From fear to knowledge: Digitalism bridging the climate divide. A Conversation with Navya Singh
“I have seen a lot of people around me use the big terms such as carbon emissions, zero waste, circular economy, but do we really understand them? Also, there is good progress happening around too, but are we mentioning that, when we talk about success stories, people are more likely to join in feeling encouraged than losing hope on the issue.”
Regarding MOSAIC’s emphasis on the ongoing global dialogue about climate action and sustainability, we delved into an insightful conversation with Navya Singh, an independent digital journalist who began her career with traditional journalism working with renowned print and media houses in India. Navya highlighted the time in her career when she realized the prominence of mainstream topics, but environmentalism placed far from it. She transitioned into digital journalism to cover under-reported stories on the planet, environment and sustainability. She embraced digital medium and took a bold step to move to a city such as Goa away from the metros or the hubs for stories and action. Navya tells us that moving to Goa gave her the time and peace to prepare, start the organisation ‘News with Navya’ and launch her show, ‘The Good News Show’ and adapt herself to storytelling formats such as videos and social media posts, with a focus on bringing pressing and complex global issues in a simplified and exciting manner.
People and the climate divide
Navya shares that in one way, her inclination to digital journalism happened, noting the lack of knowledge people had on such issues, and then the information in terms of news to be mostly alarming or frightful, leading to refrained interest and poor action on sustainability. Environmental issues, as Navya highlights, require action and accountability from all, from society to agencies and businesses. Everyone needs to contribute; people will want to engage when they have the know-how and are convinced that sustainability requires only simple lifestyle changes. With digital mediums such as Instagram, LinkedIn and Facebook, the climate divide can be bridged, and more people can be empowered, “I have seen a lot of people around me use the big terms such as carbon emissions, zero waste, circular economy, but do we really understand them? Also, there is good progress happening around too, but are we mentioning that, when we talk about success stories, people are more likely to join in feeling encouraged than losing hope on the issue.”
Urbanization and environmental strain
Navya’s recent experiences tell us of the mounting pressure many smaller cities face due to urbanization. During a road trip from Delhi to Nainital, she observed first-hand how these cities are struggling to accommodate the heavy influx of tourists and the rapid development. “Dehradun and Nainital are overwhelmed; they are not prepared for any crisis or environmental consequences”, she notes. The environmental toll is visible, particularly when examining the impact of infrastructure projects. For example, the protests against tree-cutting for a new expressway in Dehradun highlight an obvious disconnect between development goals and environmental sustainability. The government’s approach of cutting down trees and replanting them elsewhere seems pointless and more like a superficial solution rather than addressing the root cause of the problem. “It’s like putting a band-aid on a wound,” Navya comments. “How does this approach account for the local ecological balance?”
Navya also draws a comparison between India’s developmental stage and that of more developed nations. She tells us, “We can’t ignore the fact that India, a developing nation, is still in the process of building infrastructure; the key challenge is balancing growth with sustainability. It’s not just about building; it’s about building responsibly”.
The role of celebrities in climate action
In our discussion, Navya expressed disappointment in the involvement of celebrities in climate advocacy or action. Despite their vast influence and massive following, many celebrities seem to engage with environmental issues only limitedly and suiting their comfort. She contrasts this with the genuine, often behind-the-scenes work of lesser-known climate advocates. “Celebrities often promote environmental causes when it’s convenient for them,” she observes. “But real climate action requires more than just posting on social media.” Navya refers recent events, such as the VIP lines during Ganesh Puja in Mumbai, where celebrities received preferential treatment. This behaviour reflects a broader sentiment where climate change impacts are not felt equally across different social strata, and therefore, accountability and action are lacking. “Celebrities are insulated from the direct effects of climate change. They often don’t experience the immediate consequences that affect everyday people.” She advocates for a more serious engagement from celebrities, urging them to use their platforms to raise awareness and drive meaningful change. “If celebrities used their influence to genuinely address environmental issues—beyond just appearing in campaigns or making occasional statements, they could have such a positive impact.”