Global Warming and Climate Change

By Sema Zeynep in collaboration with Dr. Mary Hope

In this podcast, we discussed global crisis and environmental change, more specifically climate change and global warming.

Being a young high school student, my growing apprehension about the environmental damage inflicted globally intensifies. The inertia in addressing climate change, despite its seemingly straightforward solutions, raises concerns. What baffles me the most is the lack of substantial action on a global scale.

A prevailing sense of disempowerment, especially among the younger generation, becomes a focal point. In our discussion, we delved into the challenges faced by individuals, emphasizing the need for a collective shift in values to tackle the core issues rather than relying solely on personal choices.

The conversation then shifted to the varying degrees of environmental engagement within Muslim communities. Influences such as generational trauma, economic priorities, and political oppression shape the focus within these communities. Education emerges as a key solution, stressing the importance of comprehensive religious teachings that nurture critical thinking and understanding of environmental values.

To foster unity, the suggestion was made for interfaith groups to engage youth from diverse religious backgrounds. This approach encourages research into environmental perspectives, fostering common ground and shared values. Acknowledgment is given to the potential influence of celebrities and positive stories, with a word of caution against trend-based activism. Despite recognizing the perceived limitations of individual efforts, we emphasized the significance of collective actions at various societal levels. We then shifted the focus to the power of a million small actions contributing to a potent collective voice capable of instigating change.

In essence, this reflection encapsulates my personal journey through environmental concerns—a call to action, an acknowledgment of challenges, and a recognition that each individual possesses the power to contribute meaningfully to urgently address climate change.