Sustainability and Climate Change Professional Interview

Organizations need to reinvent their business models not only to stay competitive but also to drive transformation towards sustainable development, in strategy, planning and execution

Amol Kapoor, our next pathbreaker, works for a not for-profit, industry-led institution that helps business become sustainable organizations.

Amol talks to Shyam Krishnamurthy from The Interview Portal about shifting gears after his BTech to pursue an MSc in Climate Change and Sustainable Studies from TISS Mumbai, in order to shift his focus on environmental issues

For students, understanding social sciences from a young age is crucial for developing and refining critical opinions which are critical for solving environmental challenges

Amol, your Background?

I grew up in a middle-class household in Delhi. As a child, I was extremely shy but found solace and excitement in sports. I was oriented to the concept of storytelling and narratives .

Tell us about your education

For my undergraduate studies, I pursued a BTech in Information Technology from Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University (GGSIPU). This technical background provided me with a solid foundation in analytical thinking and problem-solving skills. After my BTech, I shifted gears to focus on environmental issues, completing an MSc in Climate Change and Sustainable Studies from TISS Mumbai. This transition marked a significant shift in my career path, aligning more closely with my growing interest in sustainability and environmental conservation.

This is a MSc/ MA program which caters to people from commerce, social science and science backgrounds. It has elements of climate science, economics and social impact.

Can you talk about some of the influences that led you to such an offbeat, unconventional, and uncommon career?

Key Influences: My trajectory changed significantly in my fourth semester during an online sustainability management course at IIM Bangalore. The subject matter resonated deeply with me, sparking a lasting interest in sustainability. In my gap year, I further explored this interest through a climate change course from the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), where I was the youngest participant.

My admission to the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) in 2022 marked the formal start of my career in climate change. Another pivotal moment was securing my first internship at the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), a well-regarded think tank. Interviewing Rajendra Singh, the "Water Man of India," was a particularly enlightening experience.

How did you plan the steps to get into the career you wanted? Tell us about your career path.

Recognizing that coding and traditional IT roles were not my calling, I actively sought opportunities in areas that resonated with me – sustainability and environmental impact.

When I shifted to online learning due to COVID-19, the one thing I lacked was industry exposure, which I addressed by starting a webinar series and inviting professionals to interact with my classmates. This initiative led to an internship opportunity at CSE (Center for Science & Environment), where I conducted secondary research on climate policy and participated in online training. My summer internship at TISS involved GHG accounting and sustainability reporting at CII-ITC, offering substantial exposure to real-world applications. I then ventured into the core mitigation sector with an internship at CEEW, where I contributed to energy sector GHG inventory work in Bihar and gained experience in energy modeling.

Energy modeling in the context of power generation and distribution is like using a computer to build a small, virtual model of how we produce and consume energy. This tool lets us explore different scenarios, such as what might happen if we change technology or economic rules. For example, it can predict how much hydrogen, a clean energy source, might be used in our electricity systems in the years 2030, 2050, and 2070, based on the policies and economics we have now and the data we put into the model. This helps energy companies and governments plan for the future of electricity production and use.

Greenhouse gas (GHG) accounting is a process focused on quantifying emissions such as carbon dioxide and methane from an organization, which, as well all know, contribute to global warming, . This practice is crucial for organizations aiming to understand and manage their environmental impact. By systematically inventorying their emissions, companies can formulate and implement decarbonization strategies. These strategies are key to transitioning businesses towards more sustainable, low-carbon operations. GHG accounting serves as both a diagnostic tool to identify emission hotspots and as a roadmap guiding efforts towards a greener future.

My academic qualifications, coupled with proactive networking, played a crucial role in each step of my career.

How did you get your first professional break?

After completing my master's, I joined KPMG as an ESG Associate Consultant. While this role offered economic stability and a significant career step, it ultimately did not align with my personal goals and aspirations, leading me to leave after five months.

What were some of the challenges you faced?

• Transition to Business Management: Coming from a policy and research background, adapting to the business-oriented aspects of my job was challenging.
• Office Politics: Navigating the complex dynamics of workplace politics was a new and difficult experience.
• Micromanaging Boss: Dealing with a micromanaging superior was a significant hurdle, requiring adaptability and patience.

Can you tell us about your current role?

I currently work at at CII-ITC CESD. CII-ITC Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Development (CESD) is one of CII's 9 Centres of excellence. CESD is a not for-profit, industry-led institution that helps business become sustainable organizations. They are on a mission to catalyze innovative ideas and solutions, in India, and globally, to enable businesses, and their stakeholders, in sustainable value creation. CII's knowledge, action and recognition activities enable companies to be future ready, improve footprints profiles, and helps advocate policymakers and legislators to improve standards of sustainable business through domestic and global policy interventions.

Vision-Be a global leader, in thought and action, to drive transformation, towards sustainable development.

Mission-To catalyze innovative ideas and solutions, in India, and globally, to enable business, and its stakeholders, in sustainable value creation.

What are the skills required for your role? How did you acquire them?

My responsibilities include conducting research on climate policy, writing policy advocacy points for CII delegations, analyzing recent updates, and participating in industry capacity-building programs.

A strong background in research, an interest in climate policy, staying updated on global trends, and possessing good communication skills are essential. Additionally, having a socio-economic perspective on global issues is important.

My day typically runs from 9 to 5, filled with various tasks related to research and policy analysis.

The work environment is supportive, and there is a strong sense of team spirit. I value the respect for my viewpoints and the opportunities for learning and growth.

How does your work benefit society?

Our work involves capacity building in the industry sector for climate change adaptation and mitigation. We develop tools for MSMEs to assess and manage climate change risks and provide policy advocacy, acting as a liaison between the government and industry.

We specialize in organizing training sessions for groups of factories and businesses. In these sessions, we teach them about climate change, how it can impact their operations, and what steps they can take to address it. Using our specialized tool, we gather both qualitative and quantitative data related to climate change from these businesses. We then analyze their value chain to identify any risks related to climate change. After a thorough analysis, we provide these industrial clusters with detailed insights and recommendations based on our findings.

Can you tell us about some of your memorable projects?

I was part of a team that drafted a policy paper for the B20 energy, climate, and resource efficiency task force. Some of our recommendations were included in the G20 New Delhi leaders' declaration, a significant acknowledgment of our work. On a personal note, my ideas were selected as among the top 75 global ideas for the Mission Life competition organized by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) and NITI Aayog.

Advice to Students?

I encourage students to step out of their comfort zones, embrace new experiences, and learn from failures. Understanding social sciences from a young age is crucial for developing and refining critical opinions. Given the rapidly growing climate sector, students should aim to contribute to solving environmental challenges and consider starting ventures in this field.

Future Plans?

My goal is to disrupt the climate change sector by raising awareness, providing impactful services, and creating a larger impact on society and the environment. I will build my own startup soon.