My paper presentation titled "Pollution, Development, and the Lessons from a Highway-Making Era: An Analysis of Kerala's Climate Paradox through the Lens of Carbon (2018)" was presented at Esploro 2025, an international conference organized by the English Department. The presentation focused on the complex relationship between development and environmental pollution, specifically examining how Kerala's infrastructure development, particularly highway construction, has contributed to the state’s climate paradox. By analyzing the film Carbon (2018), the paper delved into the environmental consequences of rapid development and the challenges Kerala faces in balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability. This international conference provided a valuable platform for academic discourse, where ideas were exchanged on pressing global issues, fostering a rich academic experience for all participants.