Meet Aesha Datta from the Climate and Society Class of 2023
Aesha Datta joined the Master of Climate and Society program this fall. As a climate journalist and Fulbright scholar, she wanted to deepen her understanding of climate change and was drawn to the interdisciplinary nature of the project.
Columbia Climate School welcomes new class of students this fall MSc in Climate and Society. This 12-month interdisciplinary program prepares students to understand and address the social and environmental impacts of climate change and climate variability.
The upcoming Class of 2023 includes 80 students with diverse backgrounds and career paths, impressive skills, and ambitious plans to help people and the environment.
Planetary Condition will be featured interview Join several of these extraordinary students over the next few weeks. In the Q&A below, you can meet climate journalist Aesha Datta, who wants to deepen her understanding of climate change in order to become a better communicator.
Can you tell us a little bit about your background and how you got interested in studying climate?
I’ve been a journalist for nearly 13 years, most of that time as an environment/climate reporter. In my most recent role, as Assistant Editor for the Environment, I led the climate vertical for ET Prime, one of India’s leading subscription-driven platforms, and was responsible for all climate coverage that appeared on the platform. I have focused on developing a climate report that relies not only on communicating the impacts faced by those on the front lines, but further enhancing this through data analysis, the communication of the science behind it, and the policies that influence climate action. The more I write on the subject, the more I realize its vastness and everything I don’t know. I wanted to study all the intricacies of this discipline, so I applied for a Fulbright scholarship, which was awarded to me based on my work as a climate reporter.
What drew you to the Climate and Society program in particular?
After receiving a Fulbright grant, I’ve been fortunate enough to explore some climate/environmental projects at some of the best universities in the US (including Columbia). I also have the great honor to be selected by them. However, the MSc in Climate and Society has one thing I’ve been looking for: an intersectional perspective on climate. It’s not just about science or economics, and it’s not just about law and policy. It takes a complex subject, affects people in very real ways, and delves into every aspect of that complexity. My experience as a climate journalist has taught me that there is a need to investigate the nature of the problem — the humanitarian crisis.
What are you most excited about while you are here?
I’m very excited to learn more about climate data and modelling, and equally terrified if I may say so. While I did some data analysis for my climate article, it is a spin-off of the scientific work of researchers in the field. Rigorous climate data modelling will be a key new skill.
How does the program align with your career goals?
I believe climate communication is a key cog in the climate action wheel. However, in order for us journalists to do our jobs well, especially in an area like climate – which feels inaccessible and dense due to its complexity – we also need to educate ourselves in this regard. I firmly believe this will make me a better communicator. Additionally, this will allow me to explore avenues in which I can contribute in other ways, whether in the areas of advocacy or risk management or otherwise.
Do you have anything to add?
The climate dialogue is still led by leaders of the global North. As global heating finally catches up with these countries, the sudden increase in debate around it is evident. Unfortunately, the countries, communities and people most affected by the climate have been feeling the heat for years and yet are under-represented in this very powerful conversation. I am also a representative of such a country: India. We need a more nuanced conversation about the geopolitics of climate and climate justice, and representatives from countries like mine are important to that.
