In this episode of Cool It Down, Shruti Narayan, Regional Director at C40 Cities, and Anirudh Arun, CEO of BluFleet of BluSmart, 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.

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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.

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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, 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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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.

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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 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.

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Host: RJ Sayema

Created by: BBC Media Action India

Supported by: U.S. Department of State

In this special episode of Cool It Down, RJ Sayema brings together three powerful voices shaping the conversation on climate action and sustainability with a focus on solar energy. Speaking to Sayema, Simarpreet Singh shares his journey as an entrepreneur, offering insights into embracing execution, imperfection, and humility while cultivating habits to reduce carbon footprint. He emphasizes finding joy in work, education, and meditation as pathways to sustainability and personal growth.

Licypriya Kangujam, a 13-year-old climate activist, delivers a passionate plea for urgent action on the climate crisis. She shares her inspiring journey, experiences at global platforms like the UN, and her vision for climate justice, urging rich nations to take responsibility for their environmental impact.

Professor Chetan Singh Solanki, the Solar Gandhi, discusses the transformative potential of solar energy in addressing climate change. He highlights the hidden costs of fossil fuels, the role of youth in the solar sector, and the importance of energy independence in achieving a sustainable future.

Tune in to explore practical solutions, inspire action, and remind us that every step counts in the fight against climate change.

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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, discover how art and popular culture are driving climate action. RJ Sayema dives into the intersection of creativity, culture, and environmental advocacy with actor-filmmaker and social advocate Nandita Das, artist Atul Bhalla, and musician Kelsey Rae.

Nandita Das highlights the power of art and storytelling in shaping public understanding of climate change, empowering youth through digital media, and promoting creative entrepreneurship for sustainable practices.

Atul Bhalla reflects on how his experiences with diverse landscapes, especially the polluted Yamuna River, have influenced his artistic journey.

Kelsey Rae shares moving stories from her performances, showcasing how music and recycled instruments can inspire awareness and hope, while highlighting the growing role of artists in inspiring climate actions.

Through thought-provoking conversations, this episode explores how art can inspire change, engage communities, and contribute to a sustainable future.

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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, Rishika Reddy and Dr. Kirtiraj K. Gaikwad delve into the urgent need for sustainable packaging and its role in combating environmental challenges.

Rishika shares the story behind the creation of The Mend, a sustainable packaging venture born during the pandemic, and discusses the hurdles of shifting consumer and business mindsets towards eco-friendly options.

Dr. Gaikwad sheds light on the environmental impact of traditional packaging, particularly plastics, and introduces innovative alternatives such as pine needle-based paper and cactus biopolymers.

Together, they explore the complexities of the circular economy, the balance between convenience and sustainability, and the future of biodegradable and smart packaging technologies.

The episode also offers practical advice for aspiring sustainability entrepreneurs and emphasizes the collective power of individual actions in driving meaningful change.

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