The Climate Conundrum Podcast

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. 🌍

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.

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.

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.

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: