Today, I would like to acknowledge the silent climate heroes. The largest chunk of the world’s resources are consumed by the world’s upper 20% earners who also contribute to a majority of the emissions. Some of these humans declutter, wear minimalist outfits, shop from health foods stores, carry a tote bag and a reusable cup, use plastic free contraptions, … and get social media glory. (They absolutely deserve it. Being in a position to live a high carbon lifestyle but showing restraint is noble. It’s very rare. I only know ONE person in my whole circle of humans who has changed his/her ways for the sake of the environment. ) The rest of the world’s population consume so little out of frugality / poverty / uncertain futures / environmentalism / not having access to resources / hardships beyond my comprehension. They live in tiny homes. They embrace urban density. They don’t shop. They don’t fly on planes/go on cruises. They use the public transportation. They eat lower on the food chain. They don’t buy appliances that they don’t need. They don’t upgrade their belongings out of boredom. They shop from the unglamorous second hand stores, embrace repairs and use products till the end of their life. The landfills are located closer to their homes. If the sea levels rise, it’s their homes in line or their neighborhoods that get gentrified. If the storms come, it’s their savings that get wiped out. If the crops fail, it is them who feel the pinch when shopping for food. When the climate migrations start to happen, it’s their jobs that are on the line. Most of them need to consume more resources to live a dignified and healthy life but can’t or don’t. They inadvertently end up offsetting for the consumerism of their wealthy counterparts without their own consent and face the brunt of the pollution they didn’t contribute towards. Their carbon budgets get stolen by who ever has the power to take them. The terms ‘environmental racism’ and ‘environmental injustice’ have been coined but are often whispered in hushed tones as to not offend the powerful. We need to do more to appreciate/protect/empower/accept/glorify the humans who live within the planetary bounds and carbon budgets. Not all heroes wear capes, live a charmed life and have a social media presence. They will in turn be made to feel inadequate for not being able to shop in package free stores, not having access to recycling facilities, for not wearing ethically made clothes, for wanting what their wealthier counterparts have, … for not living a genteel version of sustainable lifestyle that is popular on social media. It’s an unfair world. On Earth day, all I can do is to pledge to stay with in my planetary budget.
{ I have been terrified to write this post since I don’t think I know the right words to say what I want to say without it coming across as me glorifying poverty. I want to fight for humans to keep their own carbon budgets without being stolen from. I want them to consume enough without being burdened with the lifestyle expectations of the Kinfolk-y version of sustainability. I have been told that we haven’t made much progress in tackling environmental issues because we haven’t addressed racism and inequality, by several activists. It’s only now that I am beginning to understand what those words mean. If you are used to a certain privilege, the idea of equality can look like oppression. It manifests in the form blocking the solutions that address the equality. “Stay with in your carbon budget” is a form of equality. It has been incredibly hard for me to comprehend that and to give up my privileges. While my intent is to acknowledge the unsung heroes, I don’t even believe that my saying thanks for something that wasn’t voluntarily given to me is much of a consolation. This is the reason I volunteer at the Citizens Climate Lobby. Some recommended reading on Environmental Racism and Environmental Justice : Andrea’s list. }