Understanding Climate Change Through a Different Lens: A Conversation with Veronica Mulenga

Veronica Mulenga is a climate & environmental justice activist from Zambia, where she currently serves as a chapter organizer for the Youth Climate Save movement. She is a huge nature and animal lover and is the organizer of Youth Climate Save Zambia.

Veronica bases her work on raising awareness about the climate crisis, environmental injustice, and climate's disproportionate impacts on the most vulnerable. 

Check out the insightful conversation we had with Veronica below in our EMA exclusive interview. 

What led to your passion for environmental justice work starting from the beginning?

It actually happened over time. I already cared about the environment and nature's impact. My whole family is about nature, as they live on a vegetable farm. I learned about environmental justice through a documentary I saw on tv about climate change. I remember watching this and thinking, "I couldn't see myself not doing anything about it." Everything I learned about this work I learned on my own, as we don't have climate education or research in the Zambian school curriculum.

How did that passion develop into developing a global movement for animals & planet? Was it an "Aha" moment or an eventual build-up?  

I became interested and familiar with the organization Youth Climate Save Zambia by following its founder, Genesis Butler. I was very interested as it mirrored my values, so naturally, I had to reach out. Since I love animals, the more I started learning, the more I wanted to take action. Animals & climate change are both very much linked. As time progresses, my interest in this space continues to build. It is encouraging to see that people from all over the world are involved, with over 80 chapters and counting. 

As Youth Climate Save Zambia continues to grow with more chapters added, why do you believe your organization has gained momentum? 

I believe it's because this is a youth-led organization, as young people are eager to learn more. Although the main focus is animal agriculture and the climate crisis, there are other topics discussed related to the climate crisis. 

What goals would you like to see YCS Zambia meet within the next 3-5 years? What about your goals for 2022? 

Since Youth Climate Save Zambia started during the pandemic, we are looking to add other chapters from Africa. In addition, we have goals to create more consistent content on social media and hold more in-person events. 

We are strategizing to send letters to local government officials and petitions for causes that reflect Youth Climate Save Zambia's values. Ideally, we would love to see a chapter for every country's movement.

Your work is very inspiring as it focuses on many issues relating to climate, including racial justice and women's rights. Where do you believe progress still needs to be made in 2022?  

There is a need for more gender equality in climate policy & solutions, for starters. At the COP26 that took place this past Fall, for example, women were left out of critical conversations about those solutions. Additionally, environmental racism still needs to be addressed. The climate crisis disproportionately affects communities of color. Yet, people still don't believe there is a link between race and climate. 

When it comes to climate inequality in general, vulnerable groups continue to bear a disproportionate brunt of climate change, environmental risks, and other hazards as they are left behind in solutions. I could probably go on all day; there is still so much work to be done this year and beyond.

What advice would you give to other aspiring activists looking to make environmental resources more accessible and inclusive? 

People think you need to be an expert, and that's not true. The climate movement is for everyone. Anyone can join, and everyone has a role. I would recommend joining a local or online organization and talking to those people about climate change. Discussion is influential in inspiring action. Volunteers are crucial for organizations in this area since we get to all collaborate. 

I would also say to keep educating yourself, always be learning. Then share with others the knowledge gained. 

What would you say is something someone can do today to become more aware and involved?  

Watch tv shows, listen to podcasts, or read a book on the crisis. You don't have to be "active" to participate in the movement. Try to get information from different sources, but whatever is comfortable. 

As I mentioned earlier, one of the best things I would say is to share your knowledge. That can be through social media or conversations with family and friends through song, visual arts, writing, etc. Share your unique perspective, which can help people understand climate change through a different lens.

At EMA, we strive to bridge the gap between science and communication. What benefit do you see that storytelling can bring to the movement for positive change? 

Storytelling is part of the solution. People need to hear and see the real impact; it creates connection and empathy. 

Sometimes the scientific facts are not enough to make people aware and concerned about the crisis. With storytelling, sharing stories of how this crisis impacts people, a lot more people are empathetic, making them feel more connected to what is happening. This inspires action, so storytelling is such a huge part of it. 

I'm hopeful as content today focuses more on environmental & social issues, it is becoming more mainstream and makes it relatable. So I'm sure we will continue to see more as time goes on. 

Thank you, Veronica!

Written by Demitri Fierro, ESG Contributor (MBA Candidate in Sustainable Management)