CHEC COP30 Side Event “An Insider’s Blueprint: A Lifetime of Proven Climate Action on the Ground” video now online!
Panelists (left to right) BISCA’s Dr. Helen Onyeaka, CHEC’s Dr. Kate Martin, CHEC Youth Advisor Abhiir Bhalla, ACT’s Dr. Emanula Evangalista, Alda Brazão from CoopXixuaú, (translation from Dr. Lia Kajiki of ACT), and Dr. Liza Jabbour from BISCA
The Commonwealth Human Ecology Council (CHEC), along with their partners, hosted a highly successful Blue Zone Side Event on Monday, 17th November, during COP30 in Belém. The event featured speakers from CHEC, the Amazon Charitable Trust, the University of Birmingham Institute for Sustainability and Climate Action (BISCA), CoopXixuaú, and the Commonwealth Sustainable Energy Transition Youth Action Group (CSET Youth). They shared compelling stories, highlighted successful projects, and presented key research, all centred on a lifetime of climate action. The diverse perspectives emphasised the urgency of sustained efforts and collaboration in addressing climate challenges across communities and generations. The full video can be accessed on CHEC’s YouTube page here.
The session, moderated by CHEC Youth Advisor Abhiir Bhalla, featured a series of insightful presentations that focused on the power of storytelling, building effective partnerships with local communities, and the role of rigorous research. Thoughtful and impactful stories were shared by climate activist and scientist Dr. Emanuela Evangelista, who highlighted the significant intersection of science and advocacy in driving meaningful change. Additionally, Alda Brazão from CoopXixuaú brought forward the crucial indigenous perspective, emphasising the vital importance of local knowledge as well as community-led initiatives in effectively addressing complex environmental challenges. The dialogue underscored the critical value of collaboration and inclusive approaches in advancing innovative, sustainable solutions for the future.
CHEC’s Dr Kate Martin highlighted the ongoing collaborative efforts with Fiji Earth Sisters in promoting sustainable practices in menstrual hygiene. She emphasised not only the environmental benefits but also the significant health advantages of using eco-friendly products, alongside the importance of community education in fostering lasting behavioural change. Meanwhile, Angelos Pastras from CSET Youth addressed the crucial and increasingly urgent role of youth engagement in driving a just and sustainable energy transition. He advocated strongly for inclusive policies that genuinely empower young people to actively participate in shaping the future of energy systems. Both speakers underscored the essential importance of integrating social equity with environmental sustainability to ensure a meaningful and long-term impact across communities.
CHEC’s Dr. Kate Martin and Abhiir Bhalla at our official COP30 Blue Zone Side Event
The session concluded with insightful and thought-provoking presentations from two distinguished researchers at the University of Birmingham Institute for Sustainability and Climate Action (BISCA), Dr. Helen Onyeaka and Dr. Liza Jabbour. Dr. Onyeaka highlighted her extensive research on food security, emphasising a collaborative project with Birmingham City Council that aims to develop a comprehensive blueprint for a just and climate-resilient food system through strong, integrated city-university-community partnerships. Dr. Jabbour then shared her diverse collaborative work on climate action, illustrating significant partnerships with various projects such as decarbonising a Nigerian teaching hospital and examining the vital and often underappreciated role of women in climate adaptation and resilience. She particularly highlighted a compelling example of indigenous Mexican women harvesting water, showcasing their innovative practices with a view to securing long-term sustainability for future generations.
