In this episode, we tackle the complex and often hypocritical landscape of global environmentalism through a decolonial lens. We scrutinize the actions of corporations and governments in the Global North that profess to champion green initiatives while engaging in environmentally destructive practices both domestically and abroad. This dissonance not only undermines genuine sustainability efforts but also perpetuates environmental racism and systemic inequities.
Our conversation also sheds light on the pervasive issue of environmental racism, examining how communities of colour and Indigenous peoples are often situated in areas with higher levels of pollution and fewer environmental protections. We explore the historical and ongoing injustices that have led to these disparities and discuss the urgent need for systemic change.
Join us as we hear from Avijit Michael, Shweta Narayan, and Alison Parker – environmental justice advocates, community leaders, and scholars – who are working to decolonize environmentalism. They share insights and strategies for creating an equitable and truly sustainable future, one that holds the powerful accountable and uplifts the voices of those most affected by environmental degradation.
Alison Parker
Alison Parker is a Cumbrian resident who has been actively campaigning against the proposal to open the first coal mine in the UK for over 30 years. Her PhD in Hydrogeology and extensive academic research involving communities impacted by the climate emergency give her a unique perspective on the local and global consequences of the continued use of low-quality fossil fuels.
Avijit Michael
Managing Trustee & Executive Director of Jhatkaa.org
Avijit Michael has worked at the intersection of campaigning and digital technology for over a decade. He worked with the team that pioneered digital petitions and mobilization in India with Greenpeace. He then worked at Change.org as Country Director to set up their India operations and later as a Global Development Director where he built strategy for user engagement globally. He currently leads Jhatkaa.org, with a mission to build the tools that will enable citizen engagement in democracy and increase government accountability.
Shweta Narayan
Global Climate and Health Campaigner at Health Care Without Harm
Shweta Narayan coordinates the Global Climate and Health Campaign for Health Care Without Harm (HCWH) to make health care available and environmentally sustainable. Based in India, she works with healthcare staff in over 80 countries. She has over two decades of experience in advocacy and community organizing on environmental justice issues. Her work focuses on providing legal, media and scientific research support to the residents of polluted communities and workers exposed to toxic chemicals. She has an undergraduate degree in business and a master’s degree in social work from the Tata Institute of Social Sciences in Mumbai.