Personal Reflections | Climate Champions

Youth v. Gov and Eating Our Way To Extinction changed my perspectives...

The documentaries significantly shifted my understanding of climate change. I previously viewed it primarily through the lens of CO2 emissions, plastic pollution, and fossil fuels. However, "Eating Our Way to Extinction" revealed that livestock farming and its associated processes are even more detrimental to our climate. It also highlighted the deeper issues of genocide, exploitation, and displacement of Indigenous people who are often forced into their homes for livestock, which is both cruel and inhumane.

What am I doing to help climate change?

In light of my recent viewing of the documentary, I have gained a deeper understanding of what meat truly is and the processes involved in its production. This newfound awareness has prompted me to be more conscientious about where my meat comes from, ensuring that I check the sources before making a purchase. The insights I gained have significantly influenced my perspective on food choices and sustainability.

I refrain from consuming meat for breakfast and dinner, few days a week. I also plan to follow the 10-day Detox Challenge by Dúnia, and implement some of the steps into my diet.

Aware my family and friends about the meat industry, like I learned in Eating Our Way To Extinction

Encourage my younger sisters and brother to talk about climate change in school and choose it as a topic for their projects.

My Story

Growing up in Qatar, my connection to nature was limited to the trees in our backyard and the occasional visits to the beach and desert. I remember the desert as a greener space when I was younger, a stark contrast to its present state. There was a particular area we used to visit, a medium-sized square of land lush with trees, gated and preserved. Ten years ago, it was open to the public; now, access is restricted to protect its fragile ecosystem. While we have other similar places to enjoy in 2023, the survival of these areas heavily depends on visitors respecting the environment and not leaving behind trash after their picnics.

As a child, meat was a staple in my diet, and discussions about environmental impact rarely went beyond the typical narratives of global warming and climate change. In school, we illustrated the effects of global warming through art, drawing factories belching gas into the atmosphere, but we never talked about how our food choices could contribute to this global crisis. I was 15 before I even considered that what was on my plate could affect the planet.

Youth activism, as I knew it, was limited in Qatar. Some participated in beach cleanups, but broader environmental advocacy seemed non-existent. Perhaps this was because the Qatari government plays a strong role in land conservation, gating and protecting large tracts of precious land, including a vast area near my house in Al Wajbah. Inside these reserves, Qatar's wild animals—birds, deer, oryxes, and ostriches—thrive, shielded from urban expansion.

In Qatar, challenging the government is not a common path for activists. However, there are constructive approaches to environmental advocacy, such as suggesting policy changes or community initiatives. For instance, advocating for the planting of more trees and reducing electricity consumption can be effective. These actions can inspire a shift toward greater environmental consciousness without direct confrontation.