On Monday, July 14, Asian Voice partnered with the Royal Air Force(RAF) to hold the fourth edition of ‘Be The Change' panel discussion on Climate Change at the iconic Cholmondeley Room, House of Lords.
In her welcome address Rupanjana Dutta, Managing Editor, Asian Voice, underscored the urgency of climate action in light of the UK’s increasingly frequent heatwaves, while commending the nation’s progress in reducing emissions. She reaffirmed the publication’s ongoing commitment to climate journalism, particularly within the British Asian community, and acknowledged the Royal Air Force’s continued partnership and leadership in advancing sustainability.
Host Lord Raj Loomba CBE highlighted the enormity of the climate crisis and the personal responsibility each individual bears in confronting it. He drew attention to the unequal impact of climate change, particularly on marginalised communities and widows in developing countries, referencing insights from his foundation’s work. Commending Asian Voice and the Royal Air Force for their leadership, he called for both collective and individual action in line with the event’s theme: Be The Change.
Wing Commander Manjeet Ghataora spoke about the RAF’s commitment to tackling climate change through the use of sustainable aviation fuel, investment in greener infrastructure, and innovations aimed at reducing carbon emissions. He also emphasised the RAF’s dedication to diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity, urging communities to inspire young people to consider careers in the force. A greener, more inclusive RAF, he noted, is essential not only for operational excellence but also for long-term resilience.
“Climate risk is not superficial”: Meaningful opinions from the experts
The panel was moderated by Alpesh Patel OBE, a Visiting Fellow at Oxford University, CEO, and best-selling Financial Times author, who invests in renewable energy and advises on UK-India relations and global climate tech solutions. The panellists included Prof Anusha Shah, a leading civil engineer and climate expert, the first woman of colour to head the Institution of Civil Engineers, with extensive roles in climate strategy at Arcadis and education; Dr Komal Raj Aryal, a disaster management lecturer at Aston University, with over 25 years of experience in local and international risk governance; and Ruby Raut, environmentalist and CEO of WUKA, supporting sustainable menstrual health solutions.
Calling climate change the defining national security challenge of our time, Alpesh Patel urged decisive leadership, framing the crisis not just as a burden, but as a catalyst for innovation, opportunity, and generational impact.
The panellists shared personal moments that ignited their commitment to climate action. Anusha, a civil and environmental engineer from Kashmir, described witnessing labourers toiling in extreme Delhi heat during her first job, an experience that spurred her to resign and focus on climate justice. Her later encounters with devastating floods in Carlisle and Srinagar further reinforced her resolve.
Ruby, who grew up in rural Nepal, recounted how menstruation became a barrier to education due to a lack of sustainable products. Shocked at seeing the plastic waste of products after moving to the UK, she created reusable period underwear, reaching over a million women and influencing UK policy. Komal reflected on growing up in flood-prone Kathmandu, frequently wading through water to get home. His chance encounter with a professor in an airport led him to study disaster management in the UK, shaping his career in climate resilience.
In response to what single policy change could meaningfully advance net zero, panellists emphasised the need for integrated and people-centred approaches. Anusha argued for a "nature-first" policy framework, urging that climate action must go beyond carbon reduction to also include adaptation, biodiversity preservation, and equity. “Never speak about climate without nature,” she said, calling for nature to be “put on the asset register” and prioritised in infrastructure planning.
Ruby, speaking from the fashion sector, highlighted the urgent need for sustainable consumption and responsible production. “Every business should have responsibility around sustainable consumption,” she said, noting that overproduction in the Global North results in toxic waste exported to poorer countries. Komal focused on the importance of localised climate risk communication. He stressed that “climate risk is not superficial. It is about risk communication, hazard communication,” tailored to every age and community.
Panellists emphasised that young people, especially from underrepresented communities, must be central to climate action. Anusha called the youth “our most important stakeholders” and urged reframing climate narratives from doom to opportunity. “This is one of the most fantastic times to get into this field… you get to redesign places with dignity and respect for all”, she said.
Ruby added, “Teens are not the future; they are the present,” and highlighted how today’s youth are globally connected and increasingly investing in sustainable living. Komal shared how interactive tools like 3D maps and Lego models have helped engage school and college students in seismic risk awareness in Himachal Pradesh, without overwhelming them with technical jargon. All agreed that youth empowerment requires decentralised leadership, cultural exchange, and funding pathways that give visibility and support to diverse voices.
Audience voices reshape climate change conversation
During the Q&A, participants and panellists explored key tensions between ambition, equity, and responsibility in climate action. Asked about the UK's financial commitment to net zero, Anusha argued for reframing climate resilience as a “financial and business case,” citing that climate-resilient regions will have a competitive edge in tourism, investment, and growth. “Resilience is not just a nice-to-have; it’s urban regeneration, jobs, and health”, she said.
Ruby noted the UK is falling behind in electrification, citing China's 80% EV adoption. However, Anusha and Komal cautioned against over-reliance on EVs, highlighting fire risks, infrastructure gaps, and the need for public transport and walkable cities. “EVs are not a panacea,” Anusha stressed, calling for holistic planning rooted in equity and urban design.
Several audience members stressed lived experience and grassroots solutions. A member of the audience urged youth to “touch nature” in order to understand the stakes. In response Anusha said, “That’s exactly what we need. Teaching life skills through nature is how we build future leaders.” Another audience member described a successful toolkit pilot on urban heat in London, highlighting the urgent need for simplified, inclusive public education.
Questions also tackled global equity and waste offshoring. Anusha and Ruby stressed that the UK must act beyond its borders, adopting full lifecycle carbon accounting and avoiding outsourcing emissions. Ruby added, “We must build recycling capacity at home, not burden developing nations with our waste.”
Komal called for local solutions like biochar recycling, while Ruby urged individuals, businesses, and governments to act together. “As human beings, we have a collective responsibility to leave this world better than we found it.”
CB Patel, Chairman and Editor of Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar, delivered a heartfelt vote of thanks, expressing his gratitude to Lord Raj Loomba, members of the Royal Air Force, and all guests for their presence and for contributing to an evening of powerful reflection on climate change.
Marking the 53rd anniversary of Gujarat Samachar, he spoke with pride about the publication’s enduring commitment to social causes, now with climate action at the forefront. “We are committed to continuing this mission, using our platforms to amplify awareness and action on this urgent global issue,” he affirmed.
CB Patel also commended the evening’s speakers for their clarity and conviction and extended sincere appreciation to the RAF for their valued partnership over the past four years. Concluding his remarks, he urged attendees to carry the evening’s insights into their communities and daily lives, and to act for a more sustainable future.
