Christine Samwaroo of The Breadfruit Collective, from Guyana, describes her journey from the 2023 Climate Justice Camp in Lebanon, to bringing the camp platform to the Caribbean for its first regional edition, and most recently taking part in the 2024 camp in Tanzania. She explores the importance of community, co-learning and connection; and of sharing struggles and solutions.
"Having the Climate Justice Camp on the continent of Africa and specifically East Africa, was monumental. When we speak of the climate crisis, it is necessary to reflect on the historical and current impacts of colonization and imperialism on the continent."
Hashiatu Ibrahim, a young climate leader from Cameroon, was inspired by stories of Indigenous leadership, and how this knowledge and wisdom can be used to drive transformational solutions and change. Hashiatu describes how the Climate Justice Camp allowed her to reframe and rethink some of her own assumptions, and what lessons she will be taking forward.
"I came to see climate change not just as an environmental issue, but a human rights one. Community-led initiatives are vital for sustainable change, and while individual actions are important, they’re simply not enough on their own. We need collective action, and we need it now."
Greenpeace Middle East and North Africa has been a core partner of the Climate Justice Camp since its inception, with the first camp held in Tunisia in 2022, and the second in Lebanon in 2023. Since then, our friends and communities in the region have been displaced and bombarded; all while we witness an ongoing genocide. A powerful piece by the team at Greenpeace MENA addresses this, and how intersectionality, unity, and celebrating cultural diversity is vital in the pathway towards climate justice.
“Let this camp, which unites youth from across the Global South, serve as a call for solidarity in climate action and resistance to the colonial powers and regimes that worsen environmental degradation and human suffering. We must name these actions and their perpetrators, decolonize our minds, and resist together to liberate both our thoughts and our land, so we may achieve true climate justice."
Yohana Matiko Isack from Tanzania writes about his feelings of initial trepidation upon receiving an invitation to the Climate Justice Camp, and how this turned into a renewed sense of purpose and empowerment across the week. Yohana describes his experience of being a 'living book' during the intimate Human LIVErary storytelling evening, and how true change happens when we combine love and compassion with action.
"What had started as a journey of uncertainty turned into one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. The connections I made with fellow youth advocates, the knowledge I gained, and the stories I heard will stay with me forever. This camp reminded me that when we unite our voices, we can create ripples of change that reach far beyond our efforts."
Mohammad Ahmadi of Faith in Place and MENA Youth Network, from Iran, led the first-ever workshop on the intersection of faith and climate at the Climate Justice Camp in Tanzania. The session explored how environmental organizations can contribute to mobilizing communities of faith, especially in places where there are strong faith communities.
"Throughout the session, we identified common values and barriers to action and finally created concrete plans for mobilizing faith communities to fight for climate/environmental justice."