainable future.

We value your feedback! Please participate in this survey to share your thoughts on the episode:

https://forms.office.com/e/8YCL8vyv6j

Additionally, we’d love to hear your suggestions via email at [email protected]

Host: RJ Sayema

Created by: BBC Media Action India

Supported by: U.S. Department of State