New Planet Classroom Episode Examines Ocean Justice and Net-Zero Accountability

Coastal communities in Mauritius showcase climate adaptation, biodiversity conservation, and equitable net-zero implementation.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 7:30am

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A new episode of the Net Zero Speaks series from the Planet Classroom Network explores how communities in Mauritius are advancing climate adaptation, marine protection, and community-led net-zero implementation. The episode features Dr. Josheena Naggea, an expert on ocean governance, biodiversity, and equitable climate resilience, who discusses the importance of grounding net-zero policy in justice, equity, and local leadership.

Why it matters

As climate impacts intensify across small island developing states, this episode reframes net-zero as a question of accountability rather than just aspiration. It examines how sustainable development, biodiversity conservation, and gender equity must be integrated into credible climate strategies, with youth playing a key role as accountability partners.

The details

The episode explores topics like how 'blue justice' supports sustainable small-scale fisheries, why ocean governance reform is essential for net-zero policy, what community-led climate adaptation looks like in practice, and how the 2020 Mauritius oil spill revealed deeper structural inequities. Dr. Naggea's work with the IPBES and UNDP demonstrates how local solutions can scale into national and global frameworks.

  • The Planet Classroom Network and Protect Our Planet (POP) Movement released the new Net Zero Speaks episode on April 1, 2026.
  • The episode revisits the 2020 Mauritius oil spill incident.

The players

Dr. Josheena Naggea

An André Hoffmann Fellow at the Stanford Center for Ocean Solutions and the World Economic Forum, and a leading voice in climate adaptation, ocean governance, biodiversity conservation, and equitable coastal resilience in the Western Indian Ocean.

Monaaleekh B.K. Gowda

The host of the Net Zero Speaks episode and a climate activist.

Sahana Garrett

The producer and editor of the Net Zero Speaks episode.

Emily Brooks

The art director for the Net Zero Speaks episode.

C.M. (Cathy) Rubin

The co-founder and CEO of the Planet Classroom Network.

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What they’re saying

“We need to reduce emissions and promote resilience in coastal communities. Sustainable development needs to be thought of from local to global levels.”

— Dr. Josheena Naggea, André Hoffmann Fellow, Stanford Center for Ocean Solutions and World Economic Forum

“During the oil spill, thousands of volunteers came together to protect our coastline. Following the oil spill, we highlighted inequities that women in coastal communities were facing.”

— Dr. Josheena Naggea, André Hoffmann Fellow, Stanford Center for Ocean Solutions and World Economic Forum

“Women in the informal economy often face inequities, especially after disasters. The pandemic and the oil spill showed how important community action is in times of crisis.”

— Dr. Josheena Naggea, André Hoffmann Fellow, Stanford Center for Ocean Solutions and World Economic Forum

“Dr. Josheena Naggea represents the intersection of global climate leadership and local community action. Her work in blue justice and ocean governance shows how sustainability must include equity for small-scale fishers and coastal communities.”

— Monaaleekh B.K. Gowda, Host, Net Zero Speaks

“Dr. Naggea's work makes clear that climate adaptation, biodiversity, and equity are inseparable from credible net-zero policy. The future of climate leadership will be defined by what is implemented — not what is promised.”

— C.M. (Cathy) Rubin, Co-Founder and CEO, Planet Classroom

What’s next

The new Net Zero Speaks episode featuring Dr. Josheena Naggea is now available to watch on the Planet Classroom Network YouTube channel.

The takeaway

This episode demonstrates that real climate leadership requires grounding net-zero policy in justice, equity, and community-driven solutions. By positioning youth as accountability partners, it advances measurable pathways toward achieving global net-zero commitments.