Ridhima Pandey’s journey for climate action began in her childhood. Growing up in Uttarakhand, she saw the harsh realities of flash floods and landslides. These experiences drove her to make a difference. At just nine years old, Ridhima took a bold step by suing the Indian government for not keeping its promises under the Paris Agreement. She also reached out to the United Nations to hold world leaders accountable for climate change.
Now at 17, Ridhima is a passionate advocate for the environment. In a recent interview, she shared her thoughts on nature and her experiences.
How has Uttarakhand shaped your views on the environment?
Uttarakhand is a beautiful place that teaches the value of simple living and strong connections with nature. Growing up near Rajaji National Park, I learned firsthand how crucial it is to protect wildlife and forests.
My parents played a big role in this. My father was with the Wildlife Trust of India, and my mother worked for the state forest department. They taught me the importance of caring for our environment.
When the devastating Kedarnath flood happened when I was about five, it left a lasting mark on me. The images of people stranded and animals suffering were heartbreaking. I started to ask my mother many questions about why disasters like that happen. As I learned more, I realized that human activities, such as deforestation and poor environmental policies, often lead to such tragedies.
This understanding sparked my desire to act. Filing a public interest litigation with the National Green Tribunal was my way of pushing for real change. I want to inspire others to protect our planet and take action against climate challenges.
Check out this related article: Discover the Significant Progress in Environmental Protection: Key Advances for a Sustainable Future
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