Association for Rural Development
Project Report
Date: 14th November 2022
Prepared by: Bidhya Neupane
Designation: Intern
Project Name: Digo Bahas- A Podcast Series organized in the joint venture of the Association of Rural Development, Terre Des Hommes Germany, Nepal Youth Network for Sustainable Development, and SDG Studio from July-September 2022
Background
Despite the fact that the globe is experiencing a climate crisis, a large percentage of individuals are unaware of what is occurring and how much worse the repercussions may get. People need to be educated about climate justice, climate action, and sustainable development now more than ever. But if we truly want to make a difference, we need people to care; we need people to pay attention and put effort into what they do. Making podcasts about these subjects is one of the most practical and successful methods to achieve this. Podcasts are effective in simplifying complex subjects for all types of audiences and have a wide appeal. Additionally, podcasts are accessible because you can watch and listen to them. Considering these notions, a podcast named ‘Digo Bahas’ got initiated to make people aware and accountable for sustainability, climate change, climate action and climate justice.
Digo Bahas is a podcast aimed at having insightful conversations with leading and aspiring climate activists and youths. The podcast is the joint venture of Association for Rural Development, Nepal Youth Network for Sustainable Development, Terre Des Hommes Germany and SDG Studio. The podcast episodes are premiered on social media accounts of SDG Studio; particularly on YouTube. The podcast significantly highlights on Sustainable Development Goals, giving the optimum priority to 13th Goal of SDG, i.e., Climate Action. Young changemaker Shreya KC is the host of the podcast while the podcast invites experts from sustainability and climate action.
The objective of the project
- To discuss climate change, and its effects and make people aware of climate initiatives, and environmental protection programs from discussions with leading and aspiring climate activists, experts and youths.
Methodology
The SDG studio prepares a list of potential guests for the podcast. Once confirmed with the guests, they are invited. The host Shreya KC asks relevant questions to the interviewee. The episodes of podcast are recorded in SDG Studio. The editing team edits the episodes before it is premiered.
The first episode was aired on 8th July 2022. Sagarika Bhatta, environmental preservationist, a graduate of environmental science and founder of ‘Power Shift Nepal’ was the guest for the first episode. Bhatta being the recipient of ‘Climate Action Race Award 2021’ shared important insights on climate change. She shared how climate change has been causing disasters and long monsoon in Nepal. She also talked about economic loss brought by climate crisis and conflict. The episode had other discussions on the glacier loss of Himalayas, impact of climate change on women, migration led violence on women, hormonal changes caused by climate change and how women can take the leadership to mitigate climate crisis. Apart from sharing knowledge, Sagarika also shared her personal experiences and challenges from society and local government which she faced in the journey of her activism. The episode gave more significance to role of youths on waste management and how a simple segregation of household waste can also contribute greatly to climate action. The episode ended with the discussion about the role of schools and families to teach young children about climate change. This episode was successful with a total of 35.7 thousand views on all of the social media accounts of SDG studio,
Second episode with over 78 thousand views across all the social media of SDG studio was also another success. The sustainable practitioner and entrepreneur and founder of Agni Ventures/Agni Center for sustainability Silshila Acharya was present as the guest for this episode. Acharya shared how she has been doing constant advocacies for mountain cleanup campaign and shared the need of alternative for landfill-based model of waste management. The major topics discussed includes the change in monsoon cycle, reduced agricultural production and other impacts of climate change. Silshila also gave significance on the concept of waste segregation from households. Her coverage was mostly upon the role of youths and young entrepreneurs to utilize sustainable practices and manage waste in the urban areas; particularly of Kathmandu Valley. She also focused on the urgent role of youths required at policy level. While she urged the young audiences to create solutions, she also shared challenges that youths may face during their actions. The episode concluded with the gist that youths can have their career-based contribution towards nature and environment, as ‘giving back to the community’ holds a great importance.
Dr. Manjeet Dhakal, a climate expert and head of least developed countries team in Climate Analytics was present as a guest in the third episode. This episode aired on 5th August 2022, with a total of 34.6 thousands view on all social media. Dhakal also being a founding member of ‘Nepalese Youth for Climate Action’ shared how happy he has been to see youths participating for climate action. His shared his role about making countries with higher level of carbon emissions accountable for their action and safeguarding equal rights and justice for the LDCs. The conversation initiated with the history of formation of Nepalese Youth for Climate Action. He shared the role of youths while working with policy makers. While the conversation was taking place, a short clip played in between the podcast that explained European Heatwave led migration. Dhakal also talked about droughts caused by climate crisis. Similarly, he shared how Nepal can utilize electricity instead of petroleum to become economically sufficient while also reducing carbon emissions. He also shared the commitments made by Nepal on global platform and discussed on ‘Local Adaptation Plan for Action (LAPA) of Nepal. Dhakal emphasized on how Nepal could have played a significant role in informing the world about melting of Himalayas. He also shared that climate justice is a social discussion and climate crisis is everyone’s problem. Dr. Manjeet critically shared about the impacts of climate change on the marginalized and rise in temperature. While Dhakal was sharing about the threats of climate change, he discussed about the risks of disappearing of island nations into seas and the threats of Glacier Lake Outburst Flood in Nepal. Talking about such urgencies, Dhakal also noted about the adaptation challenges Nepal has. This episode ended with a conclusion on how youths can play a significant role against climate emergencies.
The fourth episode aired on 19th August 2022 with Bindu Bhandari, a climate justice activist, as the guest. Bhandari being into climate justice communication and advocacy for more than 8 years shared her initiatives in ‘Climate Interactive’. She shared her personal journey about climate activism and explained why climate crisis is not only scientific but a social issue. She shared the importance of ‘meaningful youth leadership’ in climate action. This episode also highlighted on ‘Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs)’ and its compatibility in Nepal. There is also a short insight on Paris Agreement and Nepal’s Commitment in this episode. Bhandari also explained that youths can engage in climate action globally through international engagement and networking. She shared how youths can participate in global climate forum and platforms like COP, directly and indirectly. She also discussed on scientific consultation and influence on rich countries regarding climate change. Bindu Bhandari encouraged youths to find opportunities while working for climate action. She also emphasized on social media activism. On the later parts of the episode, Bhandari discussed why climate change should be everyone’s concern and how everyone can contribute. This episode’s other major highlight was on how COP can be inclusive. The episode successfully reached over 36 thousand audiences.
SDG studio invited Dr. Dinesh Bhuju, an environmental researcher at NAST and educator at university levels, for the fifth episode of Digo Bahas. The conversation with Bhuju gave explanations on historical human actions that led to realization of climate emergency. During his conversation, he discussed on the emergence of SDGs and why are they important for global benefit. Dr. Bhuju highlighted on terrible scenarios of economic disparity among the haves and have-nots- even the average per capita income has been rising. He shared how this disparity can widen with climate crisis and lead to injustice. While sharing the benefits of advancements and industrial revolution; Dr. Bhuju also shared the destruction being caused in global environment and nature. He also justified that the injustice is not prevalent among human species but also among flora and fauna. The episode also highlighted in Pakistan’s Flood case. The discussion further emphasized on the history of research being done in the Himalayas and shared the role of young scientists in climate-based research. Bhuju’s notion of ‘growth is limited’ explains why youths should opt for newer and sustainable measures for development. He also shared that climate change can risk in swiping out the human civilization. At the end of this episode, Bhuju encouraged youths to play a crucial role in questioning against mismanagement and the academic role of youths in dealing with climate crisis. The episode reached 36.7 thousands of audiences.
Achievements
- Five episodes of Digo Bahas were released.
- The episodes reached to a large group of audiences; hence the goal of awaking audiences was successful.
Limitations
- The direct impact/influence of this project over the audience cannot be measured.
Conclusion
Raising awareness on climate crisis, sustainable development goals and climate action not only keep people informed but also facilitate both behavioral and societal support from people. Awareness can be more effective if it is approachable to a large group of people. Podcasts are one of the important tool of doing so. Digo Bahas achieves similar objective of informing and encouraging people for climate action. The podcast with experts develops and understanding on SDGs and an urge to act for climate crisis. Hence, social media-based awareness is one of the most effective tools of any awareness campaign.
Annex
- Link to the podcast Episodes on YouTube
- SDG Studio. (2022a, July 8). Ms. Sagarika Bhatta || Environmental Preservationist || Shreya KC || Host || DIGO BAHAS || Episode 1 [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_jjo3msuwzY&feature=youtu.be
- SDG Studio. (2022b, July 22). Ms. Shilshila Acharya || Sustainability Practitioner || Shreya KC || Host || DIGO BAHAS || Episode 2. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d6fDXvF5BCU&feature=youtu.be
- SDG Studio. (2022c, August 5). Mr. Manjeet Dhakal || Climate Expert || Shreya KC || Host || DIGO BAHAS || Episode 3. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ks4UHiH6qF8&feature=youtu.be
- SDG Studio. (2022d, August 19). Ms. Bindu Bhandari || Climate Justice Activist || Shreya KC || Host || DIGO BAHAS || Episode 4. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7K9lnqVyxQw&feature=youtu.be
- SDG Studio. (2022e, September 30). Dr. Dinesh Bhuju || Environmental Researcher || Shreya KC || DIGO BAHAS || Episode 5. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cO_7psyNi2M&feature=youtu.be
