Welcome to the TEDxPrahladnagar's Climate Countdown event!

Climate change is the biggest global health threat of our time, according to Dr. Margaret Chan, former Director-General of the World Health Organization. It is a profound threat to our planet and our future, and its impacts are already being felt around the world. Rising sea levels, more extreme weather events, and changes in plant and animal life are just some of the ways climate change is manifesting. Without decisive action, these challenges will only worsen.

Our event is dedicated to raising awareness about the climate crisis and inspiring meaningful action to combat it. In this era, the climate crisis stands as one of the most pressing issues, demanding immediate action to safeguard our planet and secure a sustainable future.

Our roster of speakers comprises distinguished experts who will illuminate a spectrum of topics, including the scientific aspects of climate change, its ramifications on our communities and ecosystems, and viable solutions to the crisis. These speakers are luminaries in their respective fields, deeply committed to effecting change. They will impart their knowledge and insights in a manner that informs and motivates.

We invite you to participate in this vital event, gaining insight into how you can contribute to shaping a more sustainable future. Together, we possess the capacity to effect positive change. Join us, and together we can make a meaningful difference.

Prahladnagar
Satellite
Ahmedabad, Gujarat, 380015
India

Abhiyant Tiwari

Lead – Health & Climate Resilience, NRDC India

Abhiyant Tiwari is the Lead - Health & Climate Resilience at Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) India. His interest includes environmental, climate change, and disaster risks to public health, and he works to advance evidence-based adaptation and mitigation policies and actions in these areas of interest. Right from the development and implementation of the first Heat Action Plan (HAP) of South Asia in the city of Ahmedabad in 2013, Abhiyant has worked with partners and national and sub-national governments on developing, implementing, and scaling heatwave health adaptation plans in South Asia region. He is a member of the National Disaster Management Authority of India’s technical experts' group that develops national guidelines for heatwave adaptation plans and a member of the Technical Expert Group on Heat-Related Illnesses constituted by the National Centre for Disease Control, Government of India.

Devang Bhatt

Renowned Journalist and celebrity host

Mr. Devang Bhatt is the host of India's one of the most popular shows, 'Atithi’. He has seen and experienced the media and its role closer than anybody else for the past 28 years. He was awarded "Best Anchor Award" at Toronto Canada by GPAC, and "Excellence in Journalism" at New Jersey, USA by GGC Conference. He is also the recepient of the prestigious "Gujarat Gaurav Award." At "Atithi" over 500 celebrities have been a part of this show, to name a few, Shri Narendra Modi, Shri Amit Shah, Shri Arvind Kejriwal, Mr Arnab Goswami and many stars from various domains. With each interview session on screen, by understanding the journeys of these remarkable people, Mr. Devang discovered the nitty-gritty of how successful people have shaped the world as a society. These takeaways have been handy to train the young blood, inspire children, students, and people in society at large.

Dr Anar Bhatt

Program Manager at WRI India

Dr Anar Bhatt holds a PhD in Management from IIM Ahmedabad and has over a decade of experience in the development sector. She has collaborated with prestigious institutions like the World Bank and the British Council, focusing on areas including climate change and food policy. A 2014 Legislative and Governance Fellow for the US State Department, her research interests span circular economic models, sustainable agriculture, climate adaptation governance, and business ethics. She has published and presented her impactful work in internationally recognized journals and conferences. She currently works on strategies to reduce food loss and waste in the country with WRI India.

Dr. Prashant Pareek

Assistant Professor - Marketing at Shanti Business School

He is an accredited management faculty by All India Management Association, New Delhi, He is currently associated with Shanti Business School, Ahmedabad as Faculty in the area of Marketing. Dr. Pareek is an Author of seven books, his recently released book is Brand Magic – The Art and Science of Creating Successful Brands, Published by MICA – The School of Ideas. In his academic career of more than a decade he has worked with Institutions like Gujarat Law Society, Gujarat Technological University, Amity University and Auro University. He has delivered guest lectures in institutions like Centre for Entrepreneurship Development (CED), Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIM-A), Rajasthan Technical University, among others.

Dr. Prateek Sharma

Physician, Clinical Researcher

Dr. Prateek Sharma is a gastroenterologist and clinical researcher, who focuses on GI cancers, embraces new technologies including digital health, artificial intelligence, imaging techniques and has been researching the environmental impact of medical procedures/eco-friendly endoscopy, and endoscopic treatments. He is a world-renowned physician leader, teacher, and educator. He has pioneered technology for the endoscopic diagnosis and treatment of early gastrointestinal cancers. Dr. Sharma has over 450 publications, including original articles, guidelines, and book chapters. In 2023, Dr Sharma and his team studied the waste generated and water wastage by commonly performed medical procedures and their impact on the environment.

Nirav Shah

Real Estate Developer, Interior & Architectural Designer

Mr. Nirav Shah, born into a well-established family, chose to forge his own path guided by his passion. After his education in the USA in his 20s, he gained global recognition for his contributions to Thematic Real Estate Developments. His accomplishments were further highlighted when he was twice nominated among the "Top 18 Next Generation Young Entrepreneurs" in India. With a career as a Real Estate Developer for three decades, Mr. Shah's influence extended beyond his professional achievements. For almost 15 years, he dedicated himself to counseling, life coaching, business mentoring, and community building across the country.

S K Srivastava

IFS, APCCF RnT, Gujarat Forest Department

S K Srivastava, an IFS officer with a B.Tech from IIT Kanpur, currently serves as Addl PCCF-WL and Addi PCCF-Research and Training. He has held various positions, including DCF, CF, and CCF, and worked at Tata Steel for five years. He received the Indira Priyadarshini Vrixmitra Award for mangrove plantation work, implemented wildlife initiatives, and created the video "Wood is Good."

Shwetal Shah

Advisor to the Indo-German Bilateral Project on Climate Change and Forestry

Mr. Shwetal Shah is Advisor to the Indo-German Bilateral Project on Climate Change and Forestry. He is the Senior Specialist and advisor for the Climate and Energy. Earlier he has served as Technical Advisor Climate Change, Government of Gujarat, India during 2014-2023. Climate Policy, Decarbonization, Paris Goals and NDCs, adaptation and mitigation strategies, climate finance are his areas of work and interest. He has been instrumental in Government of Gujarat’s initiatives of renewable energy policies, State Action Plan on Climate Change, Covenant of Mayors of Gujarat, Electric Vehicles, National and International Collaborations, state-wide climate change awareness campaign.