Reflecting on Our COP29 Journey: Art, Culture, and Climate Action

Attending the United Nations COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, was a transformative experience. Alongside my friend and climate optimist, Aakash Ranison, we explored the critical role of art and culture in addressing climate change. I was also accompanied by Diki Bhutia, the Director Environmental Sustainability at Karma Lakelands. Being part of such a globally significant platform was not just an honour but a call to action.

  • Art as a Catalyst for Climate Action: A highlight was the unveiling of “Below 2 Degree,” a climate-responsive art installation by Aakash Ranison in partnership with Karma Lakelands Golf Resort. This powerful piece will symbolise hope and collective responsibility to limit global warming. The session at the Digital Innovation Pavilion in the Blue Zone, titled “Culture as Catalyst – Art, Nature, and Climate Action,” showcased how creative narratives through art, music, and culture can amplify scientific research and policy efforts.

    Aakash also represented youth voices under the International Organization for Migration’s (IOM) banner, joining 23 other changemakers to advocate for solutions to climate-induced displacement. These passionate youth leaders highlighted the critical intersection of migration and climate change, emphasizing the need for global collaboration.

    At The Faith Pavilion, we explored the role of faith in climate action. Sean Clarke of the Spiritual Science Research Foundation stressed that 2024 is likely to become the hottest year on record, underscoring the urgency of addressing the climate crisis. Speakers also called for youth empowerment in leadership roles, connecting faith, dignity, and climate justice.

  • Insights from the Save Soil Pavilion: The visit to the Isha Foundation’s Save Soil Pavilion was particularly rewarding. We discussed Karma Lakelands’ environmental initiatives, including soil-building practices using farm animals and bio-waste. Our latest project, converting bio-waste into biochar, was well-received as an innovative step toward sustainability.
  • A Sobering Reminder on Climate Finance: While COP29 was inspiring, it also highlighted ongoing challenges. The summit’s climate finance agreement fell short, with developed nations pledging $300 billion per year by 2025, blending public and private funds instead of exclusively public funding as demanded by developing countries.

    India criticized the outcome, pointing out its low historical and per capita emissions despite its large population. This inadequate resolution reminded us of the persistent gap between ambition and action, strengthening our resolve to advocate for equitable climate solutions.

  • Cultural Insights: The Taxi Smoking Dilemma: One unexpected observation in Baku was the prevalence of cigarette smoke in taxis. A striking 80–90% of my rides smelled strongly of fresh smoke, reflecting a widespread habit. The lack of regulations prohibiting smoking in taxis raised questions about public health priorities and cultural norms.
  • COP29: More Than a Conference, a Collective Journey: COP29 was more than an event—it was a reminder that sustainability is a shared responsibility. Through vibrant dialogues and art installations, the conference underscored the deep connections between culture, environmental sustainability, and economic systems.

    As we move forward, we carry the insights, collaborations, and renewed purpose cultivated at COP29. Now is the time to push boundaries, inspire action, and integrate sustainability into our lives and communities. At Karma Lakelands, a Golf Resort with Residences, we remain committed to these values, and we’re proud to be developing Sobha Aranya—a Conscious Community of apartment homes that embodies our vision for sustainable and mindful living.

ABOUT

Ashwani Khurana is the Founder and Chief Eternal Optimist (CEO) of Karma Lakelands, a Golf Resort with Residences in Gurugram, Haryana. The resort is dedicated to sustainability and environmental stewardship and is also developing Sobha Aranya—a Conscious Community of eco-Luxe apartment homes.


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