Beyond Greta: Exploring Race in Climate Change Advocacy
“Justice and diversity have become buzzwords that see many groups tokenised and a general lack of authenticity.”
Varsha Yajman
Since the pandemic, the interplay of social and political inequity, racism and climate change inaction have been brought to the surface of collective consciousness in very obvious ways. This concrete rise in collective action is built on decades of work by activist communities, scientists, elders, youth and everyday folk—the list could go on.
The pandemic has rendered us inactive and isolated – modes not useful either for our mental wellbeing or climate change advocacy.
So how do we recognise inequity in our political, social and personal lives?
Varsha Yajman will provide her perspective as a South Asian-Australian by reflecting on her work as a climate change advocate while navigating mental health stigma. Varsha will also discuss her experiences of real inclusivity and representation in contrast to tokenising marginalised voices through her work.
Varsha will be in conversation with Science Gallery’s SciCurious member Tanaya Joshi at the end of her presentation.
Speaker Varsha Yajman (left) and host Tanaya Joshi (right)
Varsha Yajman is a 19-year-old university student, podcaster and advocate for climate justice and mental health awareness. She has been an organiser for School Strike for Climate, the Australian Youth Climate Coalition. Varsha is now a coordinator at SAPNA South Asian Climate Solidarity Network and a paralegal at Equity Generation Lawyers which conducts climate change ligation. Her work along with her podcast, Not to be Controversial, aims to create a community for young South Asians to feel represented and empowered.
Tanaya Joshi is currently the Impact and Communications at Earthwatch Australia, an environmental not-for-profit that uses nature-based experiences to help people save nature. As a science communicator and strategist, she is well versed in making science heard in the mainstream. She embraces both the sciences and arts in daily life as both a student of the Masters of Environment and Sustainability and as a dancer and performer believing that both the arts and sciences need each other to create a better world. Tanaya is part of Science Gallery Melbourne's Sci Curious - an advisory group of young and curious people, shaping the gallery’s future exhibitions and programs and keeping young voices front and centre.
Proudly supported by The Hugh Williamson Foundation.
