As we look towards the next big global climate change conference (COP27 hosted by Egypt in November) - how can we make sure that we, as Asians living in the UK, step up to the vital planet preservation agenda?
How we increase our knowledge and experiences of our environment and natural sources. How we behave as shoppers and consumers. How we invest in shares and ventures. These are considerations that we all need to take far more seriously.
Perceptions
We are, however, living against a backdrop of challenging perceptions of our lifestyle. There is a danger that media coverage about India’s hesitancy on “phasing out” coal may have greatly impacted perceptions of Asians in the UK. Therefore, now is the time to ensure that much stronger Asian voices are heard on tackling climate change.
Indian diaspora has played an increasingly larger role in the economic development of India and therefore developing a stronger voice from beyond India’s borders to address climate change can influence India’s own growth and development trajectory to become more sustainable. Yet, the solutions are not so simple in that the diaspora themselves are part of the problem as well as part of the solution.
Lack of engagement with nature
In my work as a Park Ranger, I have observed that South Asians’ engagement with the environment and nature has traditionally been low in the UK for numerous reasons including the unwelcoming feel of the countryside, safety and security concerns, and socioeconomic differences.
With a track record of low engagement with the outdoors, how can we ensure this does not reflect in apathy for climate change action too? The connection with nature has been lost through generations in England and Wales as there has been little or no access to nature for many Asians, particularly women.
Systemic issues in accessing nature in Britain are also responsible for the low engagement of South Asians with the outdoors. Groups of walkers are small and do not necessarily accommodate our larger Asian group sizes. Stories of the countryside are told in local ways without connection to global histories and diversity. Sustainability needs to take into account of cultural diversity.
Need for more diverse representation
Stronger South Asian voices for climate change can be developed only if society and government enable the environment for the growth of such voices. Diverse languages are lacking in our environment. Multilingual appreciation of nature should become more commonplace. Celebrating writers and advocates of nature from all languages should be the norm. Our love for nature is our strongest ally in the fight against global warming.
This idea of not putting a label to it, but living sustainably, not as a lifestyle choice but as an essential duty, is a way of life for many South Asians in Britain. ‘Not wasting food because there is a less fortunate countryman somewhere out there who goes hungry’ has been a constant refrain familiar to many in the community. We should stop and think twice before throwing away old clothes or shoes - there is always someone who can repair and prolong its use. Taking care of other living things around you and being compassionate is essential.
Reuse, recycle and reduce
‘Reuse, recycle and reduce’ waste is economically embedded in the vast informal economies of South Asia. In many ways, stories of sustainability belong in every community in the world before mass production and consumption took over after the Second World War. Success has manifested itself as rampant materialism amongst South Asian communities. There is now a real need to rebalance this with our traditional values.
I strongly come to the conclusion that it’s also time to rethink Asian investment habits, such as investing in land/construction and in gold - two of the big emitting sectors in the world. It is time to question how to make these sustainable and to radically address their value for communities. Do Asians think about responsible investing in real estate?
The issues on environmentalism and sustainability are mainly framed by white activists, yet the biggest impact needs to come from communities that are not fully understood by them. How are we going to join forces with them and shape a diverse narrative for the greatest impact?
The Emissions Gap Report by the United Nations Environment Programme shows that even newer climate pledges from various countries put the world on track for a global temperature rise of 2.7°C by the end of the century, well above the 1.5°C of the Paris Agreement.
We all need to do more to reduce global warming.
