Climate Asia, an environmental NGO, will hold its fourth conference in New Delhi on April 22. The event, named Mitti Ki Baatein (Stories from the Ground), aims to spotlight local leadership in tackling climate change.
According to Satyam Vyas, the founder of Climate Asia, the conference is about shifting the focus to the often-overlooked voices from our communities. “We need to listen to the wisdom of those who live closest to the land. True sustainability grows from local efforts, not just top-down policies,” he says.
The event will showcase grassroots organizations and leaders, particularly women and Indigenous voices. Sessions will include “Roots of Resilience” and “Stories from the Ground.” There will also be a fireside chat titled Mitti Se Niti Tak and a gallery walk featuring visual stories. Panel discussions will focus on the unequal impacts of climate change, particularly on vulnerable communities.
Notable speakers include Padmini Chandragiri from Odisha, Gunjan Jain from Climate Trends, and Sudipto Dey from Outlook Business. They will tackle pressing issues around community resilience and adaptation strategies.
This year, the conference aligns with COP30 and India’s National Adaptation Plan. Both underscore the need for community-led solutions to build resilience against climate challenges. “Climate change is happening now. We need to elevate the voices of those on the frontlines,” says Pallavi Khare, Chief of Staff at Climate Asia. “Grassroots leaders have crucial lessons to share about resilience.”
A recent report from the World Meteorological Organization revealed that 2023 was one of the hottest years recorded, with global temperatures exceeding pre-industrial levels by 1.5°C. This highlights the urgent need for effective local responses to climate change. Past Climate Asia conferences have successfully brought together participants to explore topics like employment in green sectors and the links between gender and climate health.
In 2022, the conference attracted over 400 attendees and addressed themes such as women’s leadership in climate action and mental health in the context of climate change. These efforts highlight the growing recognition of the need for diverse voices in environmental discourse.
As Climate Asia prepares for its upcoming conference, it continues to push for a more inclusive and community-driven approach to climate action. By emphasizing local knowledge, they aim to foster a more resilient future for all.