As climate risks accelerate across small island states, new Net Zero Speaks episode connects ocean governance, biodiversity, and gender equity to real-world climate adaptation and measurable net-zero policy

NEW YORK, April 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- As climate impacts intensify across small island developing states, a critical question is emerging: what does real net-zero leadership look like on the ground?

The Planet Classroom Network, in association with the Protect Our Planet (POP) Movement, announces the release of a new episode of Net Zero Speaks featuring Dr. Josheena Naggea , André Hoffmann Fellow at the Stanford Center for Ocean Solutions and the World Economic Forum, and a leading voice in climate adaptation, ocean governance, biodiversity conservation, and equitable coastal resilience in the Western Indian Ocean.

Hosted by climate activist Monaaleekh B.K. Gowda and produced and edited by Sahana Garrett, with art direction by Emily Brooks, the episode explores how communities in Mauritius are advancing climate adaptation, marine protection, and community-led net-zero implementation.

Climate Adaptation Must Be Grounded in Equity — Not Rhetoric

As rising sea levels, biodiversity loss, and extreme weather reshape coastal economies, Dr. Naggea argues that climate adaptation and net-zero policy must be rooted in justice, equity, and community leadership.

"We need to reduce emissions and promote resilience in coastal communities," said Dr. Josheena Naggea.
"Sustainable development needs to be thought of from local to global levels."

This episode reframes net zero as accountability, not aspiration — where climate policy is measured not only by targets, but by outcomes communities can experience: stronger livelihoods, protected ecosystems, and increased resilience.

From Ocean Governance to Climate Implementation

In a solutions-focused dialogue, the episode examines:

• How blue justice supports sustainable small-scale fisheries and coastal livelihoods
• Why ocean governance reform is essential to credible net-zero policy
• What climate adaptation looks like in real communities—not abstract frameworks
• How biodiversity conservation and gender equity must be integrated into climate strategies
• Why community-led climate action is critical to scaling net-zero implementation

By positioning youth as accountability partners, the episode moves climate leadership from global ambition to measurable local action.

Climate Crisis Revealed: Lessons from the Mauritius Oil Spill

The episode revisits the Mauritius oil spill, when thousands of volunteers mobilized to protect their coastline — exposing both environmental vulnerability and systemic inequality.

"During the oil spill, thousands of volunteers came together to protect our coastline," Dr. Naggea recalls.
"Following the oil spill, we highlighted inequities that women in coastal communities were facing."

Dr. Naggea emphasizes that climate disasters often reveal deeper structural challenges:

"Women in the informal economy often face inequities, especially after disasters."
 "The pandemic and the oil spill showed how important community action is in times of crisis."

Through her work with the IPBES Transformative Change Assessment and the UNDP Global Environment Facility Small Grants Programme in Mauritius, Dr. Naggea demonstrates how local climate adaptation solutions can scale into national and global policy frameworks.

Youth Accountability in the Net-Zero Era

The episode reframes net zero as a question of accountability — not aspiration.

For host Monaaleekh B.K. Gowda, the conversation underscores a critical shift in climate leadership:

"Dr. Josheena Naggea represents the intersection of global climate leadership and local community action. Her work in blue justice and ocean governance shows how sustainability must include equity for small-scale fishers and coastal communities."

He adds:

"That balance between international policy and local impact aligns directly with Net Zero Speaks' mission."

C. M. (Cathy) Rubin, Co-Founder and CEO of Planet Classroom, adds:

"Dr. Naggea's work makes clear that climate adaptation, biodiversity, and equity are inseparable from credible net-zero policy. The future of climate leadership will be defined by what is implemented — not what is promised."

🎬 Watch Net Zero Speaks with Dr. Josheena Naggea now on the Planet Classroom Network YouTube Channel

About Net Zero Speaks

Net Zero Speaks is an internationally recognized climate leadership series co-produced by Planet Classroom and the Protect Our Planet (POP) Movement. The series connects global youth climate activists with leading scientists, policymakers, and sustainability experts to examine climate adaptation, net-zero policy, biodiversity conservation, and climate accountability. By positioning youth as informed accountability partners, the series advances measurable pathways toward achieving global net-zero commitments.

About Protect Our Planet (POP) Movement

The Protect Our Planet (POP) Movement is a global youth climate action network advancing solutions aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and international net-zero targets. Co-founded by the late Dr. Rajendra K. Pachauri and Dr. Ash Pachauri, POP mobilizes young leaders to promote science-based climate policy and sustainable transformation worldwide.

The Planet Classroom Network, produced by CMRubinWorld, is a global media ecosystem and YouTube channel uniting creators, youth leaders, educators, policymakers, and international partners. Featuring nearly 1,000 original films from more than 400 international filmmakers and curators, Planet Classroom explores climate action, artificial intelligence, sustainability, and global innovation, amplifying youth voice and measurable solutions worldwide.

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SOURCE Planet Classroom Network