With COP29 ending today and no major consensus on climate finance in sight, global attention on the urgent need for tangible climate action keeps growing.
Sanika, a climate communications consultant, is working to bridge the gap between complex global discussions and local realities. After years as a journalist in India and abroad, she transitioned into climate communications. She was motivated by a heartfelt conviction to contribute directly to climate solutions and amplify the stories and voices that matter in this critical global discourse.
Through her freelance work and a podcast on climate communication, Sanika focuses on educating the public and amplifying underrepresented voices. In this interview, she shares her insights on fostering inclusive climate action, combating misinformation, and localizing global climate discussions.
Q: With COP29 nearly wrapping up, the climate crisis has never been more urgent. This year, there’s an increasing need to ensure that COP’s discussions lead to real, tangible actions on the ground. What are your thoughts on engaging citizens and making COP more inclusive at the local level?
S: COP is the highest authority for discussions on climate action post-Paris Agreement, but it has been criticized for being exclusive. Historically, COP was open to anyone interested, but over time, lobbying has shaped its discussions, often leaving out key voices, such as those from Indigenous communities or the least developed countries. In countries like India, climate discussions are underrepresented in mainstream media. Most journalists aren’t covering the climate breakdown, and many citizens remain unaware of the gravity of the situation.
While COP itself could improve outreach, the responsibility also lies with journalists and platforms like yours. People need to understand the local impact of COP negotiations. For example, discussions on financial support for climate adaptation in coastal areas directly affect residents in places like Mumbai or Kerala. The media needs to connect global discussions to local realities to get people engaged.
Q: I completely agree. So, how can we, as people working in this domain, help make COP more accessible to the masses and ensure that big discussions like these reach the general public?
S: I’m skeptical that COP alone will drive meaningful change. Many important negotiations happen outside COP, like at events such as New York Climate Week, where decisions are made between private sectors and NGOs. COP often just amplifies these pre-existing ideas through legal constructs. To engage the public, we need to make the stakes clear to them. For instance, this year's COP made some progress through an early agreement over standards for a global carbon market. This directly impacts the ability to raise the vast amount of financing required for climate adaptation and resilience. Framing the conversation around local issues helps people connect.
The key is reframing the narrative. Climate issues are often seen as distant, but when we show how they affect people’s lives directly, like worsening air quality in India, people are more likely to take an interest. Also, the message should be available in local languages so those most impacted can understand and act. Local media, community radio, and grassroots journalism play crucial roles here. Newspapers like Sakaal or Dainik Bhaskar, and local journalists, especially in rural areas, will have to do a lot more, and they need funding to do so. Are we giving financial freedom and the right access to knowledge to journalists covering these issues at the grassroots level? Are we making full use of the tools available to us?
Lastly, giving a voice to those most affected by climate change, such as street vendors or construction workers, is essential. I believe COP should not be top-down. It should be bottom-up.
Q: COP discussions are often dominated by the voices of larger, developed nations, sidelining the Global South. What role do you see for the Global South at COP29, and how can it influence the climate policies being discussed?
S: The term "Global South" is a contested one, and many people prefer not to use it, but for the sake of this conversation, let's go with it. The climate action agenda so far has been largely influenced by emissions, particularly from the Industrial Revolution, which originated in Western countries classified as developed. Their per capita emissions are far higher than those of the Global South. But does that mean the Global South cannot continue to develop? The answer is no. Everyone deserves an equal chance to prosper and lead a developed life, just as those in the developed economies do. But that won’t be possible unless the developing countries also raise their emissions, as our current economic system relies on fossil fuels for output.
The real challenge isn’t the 1.5-degree target—it’s adapting developing economies to low-emission economies. Developed countries have already put models in place for transitioning, and the hope is that developing nations can improve upon these frameworks, creating systems that are better suited to their unique challenges. Adaptation and mitigation are crucial. For instance, as India continues to develop, can we integrate solar panels in new housing cycles and industrial areas? India’s semiconductor mission is a significant policy initiative. Access to AI, semiconductors, and emerging technologies should be as much a right for developing countries as for developed economies. India is trying to do things differently, which is commendable. The real question remains whether this approach will succeed in overcoming the challenges it faces.
Q: Despite growing climate awareness, there remains a significant gap in translating this awareness into action, especially at the local level in India. How do you think policymakers can address this challenge and ensure that efforts like promoting local journalism effectively bridge this gap?
S: The gap between climate awareness and action is clear. I don’t believe policymakers will make significant changes on their own. While it may seem pessimistic, I think real action will largely depend on individuals and a broader range of leaders, not just political figures but also cultural influencers. For instance, when a band like Coldplay commits to green tours and a sustainability report, it raises awareness—even if people question its impact. It’s a conversation starter, reaching those who may not yet realize the scope of the climate crisis.
The real challenge, however, is that discussing climate change often feels counterintuitive. People struggle to grasp how human activities like fossil fuel consumption have altered the Earth, which has been relatively stable for millions of years. We’re asking them to accept not only that we caused this crisis but that individual actions—like voting or using sustainable products—can help solve it. Communicators need to bridge this gap by emphasizing both personal responsibility and systemic change. It’s not about individual versus collective action; it’s about both working in tandem. While individual actions are valuable, there’s a critical need for regulatory changes and accountability. We must also rethink our economic model to prevent the unchecked use of natural resources. True progress will require all these elements to work in harmony.
Q: Climate denial continues to exist, often perpetuated by influential leaders like President Trump, who disregarded climate science. What are your thoughts on this resistance, and how can narratives foster a stronger, science-based understanding of climate issues? While it’s less prominent in India, global leadership often showcases such opposition. How do you think this should be addressed?
S: First, we need to look beyond rhetoric and consider the actions behind the PR. Whether a leader accepts climate change matters less than whether their policies genuinely support climate action. For instance, some leaders who claim to be pro-climate still allow fracking or support conflict, which is counterproductive given the environmental impact of war. Similarly, deep-sea mining is increasingly damaging ecosystems.
The focus should be on holding leaders accountable for their actions, not just their statements. Bernie Sanders, for example, aligns his policies with his climate goals and openly explains his decisions. Real change requires examining if leaders' actions match their climate commitments—not just the narratives they present.
When sustainable practices become profitable, they attract attention and investment from the private sector. Solar energy is a good example of how renewable energy can be both profitable and planet-friendly, with China’s solar market leading the way. If we align economic incentives with sustainable practices, we’re more likely to see a significant shift in environmental responsibility. However, profitability needs to be achieved sustainably, balancing growth with long-term resource availability and quality of life.
Diya is a research associate at TA. She is a recent graduate in economics.
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