“146,000 people could be protected from excessive flooding in Mumbai with a single neighborhood redesign.”

This is not just a statistic; it’s the bold vision of Chaitanya Sakre, a Cohort 1 Fellow of beVisioneers: The Mercedes-Benz Fellowship. In a city where floods have become a way of life, Chaitanya is leading the charge to reimagine urban infrastructure. His pilot project—a flood-proof road using water-absorbing asphalt—could be a game-changer for thousands in Mumbai.The global climate crisis is no longer an abstract future—it’s here, and its effects are devastating. According to the UNDRR, there has been an 83% increase in climate-related disasters over the past four decades. Each year, 20 million people are displaced due to climate change, as documented by Oxfam. Rising sea levels and extreme weather are wreaking havoc on communities worldwide, with low-income and marginalized populations bearing the brunt of the destruction.

The Inequity of Climate Impact

While no region is immune to weather-related disasters, their effects are not evenly distributed. Wealthier communities have the means to avoid, escape, or recover from such events, but the same cannot be said for low-income populations.

For instance, over 80% of people at risk of flood-related displacement live in urban areas, with those in poverty disproportionately affected. Structural inequalities in zoning, housing, and disaster response exacerbate the vulnerability of marginalized communities, particularly in regions like Uganda and India. These disparities are compounded by what environmentalist Rob Nixon calls “slow violence”—the gradual, invisible destruction of ecosystems and communities over time.

Solutions Rooted in Equity and Innovation

At beVisioneers: The Mercedes-Benz Fellowship, we are committed to equipping emerging leaders to tackle these challenges head-on. Our Fellows are pioneering transformative solutions that address both the immediate impacts of climate change and long-term systemic inequities.

Chaitanya Sakre, India

Chaitanya’s flood-proof asphalt project in Mumbai demonstrates the power of localized innovation. Beyond reducing flood risks, his water-absorbing roads recycle rainwater, ensuring sustainable urban development.

“Flooding has become normalized in Mumbai, making it impossible for many communities to live and work. We must rethink the city completely to mitigate this damage,” says Chaitanya.

Pamela Musimenta, Uganda

Pamela is combating deforestation, soil erosion, and land degradation in Uganda through the creation of six tree nurseries and soil conservation methods. Her project not only restores ecosystems but also generates income for over 400 households through sustainable agricultural practices like beekeeping and briquette production.

“We’re tackling flooding on a large scale by implementing soil and water conservation methods, such as trenches that retain water for use during the dry season,” explains Pamela.

Esther Lucy Adeke, Uganda

Esther is tackling the harmful practice of crop residue burning, a major contributor to air pollution, soil degradation, and the risk of uncontrolled fires. In 2018, Uganda’s air quality recorded a PM2.5 level of 40.80 μg/m³—far exceeding the World Health Organization’s recommended limits—resulting in severe respiratory health issues and environmental damage. Through her project, Esther trains farmers to recycle crop residues into mushroom substrates, providing a sustainable alternative that reduces pollution while improving soil health and agricultural productivity.

“By reducing crop burning, we’re not only improving air quality but also creating healthier soils for future farming,” says Esther.

Co-creating and Bridging Local Solutions with Global Issues

The future of our planet is being shaped by young innovators like Chaitanya, Pamela, and Esther, who are already leading the charge to address climate challenges head-on. Our goal is to diversify solutions to the climate crisis and in order to do that, we built a network of Fellows from all over the world who understand the issues their communities face better than anyone else. But young people cannot do this alone. Tackling climate disasters and building sustainable, resilient communities require intergenerational ecosystems where experience, resources, and innovation converge. By uniting the energy and fresh perspectives of the next generation with the expertise, mentorship, and investment of older generations, we can create a powerful force for change.


Join our mission in building a more sustainable future. Apply today to mentor one of our inspiring planet-positive innovators or sign up to be an expert speaker.

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