S1:E1 - Militarization and it's effects on climate movements in Syria & Yemen

The Ajyal Podcast

Guests:

Yemen: Ala Mustafa - Global Ambassador at Youth4Naure

Syria: Lama Ranjous - Water Science Policy

Purpose of the episode:

We discussed in this episode how war, the lack of political stability, and national security affect climate movements in Western Asia with a specific focus on Syria and Yemen. We delved into how youth priorities change in these circumstances and how progress can be regained for climate justice ensuring steady momentum with ease. We also shed light into the responsibility of the international community needed to eliminate these struggles and how youth from around the world can support vulnerable youth trying to work for a better climate.

Questions:

1. Were you involved in the climate movement in your country prior to the war? How has the war affected your progress?

2. How did your priorities change during militarization? Does stability affect how you perceive the environment?

3. During hard times and violence people tend to stop caring about the environment around them as a resentment to their suffering especially with the effects on climate change. Combined (CC + militarization) can cause a culture of environmental degradation in which the only future seen is that of survival and not handing down a better climate to future generations. How do you resonate with that?

4. What message of accountability do you have for the international community? How should they support youth in your country to push climate movements forward?

Coming June 3, 2021: Is there a balance between oil and gas economic growth and climate action in the gulf region? With guest Neeshad Shafi (Qatar - Arab Youth Climate Movement Qatar)