Attend this unique summit on eco-conservation to discuss the future of Mumbai

As the temperatures rise every day something is inevitably changing around Mumbai From high mercury and pollution levels to development that slowly encroaches upon green spaces the urban space is a battleground between human needs and natural existenceAnuradha Parikh artistic director of G5A is familiar with this conflict The upcoming Mumbai Climate Now summit at the venue is built around this very concern that has only grown in recent years ldquoClimate change is a serious inevitability and will affect us all As an arts organisation itrsquos important to be a part of that conversation because one could argue that it is shifting culture that will ultimately affect our individual and therefore collective behaviourrdquo she saysNeeraj LohaniThe fiveday summit a part of G5Arsquos CityLab will witness talks artistic presentations and discussions on sustainability built along three lenses mdash architecture community and environment Parikh adds ldquoStories are what we remember carry with us and pass on It is only through stories that wersquod be able to transmit the emotions the ideas and the urgency that we so desperately need at this moment in timerdquoAmong the conversations are panel discussions on subjects as varied as the changing nature of climate in the city and its effect on residents the need for conservation of the cityrsquos definitive ecosystems such as mangroves building a walkable city cued for sustainable living among others The panellists include names such as environmental activist and founder of Sanctuary Nation Foundation Bittu Sahgal who says ldquoEvery last rupee we now spend on Mumbairsquos infrastructure must pass through a filter that determines whether the investment will result in making Mumbai safer or more vulnerable to the impacts of the climate crisis we have foisted upon ourselvesrdquoParikh adds ldquoThe panels will cover a wide range of topics and areas But in essence they will explore our human relationship with the natural world How has our relationship with our planet changed how is it continuing to change and where must we try and steer that towardsrdquoAnuradha Parikh and Bittu SahgalThe visual impact of these discussions will be conveyed through the immersive installation The Lost Archive at the heart of the venue Conceived and designed by Team G5A the installation will combine the audiovisual portrayal of Mumbairsquos journey mdash from the past to a hypothetical future mdash as the core for the narrative told by Mumbaikars across timeThe director explains ldquoThe idea began building momentum when we tried to imagine what the stories of our time would be like what would be remembered today Imagining an oral history of the future From there we explored many multiple avenues physical and digital and it felt as though the crux had to be Mumbai Without our city so much would not existrdquoYet what sets the summit apart is the use of these stories to force the issue The installation will be supplemented by a series of dramatic readings a fashion show and performances by artists from the local communities These range from lyricist Javed Akhtar theatre makers Yuki Ellias and Naseeruddin Shah as well as dancerchoreographer Neeraj Lohani For Lohani the cityrsquos tradition of dance forms the context of his exploration He says ldquoI choose dance as a medium to express the idea of ecological threat and the need for conservation in Mumbai is a powerful and creative choicerdquoParikh points out that the summit will also be a chance to discuss their ongoing work with the BMC on wardwide projects that look at greening and rewilding the city In the end she says ldquoWe want Mumbairsquos citizens to show up for our city to jointly affirm our love and commitment to our home and to chart a path forwardrdquoFrom Tomorrow 12 pm onwardsTill April 21At G5A Warehouse Shakti Mills Lane Mahalaxmi WestLog on to g5afoundationorg or urbanautappg5a RSVP mandatoryMustCatch EventsgtgtClimate and the cityPanel discussion with Anuradha Parikh Bittu Sahgal architect PK Das above Dia Mirza and Heeta LakhaniON April 17 7 pmgtgt My love letter to MumbaiAn ode to the city by lyricist Javed AkhtarON April 17 8 pmgtgt My love letter to MumbaiAn ode to the city by Naseeruddin Shah and Yuki ElliasON April 19 9 pm and 930 pmgtgt Mangroves coalitionA discussion on conservation of the cityrsquos mangrove reserves with Aaran Patel Lubaina Rangwala and Tejashree JoshiON April 20 12 pmgtgt Walk friendly cityA take on pedestrianfriendly alternatives by Rishi AggarwalON April 20 6 pmgtgt Reimagining MumbaiAnuradha Parikh speaks with assistant commissioner D Ward Sharad Ughade PK Das Bittu Sahgal and Dia MirzaON April 21 6 pm