“As much as I love being here in Kolkata, one thing I don’t like in Kolkata is the air… the air quality is very bad . The one thing we could do is to use electric vehicles. So under this programme, we have been helping women who use driving skills for livelihood. So working with a company called Snapping Caps, we’re helping those who are able to drive such vehicles,” said Fleming while speaking at ‘The Move for Earth Symposium’.

He also spoke about how youngsters have turned out to be pivotal agents of change in tackling climate change. “Young people should actively participate in producing devices and strategies to save the future of the planet. Projects such as the Sundarbans initiative exemplify the power of youth-led environmental action. The youth become catalysts for positive change. They are not just the leaders of tomorrow but the architects of a sustainable future,” he said. Other speakers also highlighted how rising temperatures impact ecosystems, communities and particularly, women, who are often the “backbone of both.”

Christina Scott, CMG, Deputy High Commissioner to India, British High Commission, New Delhi, said, “Climate change is real and the impact is undeniable. From erratic weather patterns to rising temperatures, it affects every community.
We can see the impact on the ecosystem and mostly on some marginalised communities, women, and those who depend on the environment and agriculture.”

The Move for Earth Symposium was organised by the Switch On Foundation in collaboration with the Consulate General of the Federal Republic of Germany in Kolkata and the American Center.

Vinay Jaju, managing director, SwitchON Foundation said, “We want to foster sustainability within communities by engaging stakeholders, including government, industries, NGOs, students, academia, farmers, SHGs and green entrepreneurs to engage in discussions on inspiring climate action.”

(Taniya Acherjee is an intern with the Kolkata office of The Indian Express)