My climate change journey started during my postgraduate studies at the Central Department of Rural Development, Tribhuvan University. We had a subject—sustainable development with climate change-related theories. At that time, climate change was only a concept that was explained through theories, reports, and frameworks.
After some time, I had the chance to attend a 7-day biodiversity training with an organization, and it totally changed the way I look at climate change and its impacts. I was stunned by the data and facts that were presented at that training. After the training, I started digging deeper into climate issues and was introduced to blogs, articles, data, initiatives, and events happening in various parts of the world, including Nepal. I began to see that climate change is not only about the environment but also about survival, dignity, and everyday negotiation with uncertainty. That realization changed the direction of my learning over time.
I chose climate change and agriculture as my research topic for my postgraduate thesis. During that period, I attended various events, interacted with climate activists, read journal articles, watched various videos, and more. For my research, I also visited the rural area and had conversations with the locals and gathered their insights. That experience is very important for me because it provided me with the lived reality of the people at ground level. From there, I found myself stepping outside academic boundaries and into real spaces of engagement. Through various platforms, I had the opportunity to be part of stakeholder consultations, youth dialogues, and discussions on climate justice. These spaces were not always clear or easy. They were complex, filled with diverse voices, competing priorities, and topics I did not understand. In those moments, I was not just learning about climate governance; I was experiencing it.
I began to understand that meaningful climate action is not only about solutions but also about active and meaningful participation. Who speaks? Who listens? Who decides? And who is left out? These questions stayed with me, shaping how I see policies and practices. Also, I learned that politics and climate change affect everyone directly or indirectly. If you do not take an interest in topics like climate change and politics, they will take an interest in you.
Furthermore, I wanted to share my research findings, learnings, and experiences. I did that through newspaper articles, seminars, and various workshops. Also, I have shared my learning and findings with various stakeholders.
Read the newspaper article here: The Human Face of Climate Change: Stories from the Fields of Sigas Rural Municipality
Watch/listen to the Podcast: खेतीमा जलवायुको प्रभाव | Yadav Singh Dhami | Sonika Baniya
During my research and study phase, it was difficult to find information related to climate change. The information is there, but it is fragmented and not centralized. Then I got to know about the Nepal Climate Hub and found some useful information that filled the gap. After some time, I had the chance to become a part of the Nepal Climate Hub as a Province Lead and contribute my learning to the climate space. At NCH, I was introduced to individuals from different fields who are working to solve a common problem.
Today, I stand at a point where my journey is still unfolding. I am not only a scholar or activist on climate issues but also an emerging practitioner trying to bridge knowledge and action. I am learning to navigate between research and reality, between listening and speaking, between neutrality and advocacy.
And perhaps that is what a climate journey truly is: not a destination, but a continuous process of understanding, unlearning, and becoming.