Unmasking Sangeeta Waldron: A Climate Crusader’s Heart, Humor, and Hard Truths
Posted on February 22, 2025 by Joshua T. Berglan
Imagine this: a cozy, high-energy chat where two curious souls—one a defiant media maverick, the other a climate change titan—tackle the big, messy questions about our planet, purpose, and humanity’s future. That’s exactly what went down on February 21, 2025, when I, Joshua T. Berglan, host of Unmasking Humanity and founder of the World’s Mayor Experience, sat down with Sangeeta Waldron—a multi-award-winning communications guru, author, and sustainability powerhouse trained by Al Gore himself. What unfolded was a rollercoaster of revelations, laughter, and raw honesty that left us both buzzing. Buckle up, because this blog is your front-row seat to the ride!
A Warm Welcome and a Grateful Heart
We kicked things off with gratitude—because who doesn’t love a feel-good start? Sangeeta, fresh off her magical book launch for What Will Your Legacy Be? Conversations with Global Game Changers About Climate Crisis in London’s Fitzrovia Chapel, was glowing. “We sold out of books, and the room was packed with 80 souls,” she beamed. I couldn’t help but gush about her genuine vibe—unlike some ego-driven folks I’ve met in this game, Sangeeta’s kindness and professionalism made her a joy to work with. “I treat people how I’d want to be treated,” she said, and I felt that sincerity in my bones. Cue the warm fuzzies.
Question 1: Al Gore’s Wake-Up Call
As a Climate Reality Leader trained by Al Gore, Sangeeta dropped a bombshell that still haunts her: “There are so few global leaders willing to step up on climate change.” Her time in Rome with Gore in 2024 was a game-changer, and she’s dead-set on amplifying voices like his. Naturally, I had to poke the bear—because I’m me. “Climate change is real, but what about weather manipulation? Planes spraying stuff, cloudy skies turning into tornadoes—how do we trust the narrative?” Sangeeta didn’t flinch. She leaned into her lived experience: teenage years in the Himalayas watching forests burn from heat, not arson, and grassroots stories from India, Nepal, and beyond where locals know the weather’s gone haywire. “It’s not a theory—it’s their reality,” she said. Fossil fuel lobbying? Oh, she called that out too—insidious and self-interested. No conspiracy required—just human greed.
Humpback Whales and Mind-Blowing Connections
Her latest book, which caused a stir at Davos 2025, gifted us a jaw-dropping moment. Sangeeta recounted a chat with a humpback whale researcher that flipped her world: these majestic creatures suck up CO2, pelletize it, and sink it to the ocean floor—nature’s unsung carbon warriors. But marine heat waves and plastic pollution are killing them off, and we’re all linked in this watery web. “We’re 70% water,” she reminded me. “As above, so below,” I mused, and we both felt the weight of that truth.
Listen to the Full Episode
Green Towels and Gun-Toting Gigs
For a lighter twist, I asked about the wildest client demand she’s faced. Picture this: Sangeeta, pre-Serendipity PR days, sprinting up a spiral staircase to snag green towels for a rap band at London’s Respect Festival because they wouldn’t perform without them. “Ludicrous,” she laughed. Then there was the celebrity who demanded she park their car—she doesn’t even drive! I countered with my own tale: reluctantly carrying a gun for a media mogul gig despite zero license and a boatload of unease. “Dumbest decision ever,” I admitted. We swapped giggles over the absurdity of it all.
Sustainability Starts Small
Sangeeta’s all about walking the talk, so I pressed: “What eco-habit do you push but secretly wrestle with?” She grinned, “I don’t preach what I don’t practice.” Her go-to? Turning off the tap while brushing her teeth—a simple, water-saving win she learned growing up in India. I nodded hard—lights off when I leave a room is my jam. “It’s about being a good steward,” I said, and she lit up. “That’s legacy—starting young, making choices that add up.”
Politicians, Speeches, and Stooges
Ever wonder how politicians sound so polished? Sangeeta’s written speeches for government ministers, and her trick is simplicity: “Some aren’t the brightest sparks, so keep it clear.” But I had to dig deeper—aren’t those her words, not theirs? She explained it’s teamwork—some leaders have charisma, not writing chops, and she molds their ideas into magic. “Not all get it, though—social media’s exposed the stooges owned by big money.” Preach, Sangeeta. Preach.
McDonald’s Paper Straw Flop
On corporate social responsibility (CSR), Sangeeta’s book Corporate Social Responsibility Is Not Public Relations says it all. Dumbest stunt? McDonald’s paper straws that couldn’t biodegrade. “A thoughtless PR grab,” she scoffed. We riffed on $5 tees and $300 kicks made with slave labor—enter my pal Jessica from Meet Miss Jess VR , a sustainable fashion dynamo spinning recycled newspaper into yarn. Sangeeta’s tip to spark eco-excitement? “Connect with nature—imagine losing the trees, the breeze, the beach. Then gamify it with kids—reuse, create, have fun!”
Non-Fiction Surprises and Policy Dreams
Three books in, Sangeeta’s shocked she’s a non-fiction author—her childhood dreams were all romance novels. “Me too!” I chimed in. As for policy, she’d force world leaders to cap greenhouse gases at 1.5°C. “Short-term thinking kills us—Native American seventh-generation wisdom is the way.” I couldn’t agree more—stewardship on steroids.
AI, Communities, and Saying No
AI-run governments? “No way,” she said. “We’re creative beings—give that up, and we’re zombies.” Communities, though? That’s power. “Bottom-up change—think suffragettes, Gandhi,” she urged. She’s walked away from oil gigs and divisive book projects, sleeping better for it. “Purpose over paycheck,” she quipped. I see her thriving in a purpose-driven world.
Bees, Laughter, and Truth
Her legacy check for 2050? “Bees—if they’re buzzing, we’re golden.” Grounding quirk? Laughing at herself—directions stump her, and her husband’s “writing hand” cue cracks her up. Final advice? “Be informed—know your truth’s source.” Boom.
The Wrap-Up
Sangeeta survived my 21+ questions with grace, wit, and grit, plugging her book with a plea: “It wrote itself—buy it, share it, act on it.” Me? I’m diving into it—her authenticity sold me. This wasn’t just a chat; it was a call to rethink, reconnect, and rebuild—together.
Grab What Will Your Legacy Be? via the links below, and let’s keep this convo rolling. What’s your legacy move?
