As the seventeenth edition of the Jaipur Literature Festival approaches, anticipation is building for a captivating exploration of climate and environmental issues. Scheduled to take place from 1st to 5th February at Hotel Clarks Amer in Jaipur, this year’s festival promises to be a unique convergence of literary minds, thinkers, and humanitarians, offering a rich tapestry of conversations on topics ranging from climate change shaping civilizations to the intersection of artificial intelligence with environmental challenges.
The festival will kick off with a thought-provoking session titled “The Earth Transformed: An Untold History,” featuring historian and writer Peter Frankopan and Yuvan Aves. Frankopan’s latest book delves into the revolutionary history of how climate change has shaped the development and demise of civilizations across time. The session aims to shed light on the profound impact of nature on the course of history.
A highlight of the festival is “Intertidal: A Coast and Marsh Diary,” featuring writer and naturalist Yuvan Aves, alongside celebrated author Robert Macfarlane and acclaimed travel writer and novelist Colin Thubron. Aves will take the audience on a journey into the in-between space where land meets sea, exploring the harmonious coexistence between man, animal, sea, and coast.
The festival will also host a session titled “COP28: Global Stock Take,” where an informed panel will discuss the agreements reached at COP28, signaling the ‘beginning of the end’ of the fossil fuel era. The session will explore possible paths to a timely and equitable transition, emphasizing global solidarity and determination to move beyond policy into tangible outcomes.
Recognizing 2024 as the ‘International Year of Camelids,’ a session titled “Hoofprints: Year of the Camel” will feature scientist Ilse Köhler-Rollefson and Yuvan Aves. The discussion will delve into the crucial role camels play in protecting ecosystems and providing livelihoods for millions, emphasizing their importance in questions of food security, climate change, and biodiversity.
“Tiger Season” and “Of Big Cats and Tigers” will bring together news anchor and environment reporter Gargi Rawat and writer, novelist, and nature activist Arefa Tehsin. The session will explore the mystique of tiger tales and the ongoing conservation efforts in Rajasthan, highlighting the importance of preserving these magnificent creatures.
“Sacred Trees of India” will feature Louise Fowler-Smith, Pradip Krishen, and Mridula Ramesh, discussing the threats posed by deforestation and the cultural reverence for trees in India. The session will explore alternative approaches to Western capitalist commodification of nature.
The intersection of artificial intelligence with climate and environmental challenges will be examined in “AI for Good: The Climate of Change,” featuring speakers Marcus du Sautoy and David Sandalow. The session will provide a comprehensive look at the positive and negative impacts of using AI to mitigate climate change.
A visionary ‘Future Now‘ session titled “The Pale Blue Dot: Cherishing our Planet” will feature Mukesh Bansal, Amitabh Kant, Neelkanth Mishra, and Vishnu Som. The speakers will explore our changing world as India advances in exploring planetary systems, widening our horizons and envisioning a global economy within the burgeoning space ecosystem.
“Scorched Earth: Lessons from Nature” will weave through history and current politics, evaluating lessons from the past to better understand the impact of the climate crisis in our present and future. The session will be led by Siddharth Srikanth, Peter Frankopan, Jeff Goodell, and Gargi Rawat.
The festival will also address the evolving global response to climate change in “Chasing Sustainability: Policy, Industry, and the Environment,” featuring Mridula Ramesh, Amitabh Kant, Sumant Sinha, and Siddarth Shrikanth.
Lastly, “Migrants: Interconnections Across Time” will bring together Sam Miller, Sureshkumar Muthukumaran, and Aarathi Prasad to explore the interconnectedness of the world through observations on the migration of both humans and crops across time.
As the Jaipur Literature Festival 2024 unfolds, it promises to be a melting pot of ideas, discussions, and insights that will resonate with the global urgency to address climate change and environmental challenges. The festival’s diverse sessions will provide a platform for literary enthusiasts, thinkers, and environmentalists to engage in conversations that shape our understanding of the world and inspire positive action. For those seeking an exclusive experience, ‘Friend of the Festival’ packages are available for booking, ensuring a special hospitality experience throughout the event. Media registrations are now open, offering journalists an opportunity to cover this dynamic and impactful literary gathering.
For further information on the festival, including registration details and the complete schedule, please visit the official website https://jaipurliteraturefestival.org/
