CLIMATE WARRIOR

Bhumi Pednekar Actor & Climate Activist

In the six years since her Bollywood debut in Dum Laga Ke Haisha, Bhumi Pednekar has gained a reputation for choosing roles that don’t fit into the ‘Bollywood heroine’ stereotype. But that’s not the only thing that makes her stand out. Pednekar has been a fierce advocate for action on climate change, and her Climate Warrior initiative is committed to raising awareness. In 2020, Pednekar was roped in as Stubborn Optimist—a climate champion by the global citizen initiative Count Us In. She recently spoke at Climate Week in New York about how people in places of power, including celebrities and influencers, can start a conversation about climate change. The actor has also joined hands with young climate activist Licypriya Kangujam to raise awareness on environment protection. But how did all this begin? “I have always been a champion of environment-friendly practices. In 2019, there was a water crisis in Chennai,” Pednekar recalls. “There were long queues of people carrying matkas to fill water. I decided to use my social media platform to raise awareness and bring about some change. Later, my team and I decided to give a platform to all the work I do in this direction. That is how Climate Warrior was born.” Pednekar says she follows sustainable practices at home as well. “We segregate waste at our home, and use waste water for plants. There are simple things you can do: avoid long showers, carry cutlery and a lunchbox wherever you go, start composting, etc.,” she advises. Recently, Pednekar also joined forces with Young Earth Champions, a nationwide contest to inspire climateconscious students.