{"id":1861,"date":"2026-07-03T15:00:01","date_gmt":"2026-07-03T15:00:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.uantwerpen.be\/global-pen-friends\/?p=1861"},"modified":"2026-07-03T15:00:02","modified_gmt":"2026-07-03T15:00:02","slug":"from-india-to-dr-congo-shared-climate-challenges","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.uantwerpen.be\/global-pen-friends\/from-india-to-dr-congo-shared-climate-challenges\/","title":{"rendered":"From India to DR Congo: Shared Climate Challenges"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

This letter exchange between Neelam, a student from India, and Marie C\u00e9cile from the Democratic Republic of Congo, explores SDG 13 through a comparative discussion of climate change impacts, adaptation strategies, and community resilience. Drawing on experiences from Ranchi and Bukavu, they reflect on renewable energy, environmental education, biodiversity conservation, and the vital roles of women, youth, and local communities in building a sustainable future.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

LETTER 1<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

NEELAM DHAN<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dear Marie C\u00e9cile,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I hope you are doing well. I am grateful for the opportunity to connect with you through the Global PenFriend Programme, as it allows us to exchange our perspectives on important global issues. In this letter, I would like to share a brief account of how climate change has unfolded in recent years inIndia. Its impacts have become increasingly visible, affecting social, economic, and environmental<\/p>\n\n\n\n

conditions across the country. I believe that sharing our regional experiences can help us better understand the broader, interconnected nature of climate change.To share my perspective on this issue, India has been experiencing a range of climate-related changes in recent years. One of the most prominent developments is the increasing frequency and intensity of heatwaves. In several regions, summer temperatures have crossed previous records, with some areas experiencing heatwave conditions for prolonged stretches. These extreme temperatures have raised concerns for public health, outdoor work, and agricultural productivity. Extended heat periods also contribute to water stress and place added pressure on local infrastructure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another major challenge is the growing variability in rainfall patterns. India\u2019s monsoon system, once known for its relative predictability, has become increasingly erratic. Some regions receive unusually heavy rainfall within short periods, leading to urban flooding, damage to infrastructure, and disruptions in transportation. Meanwhile, others face long dry spells that lower groundwater levels and weaken crop growth. Since a large portion of India\u2019s population depends on agriculture, these shifts have direct implications for food security and rural livelihoods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Deforestation and land-use changes further influence the country\u2019s climate situation. Expanding urban areas, industrial projects, and infrastructure development have contributed to the reduction of forest cover in several states. Forests play an important role in stabilising local climate patterns,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

conserving soil, and supporting rainfall cycles. Their decline intensifies climate vulnerability and reduces the natural capacity of ecosystems to regulate temperature and absorb carbon emissions.Air pollution also remains a critical issue in many Indian cities. The combination of vehicular emissions, industrial activities, dust, and seasonal agricultural burning often leads to high pollution levels. Beyond its health effects, polluted air interacts with atmospheric conditions, influencing temperature variations and contributing to climate warming.India\u2019s coastal regions face another set of risks. In recent years, cyclones originating in the Bay of Benngal and the Arabian Sea have become more frequent and, in many cases, more intense. These events damage coastal settlements, disrupt fishing activities, and affect essential services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Meanwhile, changes in the Himalayan region\u2014particularly the rapid melting of glaciers\u2014alter riversystems and increase the risk of flash floods and landslides in northern states.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Although these impacts are visible, climate change does not always receive sustained publicattention. Many communities are occupied with immediate, everyday concerns, which often pushes long-term environmental issues to the background. This gap between awareness and consistent action remains one of the biggest hurdles, as people recognise climate change but are unable to prioritise it amid pressing local challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

India is also taking steps to respond to climate change. Various national missions aim to promote renewable energy, improve energy efficiency, support afforestation, and strengthen disaster preparedness. Solar energy adoption has expanded across many regions, and awareness campaigns on waste management, water conservation, and sustainable practices are gradually increasing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These efforts are promising, yet the scale and diversity of India\u2019s geography and economy mean that progress continues to be uneven and requires sustained commitment over time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I would be interested to learn how climate change is affecting your country and what measures are being taken there to address it. Understanding the similarities and differences between our regional experiences can help us gain a broader perspective on this global issue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thank you in advance for reading my letter. I\u2019m looking forward to hearing from you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sincerely,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Neelam Dhan<\/p>\n\n\n\n

10-April-2026, (Ranchi) India<\/p>\n\n\n\n

LETTER 2<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

MARIE-CECILE FURAHA RHINDYE<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ch\u00e8re Neelam Dhan,<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

J\u2019esp\u00e8re que ma lettre vous trouve en bonne sant\u00e9. Je vous remercie sinc\u00e8rement d\u2019avoir partag\u00e9 votre exp\u00e9rience sur les impacts du changement climatique en Inde. Votre description d\u00e9taill\u00e9e m\u2019a beaucoup touch\u00e9e, car je retrouve plusieurs similitudes avec ce que nous vivons ici en R\u00e9publique D\u00e9mocratique du Congo, malgr\u00e9 la distance et les diff\u00e9rences entre nos pays.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Comme vous, nous observons depuis quelques ann\u00e9es une variabilit\u00e9 climatique de plus en plus marqu\u00e9e. Le calendrier agricole de nos parents, autrefois fiable, est aujourd\u2019hui compl\u00e8tement perturb\u00e9. Les saisons des pluies arrivent plus tard ou sont entrecoup\u00e9es de longues p\u00e9riodes s\u00e8ches, puis d\u00e9versent en quelques jours des quantit\u00e9s d\u2019eau qui d\u00e9truisent les champs et provoquent des inondations dans des villes comme Kinshasa, Bukavu, Kisangani. Dans le Kivu o\u00f9 je vis, les glissements de terrain et les crues soudaines sont devenus plus fr\u00e9quents, emportant parfois des maisons et des routes enti\u00e8res. \u00c0 l\u2019inverse, certaines r\u00e9gions du pays comme le Katanga connaissent des poches de s\u00e9cheresse qui affectent les r\u00e9coltes de ma\u00efs et de manioc, base de notre alimentation.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ces d\u00e9r\u00e8glements ont des cons\u00e9quences directes sur nos communaut\u00e9s. La majorit\u00e9 des Congolais d\u00e9pendent de l\u2019agriculture vivri\u00e8re et de la p\u00eache artisanale. Quand les pluies sont irr\u00e9guli\u00e8res, c\u2019est la s\u00e9curit\u00e9 alimentaire de millions de familles qui est menac\u00e9e. La chaleur extr\u00eame n\u2019est pas encore aussi meurtri\u00e8re que dans certaines de nos r\u00e9gions, mais elle complique d\u00e9j\u00e0 le travail dans les champs et favorise la propagation de maladies comme le paludisme.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00c0 cela s\u2019ajoute la pression sur nos for\u00eats. La RDC abrite la deuxi\u00e8me plus grande for\u00eat tropicale du monde, le Bassin du Congo. C\u2019est notre plus grande r\u00e9serve et notre plus grande responsabilit\u00e9. Cette for\u00eat est un \u201cpoumon\u201d pour la plan\u00e8te : elle absorbe des quantit\u00e9s massives de carbone, r\u00e9gule les pluies pour toute l\u2019Afrique centrale et abrite une biodiversit\u00e9 unique, comme les gorilles de montagne du Parc National de Kahuzi-Biega. Pourtant, elle est menac\u00e9e par l\u2019agriculture de rente non contr\u00f4l\u00e9e, l\u2019exploitation ill\u00e9gale du bois, la production de charbon de bois pour la cuisine et l\u2019expansion mini\u00e8re. Chaque arbre qui tombe r\u00e9duit notre capacit\u00e9 naturelle \u00e0 lutter contre le changement climatique.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Comme en Inde, nous faisons face \u00e0 un \u00e9cart entre la conscience du probl\u00e8me et l\u2019action. Pour beaucoup de familles ici, la priorit\u00e9 quotidienne est de trouver \u00e0 manger et du bois pour cuire. Il est difficile de parler de \u201cchangement climatique\u201d quand le d\u00e9fi imm\u00e9diat est la survie. C\u2019est l\u00e0 un de nos plus grands d\u00e9fis : lier la protection de l\u2019environnement \u00e0 l\u2019am\u00e9lioration directe des conditions de vie.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Malgr\u00e9 tout, la RDC a un potentiel immense pour faire partie de la solution. Au-del\u00e0 de la for\u00eat, nous avons un ensoleillement exceptionnel pour le solaire, le deuxi\u00e8me plus grand potentiel hydro\u00e9lectrique du monde avec le fleuve Congo, et des terres immenses pour l\u2019agroforesterie. Plusieurs initiatives existent d\u00e9j\u00e0 : des projets de reboisement communautaire, des programmes REDD+ pour valoriser la for\u00eat sur pied, et des efforts pour diffuser des foyers am\u00e9lior\u00e9s qui consomment moins de charbon de bois. Des organisations travaillent aussi avec les communaut\u00e9s autour des parcs pour d\u00e9velopper des alternatives \u00e9conomiques comme l\u2019apiculture ou l\u2019\u00e9cotourisme, afin que prot\u00e9ger la for\u00eat devienne rentable pour les villageois.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Je suis convaincue, comme vous, que partager nos exp\u00e9riences est essentiel. L\u2019Inde fait face \u00e0 la chaleur et aux moussons erratiques, nous faisons face aux pluies diluviennes et \u00e0 la d\u00e9forestation. Mais nos deux pays partagent le m\u00eame d\u00e9fi : prot\u00e9ger les plus vuln\u00e9rables tout en construisant un d\u00e9veloppement qui respecte la nature. Peut-\u00eatre que vos campagnes sur l\u2019\u00e9nergie solaire pourraient inspirer nos villages, et que notre exp\u00e9rience de gestion communautaire des for\u00eats pourrait int\u00e9resser vos \u00c9tats bois\u00e9s.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Je vous remercie encore pour cette opportunit\u00e9 d\u2019\u00e9change. J\u2019esp\u00e8re que nous pourrons continuer \u00e0 partager nos id\u00e9es et nos solutions.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bien cordialement,<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Furaha RHINDYE Marie C\u00e9cile<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

24-Avril-2026, (Bukavu) R\u00e9publique D\u00e9mocratique du Congo<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

LETTER <\/strong>3<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

NEELAM DHAN<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dear Marie,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I hope this letter finds you well. Firstly, I would like to thank you for your previous letter. Reading about your experiences and perspectives helped me gain a broader understanding of the global nature of climate change and the different challenges faced by people across countries. Although people live in different environments and societies, climate change continues to affect all of us in one way or another. Through this exchange, I have realised how important it is to learn from one another and discuss these issues openly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this letter, I would like to focus more on some of the solutions and changes that can help us address climate change in a more responsible and sustainable manner. While climate change is a serious and long-term issue, I believe that awareness, education, and collective efforts can gradually bring meaningful change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One important step towards reducing environmental damage is the increased use of renewable sources of energy. Shifting towards renewable energy and investing more in its development can help create a more sustainable future. In India, the use of solar and wind energy has become more visible in recent years on both large and small scales. For example, the government has started establishing solar panels in different regions, including over water bodies in certain areas, in order to make better use of sunlight and produce cleaner energy. Such initiatives not only help reduce dependence on non-renewable resources but also encourage people to think more consciously about sustainable alternatives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Along with these larger developments, I have also noticed smaller changes in everyday life. The use of solar panels in homes has become more common in many places, including my own home. Although these may seem like small individual actions, I feel that they become much more meaningful when adopted collectively by larger communities. It shows that awareness about sustainability is slowly becoming part of everyday life rather than remaining only a topic of discussion. Another initiative that I have personally found meaningful is the use of art and public paintings to spread awareness about environmental issues. In many public spaces, I have seen paintings that highlight the harmful effects of pollution, waste, and other human activities on the environment. These artworks often encourage people to reflect on their actions and remind them of the importance of protecting nature. I think such creative methods are effective because they communicate important messages in a simple and accessible manner, allowing more people to engage with these issues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Education has also played an important role in shaping my understanding of climate change and environmental responsibility. In our education system, subjects such as Environmental Studies (EVS) are introduced at the primary and secondary levels, and they are now being included again in higher education as well. Through these classes, I learned not only about climate change but also about biodiversity loss, pollution, deforestation, and the harmful effects of human activities on the environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some of the topics that stayed with me the most were the dying of coral reefs and the loss of ecosystems in water bodies. Learning about how rising temperatures, pollution, and unsustainable practices are damaging marine life and disturbing natural ecosystems made me realise how deeply environmental changes can affect biodiversity and ecological balance. Another point that changed my perspective was learning that although some environmental changes are naturally meant to happen over time, many of them are now taking place much faster and more intensely because of human intervention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It made me realise that climate change is not only an issue that may affect future generations, but also something whose effects are already becoming visible around us today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At the same time, these lessons also helped me understand that awareness itself is an important step toward change. When people become more informed about environmental issues, they begin to think differently about their choices, habits, and responsibilities. I feel that introducing environmental education at different stages of learning is a positive initiative because it encourages younger generations to become more conscious of the world around them.Another important aspect of protecting the environment is the preservation of biodiversity. Plantation drives and the protection of existing trees are essential in maintaining ecological balance and restoring biodiversity. Trees not only help absorb carbon dioxide, but they also support wildlife, improve air quality, and contribute to healthier ecosystems. Although planting trees alone cannot completely solve climate change, it remains one of the many meaningful efforts that can contribute positively when practiced consistently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I could also relate to your point about people often prioritising the immediate challenges they face in their daily lives. Similar situations can also be seen in India, where social and economic concerns naturally become the primary focus for many individuals and communities. In such circumstances, environmental issues may not always receive immediate attention, which is understandable. However, despite these challenges, discussions about climate change and environmental protection still continue among many people. Through schools, social media, public campaigns, and community initiatives, awareness about environmental responsibility is gradually increasing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I believe that creating solutions that are more inclusive and accessible for everyone can encourage greater public participation. Even small actions can have a significant impact when many people contribute together. Whether it is conserving electricity and water, reducing waste, planting trees, or adopting sustainable practices, these efforts slowly help shape a more environmentally conscious society. Through this exchange of letters, I have come to understand climate change not only as an environmental issue, but also as a shared human responsibility. Reading your thoughts and sharing our perspectives has helped me reflect more deeply on how people across the world are experiencing similar concerns in different ways. Although climate change remains a serious challenge, I still believe that awareness, education, cooperation, and collective effort can contribute towards a more sustainable future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once again, thank you for taking the time to read my letter patiently and for sharing your thoughts and experiences with me. This exchange has been a meaningful learning experience, and I truly appreciate the opportunity to connect through such an important topic. I look forward to hearing from you again and learning more about your perspectives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kind regards,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Neelam Dhan<\/p>\n\n\n\n

8th May 2026, Ranchi, India<\/p>\n\n\n\n

LETTER 4<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

MARIE-CECILE FURAHA RHINDYE<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ch\u00e8re Neelam,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

J\u2019esp\u00e8re que tu vas bien et que tout se passe bien pour toi \u00e0 Ranchi. Avant tout, je tiens \u00e0 te remercier sinc\u00e8rement pour ta lettre. J\u2019ai beaucoup appr\u00e9ci\u00e9 d\u00e9couvrir les initiatives mises en \u0153uvre en Inde ainsi que ta r\u00e9flexion sur les \u00e9nergies renouvelables, l\u2019\u00e9ducation environnementale et la sensibilisation communautaire. Lire ton exp\u00e9rience m\u2019a rappel\u00e9 que, m\u00eame si nos pays sont \u00e9loign\u00e9s et que nos r\u00e9alit\u00e9s sont diff\u00e9rentes, nous faisons face \u00e0 une m\u00eame pr\u00e9occupation : prot\u00e9ger notre environnement et notre avenir.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Depuis Bukavu, \u00e0 l\u2019est de la R\u00e9publique D\u00e9mocratique du Congo, au bord du lac Kivu, nous observons \u00e9galement les effets du changement climatique de mani\u00e8re de plus en plus concr\u00e8te. Ces derni\u00e8res ann\u00e9es, notre r\u00e9gion a connu des pluies plus intenses, des glissements de terrain, l\u2019\u00e9rosion des sols, des inondations et une d\u00e9gradation progressive des \u00e9cosyst\u00e8mes. Ces ph\u00e9nom\u00e8nes touchent directement les communaut\u00e9s, surtout celles qui d\u00e9pendent de l\u2019agriculture pour vivre.Face \u00e0 cette situation, plusieurs actions sont progressivement mises en place en RDC pour renforcer l\u2019adaptation au changement climatique. On observe des initiatives de reboisement, la restauration des zones d\u00e9grad\u00e9es, la protection des bassins versants, le d\u00e9veloppement de l\u2019agroforesterie ainsi que la promotion de pratiques agricoles plus durables. Certaines communaut\u00e9s adoptent aussi des approches visant \u00e0 diversifier les cultures et \u00e0 mieux g\u00e9rer les ressources naturelles afin de r\u00e9duire leur vuln\u00e9rabilit\u00e9 face aux changements climatiques.Cependant, malgr\u00e9 ces efforts, les d\u00e9fis restent nombreux. Le manque de moyens financiers, l\u2019acc\u00e8s limit\u00e9 aux technologies adapt\u00e9es, les infrastructures insuffisantes et la forte d\u00e9pendance des populations aux ressources naturelles compliquent encore l\u2019adaptation. Dans plusieurs communaut\u00e9s rurales, le bois reste la principale source d\u2019\u00e9nergie, ce qui<\/p>\n\n\n\n

augmente la pression sur les for\u00eats alors m\u00eame qu\u2019elles jouent un r\u00f4le essentiel dans la r\u00e9gulation du climat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dans ce contexte, le r\u00f4le des femmes me semble particuli\u00e8rement important. En RDC, les femmes sont au c\u0153ur de la vie communautaire : elles participent aux activit\u00e9s agricoles, assurent souvent la gestion de l\u2019eau et contribuent \u00e0 la s\u00e9curit\u00e9 alimentaire des m\u00e9nages. Elles sont parmi les premi\u00e8res touch\u00e9es lorsque les r\u00e9coltes diminuent ou que les ressources deviennent plus difficiles d\u2019acc\u00e8s. Pourtant, elles sont aussi des actrices majeures des solutions. \u00c0 travers les activit\u00e9s agricoles durables, les groupes communautaires, les initiatives de reboisement et la sensibilisation, elles contribuent chaque jour \u00e0 renforcer la r\u00e9silience des communaut\u00e9s.En tant que jeunes, je pense aussi que nous avons une responsabilit\u00e9 particuli\u00e8re. Nous ne sommes pas seulement les g\u00e9n\u00e9rations qui vivront les cons\u00e9quences futures du changement climatique ; nous faisons d\u00e9j\u00e0 partie des personnes qui en ressentent les effets aujourd\u2019hui. \u00c0 Bukavu et dans d\u2019autres r\u00e9gions du pays, plusieurs jeunes s\u2019engagent d\u00e9j\u00e0 dans des campagnes de plantation d\u2019arbres, des actions de sensibilisation, des projets environnementaux, des initiatives artistiques et des activit\u00e9s de protection de la biodiversit\u00e9. Ces engagements montrent que la jeunesse peut \u00eatre une v\u00e9ritable force de changement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

J\u2019ai \u00e9galement beaucoup appr\u00e9ci\u00e9 ton point sur l\u2019\u00e9ducation environnementale. Je partage totalement cette id\u00e9e, car je crois que la sensibilisation reste l\u2019un des outils les plus puissants pour transformer les comportements. Lorsque les jeunes comprennent les enjeux li\u00e9s au climat, \u00e0 la biodiversit\u00e9 et \u00e0 la gestion durable des ressources, ils deviennent progressivement des acteurs du changement dans leurs communaut\u00e9s.\u00c0 travers cet \u00e9change, j\u2019ai compris encore davantage que le changement climatique est un d\u00e9fi mondial, mais que les r\u00e9ponses doivent \u00eatre adapt\u00e9es aux r\u00e9alit\u00e9s locales. Tandis que certains pays d\u00e9veloppent fortement les \u00e9nergies renouvelables et les technologies vertes, des pays comme la RDC travaillent aussi sur l\u2019adaptation communautaire, la conservation des \u00e9cosyst\u00e8mes et le renforcement de la r\u00e9silience locale.Je tiens encore une fois \u00e0 te remercier pour cet \u00e9change qui a \u00e9t\u00e9 tr\u00e8s enrichissant pour moi. Il m\u2019a permis de d\u00e9couvrir une autre r\u00e9alit\u00e9 tout en r\u00e9alisant que, malgr\u00e9 la distance, nous partageons les m\u00eames pr\u00e9occupations et le m\u00eame espoir d\u2019un avenir plus durable. Cette correspondance restera pour moi une belle exp\u00e9rience d\u2019apprentissage et un rappel que les femmes, les jeunes et les communaut\u00e9s ont un r\u00f4le essentiel \u00e0 jouer dans la lutte contre le changement climatique.Je te souhaite beaucoup de r\u00e9ussite dans tes projets futurs et un engagement continu pour la protection de notre environnement commun.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bien cordialement,Marie<\/p>\n\n\n\n

22 Mai 2026 , R\u00e9publique D\u00e9mocratique du Congo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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