Wicked Problems - Climate Tech Conversations Covering climate in India (with Rishika Pardikar)
Jun 14, 2025
Rishika Pardikar, an Indian journalist known for her work on environmental and land rights issues, shares her insights on India's climate challenges. She discusses the impact of mega projects on tribal lands and the cultural complexities of reporting climate issues in India. Rishika highlights the inefficiencies of Indian appliances and forecasting technology, and addresses the intertwining of religion, nationalism, and climate science. She emphasizes the need for localized climate reporting and accountability from powerful entities, showcasing the unique narratives from the Global South.
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Mega Project on Tribal Lands
- The Indian government is building a mega project on tribal lands in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
- This affects isolated tribal communities and endangered species like the giant leatherback turtle.
Western Climate Narratives Dominate
- Western climate narratives dominate because they attend global conferences and have media reach.
- Indian climate issues differ due to development and indigenous rights, making Western narratives less suitable.
India's Coal Belt and Dependence
- India's coal belt spans central and eastern states like Madhya Pradesh and Chharkhand.
- Coal mining communities depend intricately on coal for jobs, transport, and local economy.
