What’s the magic ingredient when it comes to charting a career towards Climate action? Jatin Khaimani would say that it’s a combination of biology, chemistry and natural science.
Born in Agra and raised in Gwalior, India, Jatin’s journey to the climate space was neither linear nor preordained. His academic path initially nurtured a curiosity for forensic science and biotechnology. It wasn’t until his studies at the Indian Institute of Science, Education and Research (IISER) Bhopal that his love for environmental science took root. “Every time I applied to science-based competitions, I realized that I was often working on problem statements related to the environment,” Jatin recalls.
His first brush with climate change research came while developing a biosensor to detect methane emissions—a critical greenhouse gas that often goes unnoticed in factory settings. This project ignited a passion for sustainability, and in 2023, his growing interests led him to the Ashoka – Environmental Defense Fund Climate Corps Fellowship.
Tackling Climate Challenges at Mahindra
During his fellowship, Jatin was matched with Mahindra Group’s Sustainability team. His primary task was to research and compile a whitepaper on the impact of climate change on Indian agriculture. The whitepaper would serve as a vital resource for business leaders within the company’s agribusiness vertical, Swaraj, which is India’s leading manufacturer of farm tractors.
“My time here was a perfect combination of my skills coming together and I loved working,” says Jatin. “I even developed a knack for content writing which is what I currently do.”
Drawing from extensive research and consultations with experts in both India and abroad, Jatin’s whitepaper offered an in-depth analysis of how climate change is impacting agriculture. He emphasized the importance of climate-smart agriculture, integrating theoretical insights, graphical data, and real-life case studies, including his hands-on experience on the cacao farms.
Jatin’s paper also laid the groundwork for risk assessment and future sustainability strategies for the company. These efforts culminated in a presentation for Mahindra’s leadership, solidifying the company’s commitment to addressing climate risks in agriculture.
A Click Away from Climate Corps Network
Beyond the technical skills he honed, Jatin says that his engagement with the EDF alumni network helped him understand the many career paths available within the climate space.
“The Climate Corps network was just a click away and is still a click away,” he says, looking back at his interactions with experts, peers, and alumni from around the world.
He connected with previous fellows, some of whom had transitioned into leading roles at consultancies, startups, and multinational corporations. These conversations were pivotal in shaping his own post-fellowship journey. Now working as a consultant himself, Jatin credits the fellowship with helping him find his niche in climate advocacy.
A Call to Future Fellows
For aspiring Climate Corps applicants, Jatin offers this advice: “If you believe you have a skill that you are holding back to fully explore, then I think the fellowship is the time to test and hone it further. There are no restrictions—just opportunities to experiment and grow.” He encourages applicants to approach the program with an open mind and a willingness to learn, as the experience can transform not only their careers but their perspectives on the world.
Jatin Khaimani’s journey through the Climate Corps Fellowship is a testament to the power of interdisciplinary collaboration in tackling one of the most pressing issues of our time.
(Connect with Jatin on LinkedIn here)
