Podcast: Open Book
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Smart Cities or Fragile Systems?
Cities built our future. Now they may decide whether we have one. In this sharp, unsettling exploration, Raj Shekhar reveals the paradox of urbanisation—engines of growth and innovation that are also dangerously fragile. As climate stress intensifies, the real question is no longer how cities grow, but who shapes them—and at what cost.
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Water: The Decider of Our Fate
Water underpins civilisation, yet rising demand, climate disruption, and poor management are driving scarcity and declining quality. Rapid urbanisation is intensifying pressure on limited supplies, turning water into a systemic constraint on growth and stability. The future will be decided not by abundance—but by who controls, conserves, and survives on water.
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Feeding Ten Billion:
The post explores the impending crisis of food security amid challenges like soil degradation, water scarcity, and ecological destruction. As global population nears ten billion by 2050, the current food system is insufficient. Sustainable solutions require redesigning agriculture to focus on resilience, equity, and regeneration, not mere output.
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The Energy Dilemma: Can Civilisation Survive Without Fossil Fuels?
What if the greatest risk to civilisation is not running out of energy—but believing we never could? In this blog, we confront a dangerous illusion: that infinite growth can be powered on a finite planet. Fossil fuels built the modern world—but they also destabilised the very systems that sustain it. Can civilisation survive the break…
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The Consumption Machine: How Overconsumption is destroying the Planet
In this blog, Raj Shekhar examines the destructive power of modern consumer culture, termed the “consumption machine.” This system fosters overconsumption, driven by demand and marketed desires, which leads to ecological degradation. It urges readers to reconsider the foundations of economic growth, questioning whether endless consumption is desirable or sustainable on a finite planet.
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The Growth Trap
The blog discusses the concept of the “Growth Trap” in modern economics, highlighting the fallacy that endless growth is sustainable on a finite planet. It critiques GDP as a measure of success, emphasises the interconnectedness of the economy and the biosphere, and poses critical questions about how societies can thrive within ecological limits, urging a…
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Planet Under Pressure
The blog discusses the fragility of Earth’s systems, highlighting that six to seven planetary boundaries have already been breached, risking the sustainability of human civilisation. It argues that ecological overshoot and interconnected environmental issues threaten resilience. Ultimately, it questions the systemic forces driving humanity towards self-destruction, despite awareness of the consequences.
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The Anthropocene: When Humans Became a Geological Force
The blog discusses how human civilisation has become a dominant geological force, reshaping the Earth’s climate, oceans, and ecosystems during the Anthropocene epoch. This period has redefined humanity’s role and responsibility towards planetary stewardship. Can we do it?
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We are too many here!
The blog discusses the tension between population growth and Earth’s finite resources, highlighting that humanity’s demand is exceeding nature’s capacity. It argues for reevaluating our relationship with consumption and advocates for policy shifts towards sustainability, education, and restraint. Failure to address these issues risks severe ecological and societal consequences.
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The Inheritance – A new Blog series on the future of humanity
The content explores the concept of legacy, emphasising that it transcends mere possessions or accolades and is built through our daily actions and choices. It argues that true heirlooms may be environmental assets like clean air and water, and that our legacy will be defined by what we leave behind for future generations. • What…
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Hope on the Horizon
This conclusion of the series “Ignored Crisis” reflects on the journey through dementia awareness and care. It emphasizes the power of hope, innovation, and empathy, showcasing grassroots movements and technological advancements. With a call for collective action, it envisions a future where memory loss is met with dignity and support.
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India must Act
India faces a significant dementia challenge, with nearly 9 million people aged over sixty currently living with the condition. The absence of a National Dementia Plan exacerbates care disparities and burdens families. A comprehensive plan could promote early diagnosis, support caregivers, and strengthen India’s health system while positioning the nation as a leader in global…
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We Need to Come Together
A dementia-inclusive society requires collaboration among families, NGOs, employers, faith groups, media, and government. As dementia becomes more prevalent, integrating support is crucial to bridge service gaps. The collective effort can help caregivers and individuals affected by dementia find community, reduce stigma, and promote understanding while ensuring necessary policies are implemented.
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Beyond Amyloid
The blog discusses the advancements in Alzheimer’s research, highlighting the approval of drugs, which can slow the disease’s progression by removing amyloid from the brain. Furthermore, it emphasizes Alzheimer’s as a complex, multifactorial problem involving immune response, blood flow, and metabolism, calling for comprehensive prevention strategies.
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The Oxygen Mask Principle; Caring for the Carer
Rita, a caregiver, faces exhaustion and emotional turmoil while caring for her husband. The blog emphasizes the importance of self-care for caregivers, highlighting the risks of compassion fatigue and the necessity of sleep, movement, and social support. It advocates for boundaries and shared responsibilities to ensure caregivers can sustain their well-being.
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YOU ARE NOT ALONE
This blog delves into the emotional challenges faced by dementia caregivers, revealing their isolating journeys and the importance of community support. It highlights the need for shared responsibilities and emphasizes that caregivers should never be alone. Building connections through support groups and professional help can alleviate loneliness and promote resilience.
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Making Home Safe
Blog 9 of 15 in the series – The Ignored Crisis When Home Becomes a Memory Map At 3:42 a.m., Susan woke to the sound of clattering cutlery. Every light in the house was blazing. Her father was a retired station master. He was known for his impeccable moustache and his devotion to jaggery tea.…
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Caring Without Going Broke
This blog discusses the hidden financial costs of dementia, exemplified through Sunita’s struggles as a caregiver for her father. It highlights the challenges families face due to lack of preparation, cultural taboos, insurance gaps, and rising care costs. The importance of budgeting and seeking support is emphasized for effective care management.
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What to Say — and Not to Say
The blog discusses effective communication strategies for caregivers of individuals with dementia, emphasizing the importance of emotional connection over factual accuracy. It encourages validation and compassionate responses to foster trust and reduce anxiety. By understanding dementia’s impact on communication, caregivers can create a supportive environment, ensuring loved ones feel safe and heard.
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It’s OK not to be OK
The hidden emotions of care giving. The attached podcast is a summarised version of this blog. Breakdown on the Cold Floor. “ Last night, I sat on the cold bathroom floor and closed the door. The chill of the tiles steadied me after a day that would not end. I had been pacing in the…
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Boost Your Memory – Simple Daily Habits explained – Part 2
This guide emphasizes preventive strategies for brain health, advocating for early medical consultation regarding cognitive changes. It debunks myths about memory, highlighting effective habits like spaced repetition and retrieval practice. It stresses the importance of lifestyle choices, social connections, and mental engagement, promoting a holistic approach to cognitive well-being and joy.
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Boost Your Memory: Simple Habits explained – Part 1
Episode 4 of THE IGNORED CRISIS explores how daily habits affect memory loss, emphasizing that it isn’t unavoidable. Key lifestyle choices, such as exercise, nutrition, sleep, and stress management, are crucial for memory enhancement. Social engagement and curiosity also contribute to cognitive reserve, supporting mental sharpness throughout life.
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All Dementia Isn’t Alzheimer’s. Knowing the difference lights the way.
Episode 3 of THE IGNORED CRISIS explores the distinction between dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, emphasizing their differences. Understanding this distinction is crucial for families in seeking timely assistance and support for affected individuals, ultimately impacting their care strategies and decision-making processes.
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7 early signs of Alzheimer’s Disease everyone must know.
Episode No: 2 of the Series: THE IGNORED CRISIS This episode emphasizes the importance of recognizing early signs of Alzheimer’s disease to provide timely support and care for loved ones. It illustrates common symptoms like memory loss, planning difficulties, and confusion. Early detection offers families time for critical conversations and planning, empowering them to navigate…
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The Global Time Bomb
The Silent Story of a Global Crisis You must Know About. Alzheimer’s disease and dementia represent a significant global crisis, impacting millions across all nations, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Caregivers, predominantly women, bear the emotional and financial burdens. Despite the increasing prevalence, stigma and a lack of resources hinder effective support, necessitating urgent…
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The Forgotten Crisis
This episode of “The Ignored Crisis” addresses the urgent issue of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, highlighting its rapid global rise. With a life lost every three seconds, it emphasizes memory protection, awareness dissemination, stigma reduction, early detection, policy advocacy, and support for caregivers as vital actions for meaningful change.