The 47th International Kolkata Book Fair: Panel Discussion on Gender Equality and Climate Change at the U.S. Pavilion

Recognising the looming threat posed by climate change to the Earth’s common future and the varied impact it has on the different genders, the United States Consulate General, Kolkata organised a panel discussion at the U.S. Pavilion of the International Kolkata Book Fair on January 20, 2024. Young climate enthusiasts from four institutions—Loreto College, Lady Brabourne College, Jadavpur University, and Presidency University—participated in this discussion. The opening remarks were delivered by Ms. Elizabeth Lee, Director of the American Center, Kolkata and the Public Affairs Officer (PAO), who emphasised the urgency of ground-level actions to combat climate change. In the next segment, the participants were divided into groups of two and given the opportunity to express their views on a variety of subjects, ranging from ecofeminism and climate justice, climate-induced migration and cultural threat from climate change, health impacts (specially on pregnant women), and effects on indigenous communities, to lifestyle changes, various action plans of the U.S.A. and India, and the role of G20 and the COP28 in Gender Inclusive Climate Action. The session was chaired by Dr. Indrila Guha, Principal of Basanti Devi College and an eminent researcher known for her extensive work on ecology and climate. All the panellists focused on various aspects of core climate issues and diligently underlined the need for significant steps to be taken at the grassroots levels to address the threat of climate change. The session concluded with the idea that the current generation has borrowed much from future generations in the name of development, and that now is the time to return what has been borrowed. The end note instilled a ray of optimism and promised a better tomorrow for all.