Where in the world are you?
Wellington New Zealand What do you do in the world? Pull coffee shots, write long and short essays and illustrate my living room. In one sentence, what is climate change? A devastating consequence of selfish human thought. How does climate change affect your life? The degradation of ecosystems is all around us. Drought, water pollution and extreme weather conditions affect all living organisms (except maybe cockroaches). Most devastating are the effects that these changes have on the world's most vulnerable people. What do you feel you can do about it? I don't drive....and it's all very well to recycle, buy organic food and say no to plastic bags. But fundamentally I think that the governments and corporations that put capital gains before responsibility to nature and all it entails need to be exposed, be he held accountabe and accept responsibility. I hope that some of my research and writing can inspire and influence this. Do you feel there is more you could do? If so, what is stopping you from doing those things? Yes. Essentially the time needed to endlessly lobby our governments. I also think it's fundamentally necessary to address and work against the effects of climate change in third world and developing countries. Something that geography makes difficult. What's your favourite Sunday afternoon activity? I like to get out and go for a walk, cycle or a swim. Followed by dinner at a friends house. Free space: write anything you like, nothing at all, or ask us a question A tree falls whichever way it leans...be careful which way you lean. - The Lorax
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Silvia Perlit Quincho Vela Where in the world are you? Wellington, New Zealand. Originally Lima, Peru. What do you do in the world? I'm an Environmental Scientist learning about Climate Change Adaptation Strategies based on Indigenous Knowledge. In one sentence, what is climate change? It is the consequence of our unbalanced civilization, our lack of understanding that by hurting the Planet, we also hurt ourselves. How does climate change affect your life? Personally, Climate Change is messing up with my morning coffee. As Climate Change shifts seasons, some products are becoming less available. In my life, that's coffee. The changing weather patterns have badly affected coffee plantations in my country, diseases have spread out and the coffee harvest has been reduced in quantity and quality. Besides that, Climate Change is causing the retreat of tropical glaciers which feed the rivers most Peruvians drink from. I feel Climate Change is a reality in my life and it can potentially affect my loved ones. What do you feel you can do about it? A lot. Climate Change is giving us the opportunity to become Smart Global Citizens once again. I say "Once Again" because during my time researching among indigenous communities, I realized they are already Smart Global Citizens. No matter where they are placed in the world, indigenous communities share a deep understanding of complex systems, they acknowledge the Planet as a unity, they understand the interconnection between natural systems, and they describe the role of humankind as guardians. Learning from them, has helped me to reconnect with my roots and embrace them. It has also gave me a wider outlook to find climate smart solutions. Now, I devote my work to reconnect indigenous knowledge for Climate Change Adaptation. We are all indigenous from somewhere in the world, Peruvian, Maori, British, Chinese, we are all Earthians. Indigenous knowledge is inclusive. So why not embrace that side of us and become Smart Global Citizens once again. Do you feel there is more you could do? If so, what is stopping you from doing those things? I do. I feel there is an amazing opportunity to build bridges to learn, share and exchange climate indigenous knowledge. Right now, being in New Zealand, I'm developing a project to connect Peruvian and Maori Knowledge around Climate Smart Agriculture. I called this project, Pukina Koru. My biggest barrier to make this happen, is my own fears. But I also need to find a kiwi counterpart and a platform. I was hoping to develop my idea by means of a Master Program in Victoria, but I wasn't granted the scholarship I applied for. So now, I'm exploring other options. If there is anyone out there keen on sharing and exchanging knowledge on Climate Smart Agriculture based on traditional knowledge, let's talk! What's your favourite Sunday afternoon activity? Lately, I enjoy cooking for my friends. Extra for experts: Do you remember how you first became active in climate change? Was there something specific that triggered you to act? How old were you then? How old are you now? I've been eco-conscious for as long as I can remember. But I think I started taking action when I turned 15 years old. I got involved with environmental groups and soon after I became an environmental activist. The episode that triggered my will to act in Climate Change was witnessing, first-hand, the fast retreat of tropical glaciers. I used to visit the Pastoruri Glacier which officially disappeared in 2008. It has been 14 years since I joined the Climate action. I'm 29 now - Older but wiser. Free space: write anything you like, nothing at all, or ask us a question I'd like to share with you my favourite Kiwi Quote: ‘Kia tuohu ai tatou, mo aianei, mo apopo, mo ake tonu atu’ May the wisdom of old be a force for good, today and tomorrow, and in all our tomorrows. Author: Te Uri O Te Pani Manawatu. Tuahiwi, 1989 Where in the world are you?
Wellington, New Zealand. What do you do in the world? Public servant, gamer, mum. In one sentence, what is climate change? Changing weather patterns as a result of human activities. How does climate change affect your life? In a perceivable sense not so much. I mean yes it does seem like weather is much more unsettled and we are breaking records in our country in terms of temperatures, but for the most part not in any significant way as of yet. I work, I buy food, my garden still grows, I am not underwater, I have clean water etc... But because I am aware of the potential impacts and can see how it is affecting other parts of the world. I have adjusted my behaviour to help minimise the impact on our planet. What do you feel you can do about it? I think we should shift our focus to combating social issues like poverty, education and domestic violence. We should shift our focus to stopping people who lack empathy getting into positions of power. How much priority do you give to living in a much more sustainable way if you are struggling to feed your kids? How much traction can we get if we keep voting in people who care more about championing business at the expense of people and the environment? I want to be optimistic and believe we can make a difference but actually I feel rather powerless against certain facets of human nature. In the end all I feel I can do is make sure I am doing the best I can to live in a sustainable and ethical way within the context of needing to pay off my mortgage, feed my kids, battle mental illness etc... Do you feel there is more you could do? If so, what is stopping you from doing those things? I would like to do more but I have finite resources in terms of time, money and energy. I don't have the answers. What's your favourite Sunday afternoon activity? Making pizzas and making music. |
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