Recordings
Welcome to the dedicated page for the Terra Torrent Dialogue Series Recordings, part of the broader Terra Confluence 2024 Initiative
Starting from Earth Day, April 22, 2024, we are excited to release one dialogue per day, continuing through the end of the event series in May. Each session features a diverse lineup of experts across various fields, including climate strategy, ecological restoration, education,conservation, law & governance, languages & communication and sustainable innovation. Engage with the thought-provoking discussions that aim to inspire actionable solutions and foster global climate resilience.
Join us daily to gain insights from leading voices in climate action and sustainability.
Day 13: Terra Torrent- A Dialogue Series | Speaker: Prof. Phoebe Barnard
Host: Poulomi Chakravarty, PhD
Synergistic Strategies for Ecological Connectivity and Climate Action with Prof. Phoebe Barnard
Prof. Phoebe Barnard, a Global Change Scientist, Co-Founder of Stable Planet Alliance and Professor at the University of Washington, discussed the profound challenges and solutions in achieving global ecological connectivity to enhance biodiversity conservation and climate resilience. She emphasized the detrimental impact of human activities that disrupt the natural movements of species and degrade habitats. Prof. Barnard highlighted the work of the Center for Large Landscape Conservation and the IUCN's Connectivity Conservation Specialist Group, stressing the importance of thinking beyond human-centric connectivity to consider ecological networks that support species migration in response to climate change.
Prof. Barnard pointed out the pressing need to shift our perspective from viewing humans as supreme over nature to recognizing our integral role within the ecosystem. She advocated for a cultural shift towards more sustainable interactions with our environment, supported by community-led conservation efforts and global cooperation. The dialogue also touched on the role of cultural traditions in conservation, such as seasonal fishing bans that align with breeding cycles, illustrating how integrating indigenous knowledge and cultural practices can enhance conservation strategies.
Day 12: Terra Torrent- A Dialogue Series | Speaker: Abrar Ahmad
Host: Poulomi Chakravarty, PhD
Sustainability in Apparel Industry with Abrar Ahmad
Abrar Ahmad, the founder of Syaahi Uniforms from Uttar Pradesh, India, delivered an insightful talk at the Terra Conference 2024, sharing his approach to sustainable fashion. With nearly 15 years of experience as a self-taught fashion designer and social entrepreneur, he emphasized the importance of integrating sustainable practices into all aspects of his business. His company, Syaahi Uniforms, not only focuses on the sustainable sourcing of materials but also prioritizes ethical manufacturing processes to ensure the well-being of its workforce, predominantly women.
Abrar highlighted his commitment to transparency throughout the supply chain and discussed the importance of designing products that are both sustainable and repairable to extend their lifespan. His approach involves close scrutiny of the materials used, from fibers to final products, ensuring they are environmentally friendly and conducive to recycling. Through his innovative leadership, Abrar is making a significant impact in the fashion industry by redefining norms and promoting a more ecological and socially responsible business model.
Day 11: Terra Torrent- A Dialogue Series | Speaker: Dr. Urjani Chakravarty
Host: Poulomi Chakravarty, PhD
Strategic Communication for Effective Climate Adaptation with Dr. Urjani Chakravarty
Dr. Urjani Chakravarty, an Assistant Professor at the Indian Institute of Management Bodh Gaya, highlighted her innovative communication strategies during her presentation at the Terra Conference 2024. She delved into the application of relevance theory and epistemic vigilance in environmental communication, emphasizing how these concepts can bridge the gap between knowledge and action in climate change mitigation.
Dr. Chakravarty explained that relevance theory can enhance the public's understanding of climate issues by ensuring messages are specifically tailored to their contexts, making environmental concerns more directly applicable to individuals' lives. She also introduced the concept of epistemic vigilance, which she described as a critical tool for assessing the truthfulness and relevance of information, thus enabling individuals to act more consciously and responsibly towards the environment.
Her approach advocates for a more nuanced use of communication that engages individuals intellectually and emotionally, ensuring that environmental messages are not just heard but are meaningful enough to spur action.
Day 10: Terra Torrent- A Dialogue Series | Speaker: Susana Gago
Host: Poulomi Chakravarty, PhD
Regenerative Practices in Entrepreneurship with Susana Gago
Susana Gago, founder of Unakti, Goa, India shared her journey from the financial sector to leading initiatives in regenerative agroforestry and sustainable business. Her company is devoted to creating plant-based cosmetic, health, and ventilation products that are deeply rooted in the principles of Vedic science. This integration of ancient wisdom influences every aspect of Unakti’s operations, emphasizing holistic and ethical approaches to business.
Susana is a staunch advocate for women's empowerment and leverages this ethos to build community resilience and create inclusive ecosystems through her regenerative projects. She discussed the pivotal role of matriarchal systems in fostering environmental stewardship and sustainable living, which significantly influences her company's vision and operations. These initiatives are characterized by their environmentally conscious and ethically sound practices, including sustainable sourcing of raw materials and the use of regenerative agricultural techniques.
Furthermore, Susana highlighted her dedication to soil health, biodiversity restoration, and the education of the next generation on sustainable living practices. She passionately spoke about Unakti's commitment to reducing the environmental footprint through innovative packaging solutions and minimizing waste, demonstrating how traditional knowledge and modern sustainability practices can coexist harmoniously to promote a more sustainable and equitable world.
Day 9: Terra Torrent- A Dialogue Series | Speaker: Peter Clayton
Host: Poulomi Chakravarty, PhD
Creative Revolution by Nature Festivals for a Sustainable Earth with Peter Clayton
Peter Clayton Visionary behind NatureFest and Planet Hack from Brisbane, Australia unveiled his strategies for sparking environmental change through community-based initiatives. With a goal to launch 500 Nature Fest locations by 2030, he aims to transform environmental awareness into a celebratory and educational affair, integrating songs, storytelling, and puppets to make sustainability engaging and fun.
Concurrently, his Planet Hack initiative incentivizes students to tackle real-world environmental challenges, offering them compensation for their innovative solutions. By creating platforms that combine enjoyment with activism, Peter’s mission is to pivot the environmental movement from a narrative of despair to one of hope, fostering a global community equipped to achieve sustainability through creativity and collective action.
Day 8: Terra Torrent- A Dialogue Series | Speaker: Dr. Molly Keehn
Host: Poulomi Chakravarty, PhD
Accountability and Collaboration for Climate Action with Dr. Molly Keehn
Dr. Molly Keehn, Co-Founder of Cojourn, from Massachusetts, USA, delivered an insightful presentation, where she elaborated on the unique "CoJourn Model" a pioneering initiative designed to enhance community-driven climate action. This model is centered around forming partnerships based on compassion and accountability, which are critical in motivating individuals and groups towards sustained environmental efforts.
Dr. Keehn discussed how these partnerships not only facilitate personal growth but also forge a network of support, enabling participants to commit to and achieve specific climate action goals. By blending psychological principles such as motivation and perseverance with environmental activism, the Cojourn model encourages deeper communal involvement and responsibility.
Through her talk, Dr. Keehn demonstrated how this approach leverages the collective power of individuals united by shared goals, thus amplifying their impact on environmental sustainability. The strategy underscores the importance of emotional and social support in overcoming the challenges of climate change, suggesting that a well-supported community is more effective and resilient in its efforts to protect and restore the environment.
Day 7: Terra Torrent- A Dialogue Series | Speaker: Dr. Gulab Chand
Host: Poulomi Chakravarty, PhD
Linguistic Cultural Preservation for Climate Adaptation and Resilience with Dr. Gulab Chand
Dr. Gulab Chand, an assistant professor in the Department of Languages, Literature and Cultural Studies at Manipal University Jaipur, India highlighted the critical connection between linguistics and environmental sustainability. He discussed how language shapes perceptions and behaviors toward climate change, emphasizing the role of linguistic studies in developing effective communication strategies that resonate across diverse communities.
He is identified as a speaker of Hadoti, highlighting the language's rarity and its specific geographic roots in Rajasthan, India. This mention sets the stage for discussing how such languages hold traditional ecological knowledge that can significantly contribute to understanding and adapting to environmental changes. The knowledge, embedded within the language and culture, is viewed as a critical resource for informing sustainable practices and fostering community engagement in environmental initiatives.
Dr. Chand also illustrated the value of Indigenous languages in preserving ecological knowledge and enhancing community engagement in climate resilience. By integrating culturally resonant metaphors and stories, his insights demonstrate how linguistics can bridge traditional knowledge and modern environmental strategies, making climate actions more accessible and impactful for local populations.
Day 6: Terra Torrent- A Dialogue Series | Speaker: Saymanti Bandyopadhyay
Host: Poulomi Chakravarty, PhD
Wildlife Conservation Strategies in Action with Saymanti Bandyopadhyay
Saymanti Bandyopadhyay, Assistant Manager at Wildlife Trust of India, Delhi is a environmental educator and conservationist delivered a comprehensive talk on her innovative strategies for wildlife conservation. She discussed her extensive experience in leading significant projects such as the Gujarat Whale Shark Project conservation and the Gajotsav Project, which span multiple states in India.
Saymanti emphasized the crucial integration of multipronged approach of community engagement with scientific research, which she believes greatly enhances the effectiveness of conservation efforts. She highlighted the vital role that local communities play in building resilience against the impacts of climate change and conservation initiatives and detailed her approach to fostering long-term environmental stewardship through robust educational outreach programs.
Day 5: Terra Torrent- A Dialogue Series | Speaker: Anando Mukherjee
Host: Poulomi Chakravarty, PhD
Legal Frameworks for Environmental and Climate Action with Anando Mukherjee
Anando Mukherjee, Advocate on Record, Supreme Court of India and Founding Partner of Singh and Mukherjee Chambers, India, discussed the effectiveness of India's environmental laws, the challenges in their implementation, and the need for a more comprehensive and ecocentric approach.Mukherjee also discussed India's commitments under international treaties like the Paris Agreement and detailed key initiatives such as plastic waste management and the green hydrogen policy.
He advocated for greater public participation in environmental governance and called for a simplification of the legal framework to facilitate better public understanding and compliance. His talk highlighted the crucial role of the judiciary in advancing environmental law and recognized recent legal advancements that categorize the adverse impacts of climate change as a fundamental right.
Day 4: Terra Torrent- A Dialogue Series | Speaker: Aditya Ranjan
Host: Poulomi Chakravarty, PhD
Rural Development and Climate Resilience - A case study of India with Aditya Ranjan
In the dialogue from the Terra Torrent series, Aditya Ranjan, the State Program Manager at the Department of Panchayati Raj, Government of Jharkhand, India shares his extensive experience in disaster management and resilience building at the community levels in India. He discusses the implementation of early warning systems and community engagement strategies that enhance disaster preparedness. Aditya emphasizes the importance of incorporating local knowledge into disaster risk reduction and highlights the significant role of women and youth in these initiatives.
The conversation covers how digital tools and e-learning can improve disaster preparedness and governance. He underscores the need for long term investment in disaster risk reduction to mitigate the impact of increasingly frequent climate-related disasters. His insights contribute to a broader understanding of effective strategies for building resilient communities and adapting to climate change.
Day 3: Terra Torrent- A Dialogue Series | Speaker: Jennifer Janzen
Host: Poulomi Chakravarty, PhD
Simulating Alberta's Sustainable Futures- A study in Environmental Education With Jennifer Janzen
Jennifer Janzen, Executive Director of Alberta Tomorrow, Canada, explores the role of Alberta Tomorrow's simulator tool in fostering climate education and sustainability. This innovative tool allows users to visually time travel from 1910 to 2050, observing the evolution of Alberta's landscapes and predicting future changes due to environmental and land-use trends. Tailored to different educational levels and integrated with Alberta's curriculum, the simulator effectively demonstrates the impact of climate change and the importance of sustainable practices.
Janzen underscores the tool's potential to educate a wide audience, from students to policymakers, on environmental decision-making. Despite challenges, there is a strong emphasis on expanding the tool's reach globally to bolster climate education and promote sustainability through proactive community involvement and informed policy-making.
Day 2: Terra Torrent- A Dialogue Series | Speaker: Steve Boniwell
Host: Poulomi Chakravarty, PhD
Regeneration of Landscape by Unpowered Solutions with Steve Boniwell
Steve Boniwell, Chief Operating Officer at the PSKL Queensland, Australia, gave an in-depth presentation on ecological restoration as a strategy for climate repair. He introduced innovative, unpowered technology integrations for optimizing water cycles and ecosystems to combat climate challenges such as drought and extreme weather patterns. Boniwell detailed how this approach could rapidly restore water cycles, emphasizing rehydration and regeneration strategies to rejuvenate landscapes sustainably. His talk underscored the importance of practical and scalable solutions that align with natural systems, highlighting the urgency of implementing these strategies within the current decade to mitigate biodiversity loss and climate change.
Day 1: Terra Torrent- A Dialogue Series | Speaker: Rob de Laet
Host: Poulomi Chakravarty, PhD
Eco Restoration for Climate Repair with Rob de Laet
Rob de Laet discusses the urgent need for addressing climate change and its impacts, with a focus on the importance of the Earth's biosphere and the role of forests in regulating the climate by utilizing the Biotic Pump Principle. He proposes solutions such as large-scale reforestation programs, a shift towards amber forestry, and regional climate-resilient landscape design. The discussion also touches on the challenges of implementing these solutions, the potential of sustainable agriculture, and the need for community involvement and government support.