Greta to Gaza shames climate pretenders

Renowned climate activist Greta Thunberg has emerged as a global voice for the plight of Gaza's residents, drawing unprecedented attention to the ongoing crisis in the region. While the suffering of Gazans under Israeli bombardment was fairly known, Thunberg's bold humanitarian efforts thrust the issue into the international climate and political spotlight. Leading a mission to deliver aid to starving people, she faced threats from Israeli forces, who warned her against returning. Undeterred, Thunberg organised a larger flotilla of motorboats, shaking up global media, politicians and activists. Her actions, joined by a courageous group of five Pakistanis including former Senator Mushtaq as well, sparked widespread outrage when their second attempt to reach Gaza was intercepted, leading to their detention and alleged torture by Israeli forces. Global pressure secured their release, cementing Thunberg's role in galvanising support for Gaza's beleaguered population.

Until recently, she remained largely unknown in Pakistan, recognised only by a small circle of eco-enthusiasts active on social media. Among the country's climate-conscious community, a few aspired to mirror her activism, aiming to be hailed as Pakistan's own Greta Thunberg. However, their efforts gained little traction in a society both unfamiliar with her global stature and sceptical of individual efforts to raise awareness. Her journey began at 14 with a lone sit-in outside Sweden's parliament, followed by a powerful speech at the UN Climate Change Conference, which catapulted her to fame in the developed world.

She stirred global attention by stepping beyond her environmental advocacy to champion the cause of Gaza's people. Facing criticism for shifting her focus from climate change to Israel's atrocities in Gaza, Thunberg boldly declared that climate justice cannot be separated from human rights. "Injustice anywhere aggravates the climate crisis, especially when people are oppressed and brutalised," she stated, leaving the world stunned by her profound insight. Her response, now etched in history, resonated deeply with the global climate justice movement. Activists worldwide rallied behind her, sparking a wave of support that forced media outlets, despite their ties to corporate advertisers, to amplify her message. Thunberg's stand has ignited a powerful momentum, redefining the fight for justice on a global stage.

In a surprising turn of events, Pakistan's Urdu media has wholeheartedly embraced coverage of the Global Sumud Flotilla, dedicating significant space to its daily developments, regardless of their ideological affiliations. Even right-leaning outlets joined in, shattering the oft-repeated claim by environmental and climate activists in Pakistan that media reluctance hinders their campaigns. The extensive coverage of Greta in local outlets has debunked this excuse, proving that impactful climate activism, backed by charisma and conviction, can galvanise support across all sectors. The nation will not be quick to forget Greta's powerful response after her release from Israeli detention, when she addressed cheering crowds chanting, "you are our hero." She humbly replied, "No, we are not heroes. We are doing the bare minimum. The real heroes are those resisting Israel's sinister tactics, standing firm and refusing to abandon their land."

In Pakistan, the landscape of climate activism remains fragmented, with no single leader at the city or national level steering the charge - as the Urdu proverb goes, "every branch has an owl perched on it." Across major cities, civil society struggles to produce a pioneer akin to past icons like Akhtar Hameed Khan or Arif Hassan, whose names were synonymous with impactful social and environmental advocacy. Today, many activists appear focused on fleeting media attention rather than driving meaningful change, leaving a void in the fight for sustainability. As profiteers of an anti-sustainable system continue to prioritise personal gains over the planet and its people, the prospects for robust climate action in Pakistan remain bleak.

A glaring paradox plagues Pakistan's climate initiatives, where efforts to curb carbon emissions are undermined by the very activities meant to address them. Affluent organisations, flush with funds, host climate conferences in air-conditioned venues, serving lavish feasts and high tea - practices that ironically boost emissions while preaching decarbonisation. Meanwhile, groups struggling for funding are poised to emulate these wasteful habits once resources arrive, raising concerns about the authenticity of climate leadership in the country. Experts highlight a troubling trend: many individuals and organisations secure honoraria from well-funded groups, while eyeing future grants to claim their smaller shares, prioritising financial gain over genuine environmental action. This mirrors Pakistan's broader environmental sector, where numerous professional outfits champion "go green" campaigns without adopting sustainable practices themselves, casting doubts on the nation's path to true climate justice.

Despite challenges, hope shines bright for Pakistan's environment through its youth, who make up 65% of the population. Experts urge young Pakistanis to stay vigilant against 'climate parasites' - individuals exploiting the climate cause for fame and wealth rather than fostering a greener world. The example of Greta Thunberg strikes a chord globally, as she rejected hero status and instead honoured the resilience of Gaza's people. Pakistan, too, has its unsung heroes like Tahir Qureshi, the 'Father of Mangroves,' who worked tirelessly on the ground, far from the lavish, costly venues of cosmetic climate events. These events, marked by speeches, debates and dinners, often conclude with attendees driving off alone in separate vehicles, ironically boosting emissions and wasting space. Yet, Pakistan's youth remain the nation's true hope, provided they steer clear of such 'climate charlatans' and champion genuine environmental action.