Western Hemisphere – Indiaspora’s 5th Annual Climate Summit convened experts, thought leaders, and changemakers from across the globe for the Western Hemisphere session of Climate 360: Global Perspectives, Unified Action. The session underscored India’s evolving role in addressing the global climate crisis, with a focus on energy transition, biodiversity, and the importance of community-centered strategies.
The session opened with welcoming remarks by MR Rangaswami, Founder and Chairman of Indiaspora, setting the stage for a rich dialogue on climate action across sectors and geographies. The summit featured a series of thought-provoking discussions and panels that delved into the hard realities of climate change and the paths forward.
Varun Sivaram introduced the concept of climate realism—a pragmatic framework that acknowledges the likelihood of missing global climate targets while emphasizing actionable, realistic solutions. His remarks laid the foundation for subsequent conversations on recalibrating expectations and strategies in the fight against climate change.
David Ohana and Neil Padukone stressed the need to reframe the climate narrative by centering local voices. “We must listen to communities, understand their lived experiences, and craft solutions that resonate at the grassroots level,” said Padukone.
In a session focused on global perspectives, Neelima Jain spotlighted India’s unique position as a hub for climate tech innovation and sustainable development. Parminder Kohli shared Shell’s long-term approach to reducing emissions intensity, while Rajiv Lall argued that aligning with climate goals no longer impedes growth—it enhances it. Navroz Dubash emphasized the urgent need to build robust national institutions that balance developmental imperatives with climate responsibilities.
The discussion expanded to energy and innovation, with Neil Chatterjee forecasting significant growth in energy demand in the coming years. David Livingston emphasized the critical role of artificial intelligence in expediting product deployment and crisis mitigation.
A highlight of the summit was Dr. Eric Dinerstein’s presentation on a groundbreaking AI-powered mini-camera for wildlife conservation—developed in India and recognized by Time magazine as one of 2023’s best inventions. The system offers scalable potential for both environmental and human security.
Dr. Hrishita Negi introduced a pioneering collaboration between Clemson University, Indian government agencies, NGOs, and academic institutions aimed at fostering coexistence between humans and tigers—a growing challenge in many parts of India.
The summit concluded with an inspiring keynote by Dr. Haley Mellin, who introduced conserve.org, a global initiative that enables public participation in protecting vital biodiversity hotspots. Her concept of conservation imperatives identified priority areas for urgent action, particularly habitats housing critically endangered species.
Rounding out the closing session, Priyanka Justa and Induja Gandhiprasad highlighted India’s pivotal conservation role in the Himalayan region. Gandhiprasad underscored the plight of the endangered snow leopard, calling for increased protection of its fragile ecosystem.
Throughout the event, Amita Siddiqui, Director of Programs and Operations at Indiaspora, served as both content curator and emcee, guiding conversations and ensuring a cohesive narrative across sessions.
With a strong emphasis on realistic pathways, community engagement, and innovation, the Western Hemisphere session of Climate 360 reaffirmed Indiaspora’s commitment to driving inclusive, impactful climate action on a global scale.