India’s Biggest Climate Meet: What Did the Experts Say?
Imagine a room full of the smartest journalists, scientists, and leaders—all discussing how to save our planet! That’s exactly what happened at the Anil Agarwal Dialogue (AAD) 2025, an exciting annual event held by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), New Delhi at their training institute in Nimli, Rajasthan.
For three days, over 80 journalists from all over India came together to debate and discuss the biggest environmental issues affecting us today in this one-of-its-kind platform. From scorching heatwaves to vanishing water sources, they explored what needs to be done to protect our future.
Day 1: The Future is Heating Up!
The event kicked off on February 26 with the release of State of India’s Environment 2025, a super-important report predicting that your generation—Gen Alpha—will inherit a much hotter Earth. Scientists warned that extreme weather and pollution could cause irreversible damage if we don’t act fast.
A heated debate followed between Sunita Narain (CSE’s Director General) and top government leaders like Montek Singh Ahluwalia, Amitabh Kant, and Raj Liberhan. They discussed a huge future crisis—water shortages! While some suggested putting a price on water to prevent wastage, Sunita Narain argued that water is a basic human right and should be available to everyone.
What do you think? Should we pay for water, or should it remain free for all?
Day 2: Wild Animals, Pollution & Extreme Weather
The second day saw intense discussions about human-wildlife conflicts, chemical pollution, and climate disasters in India and South Asia. A special report, State of States, was also released, showing how different Indian states are dealing with environmental problems.
The highlight? A fascinating conversation between Richard Mahapatra (Managing Editor, Down To Earth) and famous historian Ramachandra Guha about India’s past, present, and future.
Day 3: Electric Cars & Scary Diseases!
The final day focused on e-mobility in India—will we soon see electric cars everywhere? Experts also discussed zoonotic outbreaks—diseases that jump from animals to humans (like COVID-19) and how to prevent them.
What’s Next?
The event wrapped up on February 28, but the discussions continue! AAD 2025 reminded everyone that the choices we make today will shape the world you grow up in. So, let’s ask ourselves:
What can YOU do to help the planet?
Senior Sub-Editor, Publications, Centre for Science and Environment, New Delhi