Culture for climate action in Jodhpur: reversing the trajectory from fragility to resilience

Purpose This paper documents the outcomes of a year-long intervention designed to address climate challenges in Jodhpur, India. The intervention employed a phased approach that combined traditional knowledge, innovative communication strategies and youth engagement. The question guiding the interventions was: Can traditional knowledge, indigenous practices and place-based wisdom be used for risk-informed sustainable development? Design/methodology/approach The project utilised a mixed methods approach to achieve its goals. A documentary titled “Sanchay” was produced, capturing the perspectives of Jodhpur residents on climate risks. An architectural analysis of traditional houses was conducted to identify and understand their inherent climate-smart features. Immersive workshops engaged young minds in exploring climate change through creative expression, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to become agents of change. Findings “Sanchay” serves as a novel method for understanding risk through the lens of citizen narratives, offering a valuable complement to traditional top-down risk assessment methods. The architectural report provides evidence for integrating traditional knowledge into sustainable construction practices. The immersive workshops empowered young people to become agents of change within their communities. Finally, the capacity building initiatives strengthened the human resource base for future climate action efforts Originality/value This project introduces a novel method for understanding risk through participatory storytelling, centred on the lived experiences of community members. It demonstrates the efficacy of combining traditional knowledge with science and technology for climate action.