Tackling Climate Change: Ms. Ratna Drives SDG 13 through Earth Safety Valve Project

Can you give us a brief overview of your project and how it addresses SDG 13?

My project, Earth Safety Valve, is an international youth-led organization dedicated to educating people about environmental conservation and sustainability. Through initiatives like the Climate Comic "I Can't Breathe," showcased at COP27, and the global podcast channel "PLANET PULSE," we aim to raise awareness and foster collaboration on climate action. By reaching over 50,000 youths across 15 countries and engaging with environmental scientists, we address SDG 13 by promoting climate education, advocacy, and community engagement.

What inspired you to tackle climate change as part of your project?

My inspiration to tackle climate change stemmed from witnessing the detrimental impacts of environmental degradation from a young age. Involvement in campaigns like the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan ignited a passion for environmental activism. Realizing the urgency of climate action, I founded Earth Safety Valve to empower youths globally and drive meaningful change through education, advocacy, and collaborative efforts.

What specific goals did your project aim to achieve in relation to combating climate change?

The primary goals of Earth Safety Valve include raising awareness about climate change, promoting sustainable practices, and empowering youths to take action. We aim to educate over 50,000 youths worldwide, create impactful educational content, and foster international collaboration on climate issues. Additionally, our projects like the Climate Comic and "PLANET PULSE" podcast aim to make climate science accessible and engaging for all.

How did your project contribute to raising awareness about climate change or reducing its impacts?

Earth Safety Valve has significantly contributed to raising awareness through educational seminars, clean-up drives, and creative projects like the Climate Comic "I Can't Breathe." Our global podcast channel, "PLANET PULSE," features interviews with environmental scientists, spreading knowledge and inspiring action. By engaging with over 50,000 youths, we have fostered a deeper understanding of climate issues and encouraged sustainable practices​.

Did your project focus on any particular aspect of climate change (e.g., mitigation, adaptation, education)? If so, could you explain this focus?

Our project primarily focuses on climate education and advocacy. By creating accessible educational materials, organizing seminars, and fostering global discussions through our podcast, we aim to inform and empower individuals to take climate action. Education is the cornerstone of our approach, as we believe informed individuals are better equipped to contribute to mitigation and adaptation efforts.

What were some of the challenges you faced while implementing your project, particularly in addressing climate change, and how did you overcome them?

Challenges included limited resources, reaching diverse global audiences, and maintaining engagement. We overcame these by leveraging digital platforms for wider reach, collaborating with international organizations, and continuously innovating our content. Building partnerships with entities like the Canada High Commission and participating in global summits like COP27 also enhanced our impact and resource access.

Can you share any specific outcomes or impacts your project had in relation to SDG 13?

Specific outcomes include educating over 50,000 youths worldwide, creating the Climate Comic showcased at COP27, and establishing the "PLANET PULSE" podcast. Our projects have increased climate awareness, inspired youth-led initiatives, and fostered international collaboration on climate action, directly contributing to SDG 13 by promoting climate education and advocacy.

Did your project involve collaboration with other students, organizations, or community members? If yes, how did this collaboration enhance your project's effectiveness in combating climate change?

Yes, collaboration with students, organizations like Save the Children India High Commission of Canada, and community members was crucial. These partnerships enabled resource sharing, diverse perspectives, and wider outreach. For example, our partnership with the Canada High Commission helped distribute the Climate Comic nationwide, enhancing its impact. Collaborative efforts amplified our message and facilitated global engagement​.

What were some key lessons you learned from working on this project related to SDG 13?

Key lessons include the importance of collaboration, the power of education in driving change, and the need for innovative approaches to engage diverse audiences. I learned that combining creativity with scientific knowledge can make climate issues more relatable and that empowering youths is essential for sustainable future actions.

Looking ahead, how do you plan to continue your efforts to combat climate change beyond the scope of your project, and what role do you see yourself playing in future climate action initiatives?

I plan to continue my efforts by expanding Earth Safety Valve's reach, developing new educational tools, and engaging in more global collaborations. I envision playing a role as a leader and advocate in future climate action initiatives, leveraging my experience to inspire and mobilize others. Participating in global platforms like COP28 and working with international organizations will be key to advancing my impact on climate action.