'Drill, baby, drill' doesn't sound funny. It sounds insensitive: S Prasannarajan

Climate change is no longer a debate confined to scientists, activists or policymakers. It has become a reality that shapes economies, geopolitics and everyday life, demanding not ideological battles but a more empathetic and pragmatic approach to environmentalism, according to S Prasannarajan, editor-in-chief of OPEN Magazine.

Delivering the inaugural address at OPEN Green Shift, Prasannarajan said sustainability has entered the mainstream as countries increasingly confront the twin challenges of climate change and energy security.

"We are all environmentalists today," he said, arguing that environmental concerns are no longer niche issues but central to the way societies think about growth, development and the future.

While acknowledging the urgency of climate action, Prasannarajan cautioned against reducing environmentalism to ideology. "What we need is not environmental absolutism. What we need is environmental empathy," he said, urging a balanced approach that recognises both ecological priorities and the practical realities of governance and economic development.

Drawing attention to changing global attitudes, he criticised rhetoric that trivialises the climate crisis. "'Drill, baby, drill' doesn't sound funny. It sounds insensitive," he said, referring to slogans that celebrate unrestricted fossil fuel extraction despite mounting environmental concerns.

Prasannarajan said environmental responsibility should not be viewed as an abstract political project but as a human one. "To remain green is to remain human," he said, adding that protecting the planet ultimately means safeguarding the conditions that sustain human life itself.

He also reflected on OPEN Magazine's long engagement with public policy and ideas, saying the publication had consistently contributed to national conversations through reporting, analysis and storytelling. OPEN Green Shift, he said, extends that engagement beyond the printed page by bringing together policymakers, business leaders, entrepreneurs and experts to discuss India's sustainability journey.

"Today, we are taking that conversation beyond the pages," he said. Describing the initiative as a platform for dialogue rather than advocacy, Prasannarajan said meaningful progress would depend on conversations that accommodate diverse viewpoints while remaining anchored in scientific evidence and democratic values.

The inaugural edition of OPEN Green Shift featured discussions on India's energy transition, green finance, clean technologies and the policy choices shaping the country's sustainable future.