Climate Finance is all about simplifying the funding maze, and ensuring that climate investments deliver real outcomes like better energy access, stronger resilience, and more visibility for communities at the grassroots.
Rohan Chawla, our next pathbreaker, works with INECC (Indian Network on Ethics and Climate Change), a civil society network that works on climate justice by linking climate change to people’s daily realities, especially those of marginalized communities who are most affected but least heard.
Rohan talks to Shyam Krishnamurthy from The Interview Portal about growing up with a strong interest in numbers and problem-solving , and realizing that finance and analytics can be leveraged not only for generating economic returns, but also to address pressing global challenges such as climate change.
For students, If you’re curious and willing to connect the dots, you can create new careers that lie at the intersection of multiple fields !
Rohan, can you share your background with our young readers?
I grew up with a strong interest in numbers and problem-solving, which led me to study Mathematics, Finance, and Analytics. My parents encouraged me to stay curious and to work on things that would have meaning beyond just money. Early on, I loved observing nature and asking how people could live better lives without harming the planet. That combination of logic and care for people planted the seed for my career in climate finance.
What did you do for graduation/post-graduation?
I pursued a Bachelors in Mathematics (Hons.), which gave me a rigorous foundation in analytical thinking, quantitative methods, and problem-solving. Later, I undertook a Post Graduate Diploma in Management (Finance and Analytics), where I gained expertise in financial modelling, data-driven decision-making, and strategic analysis. These academic pathways equipped me with strong technical skills, but also led me to a deeper realization: finance and analytics can be leveraged not only for economic returns, but also to address pressing global challenges such as climate change.
What were some of the influences that led you to a career in Climate Finance?
Several influences guided me toward this path:
● Mentors and friends like Kastur Chakraborty and Arpita Bhagat, who had been working in this space for over a decade showed me that finance can drive change if directed to the right places.
● Myron Mendes, Executive Director of INECC, and senior colleagues who helped me see that finance is not just about numbers, but about improving people’s lives.
● Attending global climate talks and witnessing firsthand how communities suffer from floods, droughts, and heatwaves made me realize finance can be a tool for justice.
● Working on climate budgets and discovering the funding gaps in adaptation — a moment that convinced me to focus fully on climate finance.
● On a personal level, I have a supportive space in the Soka Gakkai community, where I base myself on the guidance of my late mentor Daisaku Ikeda and the constant encouragement of fellow members. This helped me believe in my own potential and clarified that my skills could be used for value creation.
How did you plan the steps to get into the career you wanted?
I started by networking with people on LinkedIn and meeting others in person to understand the climate finance space better. This gave me exposure to how the field was evolving and what kind of skills were needed. At the same time, I came across a list of courses and certifications in climate and sustainability, and I pursued them to test myself and see where I could contribute meaningfully.
Step by step, I aligned these learnings with my existing knowledge in mathematics, finance, and analytics. That combination of networking, continuous learning, and connecting it back to my foundation is what helped me build the right skillset and eventually find my place in climate finance.
How did you get your first break?
My first break came when I joined INECC as Climate Finance Coordinator. It gave me the chance to work on real projects like climate budgets, capacity-building workshops, and global advocacy.
How did you get this job? Was this through networking?
I actually came across the opening for Climate Finance Coordinator on LinkedIn. INECC had posted about it, and since I was already following their work, I reached out directly. Of course, the relationships I had built earlier in the climate space helped me understand what INECC valued, but the application itself was through the formal LinkedIn posting. It was really a mix of being prepared with the right skills and keeping an eye out for the right opportunity.
What were some of the challenges you faced? How did you address them?
● Climate finance is very technical and confusing. I overcame this by breaking things down into simple tools and guides.
● Then there’s lack of data and transparency in finance flows. I worked with my team to create actor mapping and templates.
● Explaining complex finance terms to grassroots CSOs. I practiced simplifying language and creating “for dummies” style handbooks.
Where do you work now?
I work with INECC (Indian Network on Ethics and Climate Change).
INECC’s Vision: INECC is a civil society network that works on climate justice by linking climate change to people’s daily realities, especially those of marginalized communities who are most affected but least heard. Its vision is to make climate action a question of justice, not just technology or policy, by ensuring that grassroots voices shape both national and global debates.
INECC’s “customers” are not traditional in the business sense, but rather the actors across the climate ecosystem such as civil society organizations, local groups, youth, and communities who need tools, knowledge, and access to finance to strengthen their resilience. Its mission is to build capacity, amplify voices, and influence policies so that climate solutions are equitable, people-centered, and inclusive.
What problems do you solve?
I work on ensuring that climate money actually reaches the people who need it most. My focus is on bridging the gap between big finance and vulnerable communities by simplifying complex processes, building local capacity, and making sure resources translate into real action on the ground.
Can you explain your work in detail?
Climate finance may sound technical, but for me it’s really about connecting numbers to people’s lives. I use my maths and finance background to look at budgets and funding flows, and then show where the money is going and where it’s missing.
For example, when I studied state climate plans, I didn’t just stop at the numbers, I linked them to what they mean on the ground, like whether farmers get support for flood-resilient crops or whether a health center can afford solar backup during power cuts. I also work with CSOs to help them see how their local projects fit into the bigger picture, so they can access the right kind of finance. In that way, the data I work on turns into real outcomes like better energy access, stronger resilience, and more visibility for communities that are usually left out.
What skills are needed for this job? How did you acquire the skills?
Finance, policy analysis, and communication. I built them through my studies, certifications, and practical work.
What’s a typical day like?
A typical day includes researching and analyzing data, creating guides, conducting workshops, and connecting with partners in India and abroad. Some days also involve engaging with global partners at climate forums, which helps bring international learning back to local contexts.
What is it you love about this job?
Knowing that my work helps communities adapt to floods, heat, or disasters, and builds hope for fairer futures.
How does your work benefit society?
It ensures that climate money is not stuck at the top but flows to the ground for communities, small entrepreneurs, and vulnerable families who are directly affected by climate change. For example, when we conduct capacity-building trainings in areas like green skills, just transition, climate science, climate finance, climate and AI, and most importantly climate justice, participants leave with not just tools but also confidence. That kind of empowerment, turning finance into hope and practical action, is what makes the work worthwhile.
Tell us an example of a specific memorable work you did that is very close to you.
One memorable project was conducting a capacity-building workshop for decentralized renewable energy enterprises in Northeast India. Many of these small enterprises face challenges in understanding and accessing climate finance. Through the workshop, we helped break down complex concepts into simple, practical tools. What stood out for me was seeing participants gain confidence. They left not only with knowledge, but with the belief that they could position their work to access finance and scale their impact. Knowing that the workshop created hope and clarity for these entrepreneurs made it very meaningful for me.
Your advice to students based on your experience?
Don’t think finance, science, or social work are separate worlds. If you’re curious and willing to connect the dots, you can create new careers like climate finance. Always ask: How can my skills help people and the planet together?
For me, having a mentor who believed in me and a supportive network of friends made all the difference. In my case, that network has been my Soka Gakkai community, where encouragement gave me confidence when I doubted myself. My advice is: never be afraid to ask questions, surround yourself with people who lift you up, and always strive to bring forth your potential for the solutions the world urgently needs.
Future Plans
I will continue to challenge myself and expand my scope of work so that I can contribute more meaningfully to climate action. Over time, I want to take my skills beyond finance and apply them to broader areas of resilience and sustainability. One dream I carry with me is to work in regions shaped by glaciers, where climate change is unfolding in profound ways. For me, the journey ahead is about constantly learning, pushing my own limits, and striving to create value for people and the planet.