Decolonise the climate debate
Speakers: Lien Vandamme (CIEL - Switzerland), Rishika Pardikar (freelance journalist - India), Destin Sempijja (climate justice activist - Uganda)
Language: English
Questioning the narrative of climate finance from a decolonial perspective
The present climate crisis has been caused by disproportionate wealth accumulation, leading to highly unequal patterns of production and consumption. Up to now, climate action has mainly focused on emission reductions and new technologies.
Climate justice goes beyond this. It implies structural changes in our economic and political system as the current climate actions further instrumentalise nature and people, especially in the Global South.
A climate justice perspective incorporates historical injustices such as colonialism, racism and classism into its understanding of the environment. That those most affected by climate change are those least responsible for it is no coincidence. Intersections of race, gender and class must be more strongly centred and genuinely incorporated into the mainstream climate movement.
Consciously broadening the conversation allows for more imaginative and impactful actions against climate change – actions that lead to structural changes in our economic and political system.
Speakers
Lien Vandamme
Lien Vandamme is a Geneva-based Senior Campaigner for the Centre for International Environmental Law (CIEL) Climate & Energy Program. She is specialised in advocacy for equitable climate policies and global climate justice.
Destin Sempijja
Destin Sempijja is a young climate justice activist from Uganda. He is the founder and team leader of the Cherish Aid Foundation, a youth organisation that works with young people on environmental awareness and protection. He is also the national coordinator of Climate Live in Uganda. He is a youth leader and a specialist in renewable energy.
Rishika Pardikar
Rishika Pardikar is a young freelance journalist from India. She writes about ecology, biodiversity and the climate crisis.
