Teen Environmentalist Jahaan Gupta Leads Mumbai’s Green Revolution with Circular Economy Innovations
At just 16, Jahaan Gupta, also known as “The J,” is setting a remarkable example in the battle against climate change. As a young environmental activist, Jahaan has been making notable progress.
A prominent figure in Mumbai’s green movement, Jahaan began his journey with the ‘I’m Earth’ project at the age of six. This initiative has now evolved into impactful circular economy programs under Earth5R.
Jahaan’s efforts extend far beyond local cleanups and tree planting. He has successfully woven sustainable practices into wider community and corporate programs, showing how youth can lead effective environmental change.
He advocates for addressing climate change through science and collaboration rather than “us vs them” approach. Jahaan believes that real progress comes from working together with clear, evidence-based solutions.
The ‘I’m Earth’ project aimed to empower individuals, especially young students, to take charge of their environmental impact. This focus on practical actions, such as waste segregation and composting, set the stage for Jahaan’s broader efforts.
The success of ‘I’m Earth’ led to the development of Earth5R’s circular economy programs. One significant initiative is the Earth5R Community Composting program, which builds on earlier composting efforts to include entire neighborhoods and schools. By turning organic waste into compost, the program not only reduces landfill waste but also improves soil quality for urban gardens.
Another major extension of Jahaan’s work is the Earth5R Urban Green Spaces program. This initiative, inspired by his initial local planting efforts, seeks to enhance urban areas through large-scale green projects. From planting trees in public spaces to creating community gardens, Jahaan’s work improves air quality and urban biodiversity. His approach highlights how community involvement can lead to significant environmental benefits.
The Circular Economy Awareness Campaign, another offshoot of ‘I’m Earth,’ focuses on raising public awareness about sustainable practices. This campaign includes workshops, seminars, and digital content promoting the principles of reducing, reusing, and recycling. Jahaan’s educational approach helps integrate circular economy practices into everyday life, encouraging more sustainable consumption.
Jahaan’s achievements have caught the attention of the international community. He was invited to speak with the French Ministry of Environment, where he shared his views on the role of youth in climate action. His work aligns with the efforts of other young activists like Ridhima Pandey, Xiuhtezcatl, and Shalvi Shakshi.
Growing up as the son of prominent environmentalists- Saurabh Gupta, a renowned environmental advocate, and Bharati Marathe, an environmental architect- Jahaan was immersed in daily environmental discussions, workshops, and meetings. This background provided him with a deep understanding of the science of sustainability and a wealth of systemic knowledge.
Throughout his journey, Jahaan has also received invaluable support from his schools. Initially at Podar International School, and now at RN Podar School in Mumbai, Jahaan has been encouraged by his class teacher, principal, and headmistress. Their support has been instrumental as Jahaan traveled to various countries for meetings with ministries and citizen organizations, guiding him in a positive direction.
Inspired by the success of young entrepreneurs like Zepto’s KV and Aadit Palicha, Jahaan is also involved in business discussions, project scaling, and financing strategies. Their achievements in scaling up their company while still teenagers have motivated Jahaan to blend environmental activism with business acumen.
Jahaan Gupta’s leadership highlights the impact youth can have in shaping a sustainable future. His progression from the ‘I’m Earth’ project to Earth5R’s circular economy programs showcases how young activists can drive significant environmental change. As Jahaan continues to inspire and lead, his work serves as a compelling example of how youth-led initiatives can make a real difference in the fight against climate change.