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.