An intergenerational climate conversation with Sushma Sawh and Priyanka Lalla
Mother and daughter Sushma Sawh and Priyanka Lalla talk about finding joy in nature, their home Trinidad and Tobago, and the hopes they have for their future ancestors.
Dear friends,
I hope this season has been treating you well and that you are all finding some rest in these sometimes wild and unpredictable times we are living through.
Over the past few months I have been reaching out to people I have encountered through my work, studies and volunteering who are pioneering work using intergenerational dialogue as a tool in tackling the climate crisis.
I am delighted today to share my first mother/daughter shared interview. When I first asked Sushma if she would be wiling to answer some questions alongside her daughter Priyanka her first instinct was to check that it would be okay if they had different perspectives on things. I replied affirming that disagreement as part of healthy dialogue was welcome on this blog! As it turns out, mother and daughter align on a lot and I found their answers compelling.
Like me, Sushma is a strategic communications advisor. Also like me, she is studying the role of intergenerational collaboration in the climate community. I first got to know Sushma through her incredible eldest daughter Priyanka when she featured as as guest blogger on the The Elders’ website. I later met both Sushma and Priyanka at COP26 in Glasgow in person. Priyanka has accomplished a lot in her own right at a very young age. She is a UNICEF Youth Advocate with a focus on children's right to education, health, child protection, and climate action. She has also recently launched the first in a series of children's books - Svara's Ocean Adventures. The book series is an intergenerational collaboration between Priyanka and her little sister Svara!
I know you are going to love what Sushma and Priyanka have to say. If you do, please share this post with your friends and show them your support and care if you like what you read.
Laura
Sushma and Priyanka in conversation
What is your favourite place on Earth? Is it currently thriving or is it under threat?
Priyanka: My favourite place on earth is the beach. Growing up in the Caribbean I naturally learnt how to swim while learning how to walk. The ocean has always been an escape for me - another world entirely! From the extensive sealife to the picturesque seashores, the beach has always been my paradise. Over the last century, the average surface temperature of the earth has increased by about 1 degree Celsius. This one degree has had a major impact on sea levels, temperature, ocean acidification, changes to rainfall and runoff, more extreme weather patterns, and severe coastal erosion. Visible effects of climate change have already been highlighted in coral reefs, completely disrupting marine life as we once knew it. In addition to this, I see the direct impact of humans especially on local beaches, the pollution has continued to consume the shoreline and waters.
Sushma: I find great joy and contentment in my own country, Trinidad and Tobago, and the wider Caribbean region - there is no place like home. I love the warm weather and the lush flora of the Caribbean islands. There are some areas that are idyllic and unspoilt. It fascinates me to observe how nature can take care of itself. I feel grounded and replenished when I am in natural surroundings. The topography is interesting with three mountain ranges in our small island-nation, Trinidad and one in Tobago which is UNESCO protected. The vegetation which is wild but not threatening. Tobago has the definite edge on beaches where one can be mesmerised by the water, even if not venturing in for a swim. Pollution, however, is a growing concern and the disrespect for the beauty of our island paradise. The evidence of dumping is seen when the rains come and there is inevitable flooding due to the clogged water ways. I think dumping of garbage and inadequate sanitation laws are a threat to our paradise. Human action has negatively impacted the environment and it is human action that will save our favorite places on Earth.
“Visible effects of climate change have already been highlighted in coral reefs, completely disrupting marine life as we once knew it.” - Priyanka
Tell us about someone from another generation, living or no longer living, who has changed the way you think about the world.
Sushma: It is truly extraordinary when I think about those who have changed the way I think of the world. My daughters Priyanka (16) and Svara (8) both play a pivotal role in my lifestyle choices. They are now growing up in a time in our history where the climate crisis is one of the most threatening challenges and unprecedented in scale globally. When I was younger, I did not think about how our daily lives were threatened by our own actions. I grew up when life was supposed to be convenient. I grew up with single-use plastics and a world of consumerism. However, the solutions are not new. My grandparents were already living sustainably. I think about how they lived, and I find all the answers to make my home and lifestyle more sustainable and zero-waste in many aspects. It is incredible how much my childhood was shaped by my grandparents and now how my present and future is being shaped by my daughters.
“It is incredible how much my childhood was shaped by my grandparents and now how my present and future is being shaped by my daughters.” - Sushma
Priyanka: The position I am in today, and the open-minded outlook that I have towards the world, is due to the guidance and admiration of my mother. I am grateful for the values my mom instilled into my life from an early age: she taught me how to love learning; to be true to my identity; and not only dream for, but to achieve all my goals. These core values she engraved into my life have allowed me to find a passion in not only wanting a better life for myself but also for everyone around me. It has allowed me to want to achieve a better world, despite the challenges that we see on a daily basis globally, I still remain hopeful for a brighter future.
When did you first experience/become aware of the climate crisis and start thinking about its consequences?
Priyanka: All my life I was always aware that we need to protect the environment, from a young age I was taught in school: “Reuse, reduce and recycle.” However it was not until I directly witnessed and felt the impacts of climate change that I made the connection. In 2017, when Hurricanes Irma and Maria hit the Leeward Islands my zero-waste living journey began. With the guidance of my mother in our home environment, I witnessed the simple practices she adopted to make our household more sustainable. I thought these practices were simple for everyone to follow. If everyone implemented the sustainable habits into their homes, their lunch kits and their daily lives we would create great impact. I was passionate about this due to the major destruction and devastation I saw on the news of homes, villages, agriculture, and people faced due to climate change.
Sushma: Small Island Developing States (SIDS) contribute the least but are most adversely affected the climate crisis. The issue of climate change was a matter of news, and I did not pay attention to the consequences and how I was both a victim and a contributor until my daughter Priyanka, just at age 10, started to connect the dots. Priyanka started asking questions about the changes in the weather patterns, the unprecedented rainfall, the devastation of flooding which she personally experienced at age 7, when flood waters entered her school playground. I had to learn about what was happening to help explain the changes to her and she was eager to make an impact. What an example of being influenced and motivated to be the change by the next generation!
“The issue of climate change was a matter of news, and I did not pay attention to the consequences and how I was both a victim and a contributor until my daughter Priyanka, just at age 10, started to connect the dots … I had to learn about what was happening to help explain the changes to her and she was eager to make an impact. What an example of being influenced and motivated to be the change by the next generation!” - Sushma
What work currently engages or nourishes you in climate space?
Priyanka: I feel encouraged and engaged when I see the recommendations and proposals I give to policy makers in my country and UNICEF implemented into programs, networks, and practical initiatives.
What emotional common ground have you found with people of different generations in approaching the climate crisis?
Priyanka: I have realised that the majority of people connect with the climate crisis based on their experiences - whether it be a flood, hurricane, or drought. Those experiences in their lives where they have felt and seen the impacts of climate change create a perspective which is more than just from hearing about climate change or looking at the data.
Sushma: It is inspiring to meet other people who understand that climate crisis is real as many are in denial. I feel hopeful that our collective action will not go in vain.
What would good intergenerational allyship look like when we think about the climate crisis?
Sushma: Good intergenerational allyship is a genuine demonstration of humanity in action. It is multigenerational and multisectoral solidarity and cooperation to fight the greatest threat of our time - the climate crisis. This is not a crisis that can be handled by any one group. The experts and elders in society must share their wisdom and experiences to empower children and young people to participate in securing their future. ICTs have created an opportunity for young people to connect, communicate and collaborate. Young people are learning about the world around them in real time and they want to speak up about the issues that impact their lives. The elders, policymakers, teachers, parents and guardians have a role to play in making youth inclusion a meaningful reality.
“The elders, policymakers, teachers, parents and guardians have a role to play in making youth inclusion a meaningful reality.” - Sushma
Priyanka: In my opinion, good intergenerational allyship stems from the home environment. Our parents and guardians should be equipped with the skills and resources to guide young people in understanding the world around them and their role in mitigating and adapting to issues like the climate crisis. Infrastructure should be put into women as they are the homemakers and have a key role in shaping the mindset of children and young people.
How do you think we can halt the unconsciously reinforced systemic silencing of underrepresented voices in the climate space?
Priyanka: I think this can be achieved through education. From my experiences, the most underrepresented voices in the climate space are those who lack the educational infrastructure and opportunities. Through education awareness is built and this creates the opportunity for more people to communicate their experiences, ideas and hopes in the climate space. Allow them to represent themselves through empowerment and education.
Sushma: The climate crisis affects everyone. Those who are marginalised due to disabilities, migration, and those who live in informal communities are even more adversely impacted. We need to ensure that all are included.
Where do you find joy?
Sushma: I feel joy when I am spending time with my children, whether it is at our home, in the garden, or out exploring the world. We fell spiritually connected to our environment. It reminds me that while we are a mere dot on the planet, we have the power to be the guardians of our only home. This is one of the reasons we love to travel. There are so many marvels, and I would like to experience as many as I can with my two girls. I also hope that I my legacy would be my lived example and it will inspire them to find their passion and pursue the life that will allow them to thrive.
Priyanka: I find joy in spending time with my dogs. Growing up I was always taught to love animals as I had German Shepherd dogs all my life. My childhood memories are filled - and still continue to be filled - with spending afternoons in the garden with my “boys”, playing fetch, giving belly rubs and trying to read their minds.
“To me, a better future is a future of equality, peace and sustainability. My hope is that one day everyone will have access to live a healthy, happy life where they can easily care for themselves and the planet.” - Priyanka
What would you message be to your past ancestors and your future ancestors?
Priyanka: I admire the work ethic, adaptability, and values of my ancestors. Growing up in a world without the technology we have today is something that seems foreign to me. Despite this, my ancestors were successful in paving a better path for me and future generations. Their determination and dedication are inspiring and remind me that in everything I do, I represent those that came before me and those who will come after me.
My hope for my future ancestors is that they continue to see the value in their history and create new values which will shape their identity and who they plan to become.
To me, a better future is a future of equality, peace and sustainability. My hope is that one day everyone will have access to live a healthy, happy life where they can easily care for themselves and the planet.
Sushma: My message to my past ancestors is that I am beyond grateful for the values that have been passed on to me by my grandparents. They lived in a time when our country was mainly agrarian and there was so much respect for the land and its bounty. My grandparents introduced me to all the local fruits and vegetables and there was no need to long for imported food. Food was always a way to connect and show affection to the family.
To my children, I am committed to supporting and guiding them as must as I can so they can achieve their full potential. My hope is that they would be able to flourish in the future. My work today is their legacy and I hope they will continue to do good in the world.
I am hopeful for a brighter future for all, that ordinary people would not be marginalised and forgotten and that their humanity will be honoured.