(EN) In this exchange, Koen Bastijns and Priyanshu Roy delve into the pressing issue of environmental sustainability, aligning their discussion with Sustainable Development Goal 13: Climate Action. Koen, from Belgium, reflects on the challenges of environmental activism within his country’s complex political landscape, while Priyanshu, from India, highlights the significant strides and initiatives his country has undertaken to address environmental issues. Together, they explore the interplay of activism, policy, and individual responsibility in fostering a more sustainable future.
Letter 1
Dear Roy Priyanshu,
Today, I wanted to share with you some reflections on a topic that weighs heavily on my mind: environmental awareness and activism here in Belgium. Over the past few years, there has been a noticeable increase in public consciousness regarding environmental issues. This shift in awareness can be attributed to various factors, including the tireless efforts of young activists like Greta Thunberg and Anuna De Wever.
Allow me to offer you a glimpse into the intricate tapestry that is Belgium. Despite its modest size, Belgium is home to three official languages: Dutch, French, and German. This linguistic diversity reflects the complex socio-cultural landscape of our country, with Dutch predominantly spoken in the northern region of Flanders, French in the southern region of Wallonia, and German in a small eastern enclave.
However, beneath this veneer of cultural diversity lies a political landscape characterized by complexity and fragmentation. Belgium operates under a federal system of governance, whereby power is decentralized to regional and linguistic communities. This intricate web of political institutions often leads to protracted negotiations and compromises, making consensus-building a challenging endeavor. Indeed, Belgium holds the record for the longest period without a government formation, a testament to the intricacies of our political landscape. Against this backdrop, navigating environmental issues and implementing sustainable policies can prove particularly challenging. The need to reconcile the interests and priorities of different linguistic communities and regions adds another layer of complexity to the decision-making process.
Greta Thunberg, a Swedish environmental activist, captured the world’s attention with her powerful message on climate change. Her fearless advocacy for urgent climate action has inspired millions of people, igniting a global movement calling for systemic change. Here in Belgium, her influence resonated deeply, spurring young activists like Anuna De Wever to take action. Anuna De Wever, along with her peers, initiated the Youth for Climate movement in Belgium, organizing school strikes and marches to demand stronger environmental policies. Their grassroots activism mobilized thousands of young Belgians, amplifying the urgency of the climate crisis and pressuring policymakers to take action.
Despite these inspiring efforts, the reality remains that much more needs to be done to address environmental challenges effectively. While awareness may be on the rise, tangible action often falls short of expectations. In some cases, attempts to implement environmental policies or initiatives are met with resistance and conflict. One such example occurred recently when farmers took to the streets to protest against proposed legislative reforms aimed at restructuring agriculture. This unrest culminated in various forms of demonstration, including the establishment of blockades at the port of Antwerp. The port of Antwerp holds immense importance for Belgium, serving as a crucial gateway for international trade and commerce. Any disruption to its operations carries profound implications for the country’s economy and global connectivity. Furthermore, the protests extended to the blockade of roads, causing widespread inconvenience and disruption to daily life. While the grievances of the farmers were acknowledged by many Belgians, who recognized the challenges posed by the proposed agricultural reforms, the methods employed to express their discontent encountered limited sympathy. Understandably, the reforms would impose significant burdens on farmers, potentially leading to the closure of numerous farms and exacerbating the existing hardships faced by agricultural communities. However, the actions taken by the farmers to highlight their grievances were perceived as excessive and disproportionate by some segments of society. This disconnect underscores the complexities inherent in addressing socio-economic issues.
One concerning trend that I’ve observed is the prevailing focus on technological optimism as a panacea for climate change. While technological innovations undoubtedly have a role to play in mitigating environmental damage, there’s a tendency to overlook the importance of individual consumer behavior. Here in Belgium, there’s a glaring lack of constraints on consumer actions, such as unlimited air travel or unrestricted consumption of clothing, which contribute significantly to environmental degradation. It’s disheartening to witness the imbalance between technological solutions and individual responsibility in our approach to environmental conservation. As we strive for a sustainable future, it’s crucial to address both aspects comprehensively.
As I reflect on these developments, I’m reminded of the importance of fostering dialogue and collaboration to overcome these challenges. Bridging the gap between different stakeholders, finding common ground, and working towards sustainable solutions are essential if we are to safeguard our planet for future generations. I’m curious to know if India has also experienced a similar increase in environmental awareness. Additionally, I’m interested in learning whether there’s a reliance on technology to mitigate climate change in India, and whether there’s a recognition of the importance of consumer behavior in environmental sustainability. I’m also curious about the political landscape in India. Does India face similar complexities in its political system, with diverse linguistic and regional interests shaping governance and policymaking?
With warm regards,
Koen Bastijns
Letter 2
Dear Koen Bastijns,
I hope this letter finds you in good health. It was a pleasure to read your thoughtful reflections on environmental consciousness and activism in Belgium. It’s inspiring to hear about the efforts of young activists like Greta Thunberg and Anuna De Wever who are bringing about positive change in your country.
Let me briefly introduce myself. My name is Priyanshu Roy, and I currently reside in India. I have a deep interest in topics related to environmental conservation and sustainable development. I am excited to have this opportunity to engage with you on these important subjects. Your insights into the political complexities in Belgium were enlightening, especially regarding the federal system and the challenges of reaching consensus along linguistic and regional lines. These intricacies must add additional difficulties to the effective implementation of environmental policies.
Here in India, environmental awareness has significantly increased in recent years. Like in Belgium, young people are leading the change by taking action and advocating for change. Initiatives such as school strikes and clean-up drives are becoming more common, reflecting a growing awareness of our impact on the environment.
The vast size and diversity of India pose unique challenges in policymaking and governance. Our federal system comprises 28 states and 8 union territories, each with their own regional and linguistic distinctions. This diversity can sometimes make it challenging to address environmental issues uniformly across the country.
India is investing in technological solutions such as renewable energy sources like solar and wind power. At the same time, there is a greater emphasis on changing individual consumer behavior. Awareness campaigns like the Clean India Mission (Swachh Bharat Abhiyan) and the National Solar Mission encourage recycling, reducing single-use plastic, and conserving resources.
Consumer behavior plays a crucial role in our quest for sustainability. There is a growing realization that reducing waste and making conscious choices can have a significant impact on our environment. It’s encouraging to see more people taking steps in their daily lives to contribute to a greener future.
Thank you for sharing your reflections and for inquiring about our experiences in India. I am curious to learn more about how you envision the future of environmental policy and activism in Belgium. What challenges and opportunities do you see ahead, and how do you think individuals can play a role in driving change?
I look forward to continuing this conversation and learning from your experiences.
Best regards,
Priyanshu Roy
Letter 3
Dear Priyanshu Roy,
Thank you for your thoughtful response and for sharing insights into the environmental landscape in India. It’s fascinating to learn about the similarities and differences in our respective countries’ approaches to sustainability and activism.
India’s increasing environmental consciousness and the role of youth in driving change mirror what we’re experiencing in Belgium. The initiatives you mentioned, such as the Clean India Mission and the focus on renewable energy, demonstrate a proactive and multifaceted approach to addressing environmental challenges.
In Belgium, we are indeed grappling with complex political dynamics that can impact environmental policy implementation. The federal system, with its linguistic and regional diversity, often requires innovative strategies to achieve consensus and coordinated action across different levels of governance.
Looking ahead, one of the key challenges for Belgium—and I believe this applies globally—is ensuring that environmental policies are not only comprehensive but also inclusive and equitable. Engaging communities, especially those most affected by environmental issues, is crucial for the success and legitimacy of any sustainability effort. So I hope that in the future, environmental policy will be collectively set by every country in the world. This would require creating a political structure where each country has equal voting rights and vetoes do not exist. Only through global collective action can climate change be effectively addressed. I also envision a more active role for activism on an international level in shaping the future. However, highlighting issues within one’s own country remains crucial.
The challenges posed by climate change for myself, particularly related to consumption, are most evident in the meat industry. Producing something like a steak requires significant water and resources that are often shipped from all over the world. If we aim to transition to a more climate-friendly society, reducing meat consumption is essential.
On the flip side, as an economist, I see abundant opportunities for new businesses to contribute to this ecological transition. This presents a chance to combine two passions of mine—entrepreneurship and climate action.
Individuals can play a critical role in transitioning to a more climate-friendly society by reducing their carbon footprint through actions like using public transport and renewable energy, supporting sustainable practices such as consuming locally sourced foods and minimizing waste, and advocating for climate action within their communities. Additionally, each individual should aim to persuade at least one other person to adopt eco-friendly behaviors. Furthermore, real individual leaders are needed to mobilize large groups into taking action, as this is currently a missing piece in our efforts towards sustainability. Together, these efforts can contribute significantly to building a sustainable and resilient future for our planet.
I’m curious to hear more about specific initiatives in India that have been particularly effective in driving environmental awareness and action. How has public perception and government support evolved over time? And how do you see the role of international collaboration in advancing global environmental goals?
Best regards,
Koen Bastijns
Letter 4
Dear Koen Bastijns,
I hope this letter finds you well and thriving. I greatly appreciate your thoughtful insights and the shared vision regarding the global and individual efforts necessary for advancing sustainability. It was particularly enlightening to learn about the complexities and challenges you face in Belgium due to the political dynamics and how these may impact the implementation of effective environmental policies.
Your perspective on the need for global collective action and the abolition of vetoes in international environmental policy-making resonates deeply with me. This approach underscores the necessity of inclusivity and equity in addressing global challenges, a principle that is also critical here in India.
In India, environmental awareness and action continue to evolve significantly. One initiative that has seen considerable success is the expansion of solar energy installations across the country. The government, with strong public support, has advanced the National Solar Mission, aiming to establish India as a global leader in solar energy. By creating favorable policies and providing subsidies, the government has encouraged both industrial and residential solar installations, significantly reducing the dependency on fossil fuels.
Another noteworthy initiative is the Jal Jeevan Mission, which focuses on providing safe and adequate drinking water through individual household tap connections by 2024 to all households in rural India. This mission is critical as it not only addresses water scarcity but also reduces the burden on women and enhances the health of rural populations by preventing water-borne diseases. The government’s role in these initiatives has been pivotal, demonstrating an increasing commitment to sustainable development.
Regarding the meat industry, your reflections are particularly compelling. Similar concerns are growing in India, where there is an increasing awareness of the environmental impacts of meat production. Discussions around sustainable eating practices are becoming more prevalent, especially among the youth and urban populations. Many are advocating for and adopting plant-based diets to reduce their carbon footprint. This shift is also supported by traditional Indian practices that emphasize vegetarianism, which aligns well with current sustainability trends.
Regarding international collaboration, I believe it plays a crucial role in achieving global environmental goals. Collaborative efforts like the International Solar Alliance (ISA), initiated by India, serve as platforms for cooperation among countries to increase the use of solar energy globally and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. Such partnerships are vital for knowledge exchange, technological transfer, and financial support, especially for developing countries.
As you rightly pointed out, individual actions are essential in driving change. In India, there is a growing movement among young people who are actively participating in tree plantation drives, clean-up campaigns, and awareness programs. Schools and universities are increasingly incorporating environmental education into their curricula, empowering students to take action and inspire others.
I am intrigued by your mention of the potential for entrepreneurship in the ecological sector. It is indeed an area ripe with opportunities for innovative solutions that can address environmental challenges while also providing economic growth.
Thank you once again for this enriching exchange.
Regards,
Priyanshu Roy