By Khoder Nashar & Hatem Hussein
SHARJAH, 14th September, 2023 (WAM) — The world is facing a global ecological crisis caused primarily by human activities such as deforestation, according to an Indian environmentalist.
"Media should not report this ecocide as if they are isolated climate events. Instead, they should report on the violence being done to the Earth at all levels, such as the destruction of habitats, soils, and water systems. We need to address all of these issues together, as they are interconnected," Indian researcher and environmental activist Vandana Shiva, told the Emirates News Agency (WAM) on the first day of the 12th International Government Communication Forum (IGCF 2023), being held in Expo Centre Sharjah.
She noted that the UAE plays a vital role in addressing climate challenges and sustainability issues through organising various conferences and events that address the real problems.
Shiva stressed the need for countries to take accountability for their emissions and take drastic measures to mitigate the effects of climate change to reach the absolute reduction of emission.
"Net Zero is a financial calculus and not particularly related to reducing emissions. One person's pollution cannot be compensated for by someone else's non-pollution. The polluter must pay, and we need to reach an absolute reduction in emissions," she argued.
Shiva expressed her optimism about the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP 28), which is hosted by the UAE in November this year. "I am optimistic about COP28 for the simple reason that the problems are now obvious, and the interconnectedness of such problems has to be seen through ecological linkages."
The UAE has a very important role as an oil-rich country, Shiva noted, adding that convening events such as IGCF and hosting COP28 this year is a very hopeful sign to address the real problems.
She highlighted the need for unity in the face of climate change "now more than ever." "We do not have to behave like strangers on this Earth because we are a part of it. This is not Mars, where we can run away to. This is Earth, and we are Earth-beings."
"My optimism about the future comes from the fact that the IGCF in Sharjah can take place with such a broad vision. This puts compassion and justice at the centre of finding solutions. I am extremely optimistic that humanity will wake up," the Indian environmentalist said in conclusion.