Experts from academia, government, and industry discuss collaborative strategies to bridge global climate commitments with local action.
The Centre for Management Communication (CenComm) at IIM Bangalore, in collaboration with the Centre for Environment Education (CEE), hosted a high-level roundtable on February 19, 2025, to explore the role of sub-national policies in tackling climate change. The discussion, inspired by CEE’s latest publication, Role of Sub-National Policies in Addressing the Climate Change Challenge – Learnings from Karnataka’s SAPCC, aimed to bridge the gap between global climate commitments and local execution.
Localized Climate Policies: The Need for Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration
The event brought together key climate justice stakeholders to discuss policy communication challenges and the importance of grassroots implementation. Moderated by Dr. Deepti Ganapathy, Chairperson of CenComm at IIM Bangalore, and Rejini Simpson, Programme Director at CEE South, the discussion focused on ‘Bridging Global Commitments to Local Impact: Collaborative Pathways for Climate Resilience.’
Key Takeaways from the Discussion
- Global Collaborations & Climate Finance
Judith Weinberger-Singh, Resident Representative of Hanns Seidel Foundation India, highlighted the European Green Deal and the EU-India environmental partnership, stressing the need for multilateral cooperation in climate action. She emphasized stakeholder engagement across academia, industries, and governments to develop targeted solutions for environmental challenges. - Water Management & Urban Sustainability
Dr. Ram Prasath Manohar, IAS, Chairman of the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB), spoke about the vulnerability of urban communities to climate change, particularly in water-scarce regions. Drawing insights from Bengaluru’s water crisis, he urged policymakers to address groundwater over-extraction and invest in sustainable urban planning. - Corporate Leadership in Climate Action
Srinivasa C.K., General Manager – Sustainability (ESG) at Toyota Kirloskar Motor, discussed the automotive sector’s role in mitigating climate impact. He pointed out that energy production accounts for 73% of global greenhouse gas emissions, with the transportation sector being a major contributor. Toyota’s sustainability initiatives, including electrified vehicles, circular economy models, and 90% water recycling, were highlighted as industry best practices. - Driving Innovation Through Corporate Sustainability
Dhenuka Srinivasan, Environment & Sustainability Manager at ABB India, stressed the importance of embedding sustainability into business strategies. She advocated for public-private partnerships, early climate education, and individual responsibility in combating climate change.
Engaging the Next Generation in Climate Action
The roundtable attracted a diverse audience, including IIM Bangalore faculty and students, industry professionals, sustainability entrepreneurs, and students from Christ University and S P Jain Institute. The event was live-streamed on YouTube, reaching a wider audience and amplifying discussions on sustainable policymaking and climate resilience.
Translating Policies into Action
The discussion reinforced the urgency of implementing sub-national climate policies and fostering multi-sector partnerships for long-term climate resilience. By aligning government efforts, corporate strategies, and community-driven initiatives, India can take significant strides in climate adaptation and mitigation.