If you're trying to break into climate or sustainability, or you’re a woman navigating a STEM-to-climate path, this episode will ground you, guide you, and inspire you! Chandler Precht shares her journey from growing up in a marine-science household to becoming a Director, Professor, and Graduate Student at Columbia University, teaching sustainability, mentoring young professionals, and building the next generation of climate leaders.

This is one of the most honest conversations about career pivots, climate anxiety, women in leadership, and building a meaningful future in the sustainability space.

In this conversation, climate educator and UN youth leader Heeta Lakhani shares her journey from representing India on global platforms to launching the ClimAct Initiative, a movement designed to make climate education accessible to everyone. 🌍

From navigating complex UN systems to empowering youth through knowledge, Heeta’s story reminds us that education is the foundation of climate action. In this episode:

00:00: Introduction

01:25: How The CLIMACT Initiative Began

04:50: Bridging the Gap Between UN & Indian Youth

07:30: The Reality of Navigating UN Climate Spaces

10:15: Why Climate Education Matters More Than Ever

13:40: Challenges of Youth Climate Leadership

17:20: Building the Next Generation of Changemakers

20:55: From Activism to Education Reform

25:10: Global Citizenship and the Role of Youth

28:45: Heeta’s Advice for Young Climate Advocates

32:30: Heeta's Words of Wisdom

Ever wondered what it really takes to be vocal at the UN? In this episode, I sit down with Heeta, a bold climate advocate who works on real climate solutions.

0:00 - Introduction

2:31 - From corporate job to climate advocacy: Why Heeta made the shift

5:02 - What is the Youth Negotiators Academy?

7:33 - Real change vs performative activism in climate talks

10:06 - Understanding what’s really happening at the UN Climate Summit

12:37 - The impact of formal training programs on youth voices

15:09 - Do people really care about climate change?

17:40 - How country positions are decided before COP (Conference of Parties) summits

20:12 - Why consensus, not votes, decides climate outcomes

22:44 - Finding common ground despite opposing climate views (East v/s West debate)

25:17 - Climate change isn’t just one region’s fault

27:48 - What still needs to be done: A youth leader’s take