India’s first-ever Mumbai Climate Week reflected the growing momentum around climate solutions in the country. Representing the UChicago Institute for Climate and Sustainable Growth (The Institute) India at a stall during the event offered an opportunity to share the institute’s work with a wide range of visitors and engage in meaningful conversations about the role of research in shaping practical climate action.
The Institute’s work across energy markets, engineering responses to climate risks, and implementation-focused policy design resonated strongly in a room focused on accelerating climate-based solutions. A question that repeatedly surfaced in conversations with our visitors was simple but powerful: “Does this actually make a difference?” It became the starting point for many discussions as delegates explored our stall. People were keen to understand not only the theory behind climate policy tools but also their real-world outcomes.
One example that sparked particular interest was the emissions trading system piloted in Gujarat. Sharing this example helped us illustrate how research, thoughtful policy design and working closely with government stakeholders can translate into tangible environmental outcomes. For many visitors, this was a compelling demonstration of how emissions markets can reduce pollution while maintaining economic efficiency. Seeing a concrete example of policy innovation in action helped build confidence that market-based environmental regulation can be both practical and impactful in the Indian context.
Beyond discussing specific projects, the stall quickly became a space for dialogue. Visitors came from a wide range of backgrounds. Students studying climate change, sustainability, and public policy stopped by to learn more about the Institute’s work. ESG teams from private sector organisations expressed interest in research collaborations and knowledge exchange. Social activists shared their perspectives on community-level climate challenges, while professionals transitioning into sustainability-focused careers asked about pathways into the sector.
What united this diverse group was a shared sense of curiosity and optimism. Many visitors were interested in knowing how institutions like the Institute identify policy challenges, design practical solutions, and support implementation on the ground. These conversations reflected a broader recognition that climate and environmental issues are not viewed as distant or abstract concerns; rather, they are seen as shared responsibilities. Some students also enquired about internship opportunities and engaged with questions about our Master’s programme, reflecting a broader interest in contributing to the sustainability space. Each discussion brought a different perspective, yet all reflected a sincere commitment to addressing India’s sustainability challenges. It reinforced our belief that climate sustainability is an inclusive space, one where people from diverse backgrounds come together with shared enthusiasm to exchange ideas and build common ground.
Hosting the stall also created opportunities to connect organisations and researchers working on related challenges. These interactions highlighted the growing ecosystem of institutions working toward sustainable growth in India. For us at EPIC India, which is part of the Institute, the exchanges were particularly valuable in thinking about how market-based tools such as emissions trading systems can be expanded across sectors and geographies, and how their real-world impact can be communicated more effectively to broader audiences.
More broadly, the experience reinforced how strongly climate action resonates across communities, from students and researchers to businesses and civil society. The curiosity, questions, and perspectives shared during the week reflected a collective interest in moving from discussion to implementation. We certainly benefited from this experience, and it resonated that platforms like Mumbai Climate Week play an important role in enabling these conversations and strengthening the networks needed to advance practical, evidence-based solutions for a more sustainable future.