Climate Resilience Speech at the Indiaspora Climate Action Forum in Dubai on Dec 7, 2023
As we contemplate the impact of global climate change, our minds are often drawn to images of polar ice caps melting or the migration of Amazonian tribes. Yet, amidst these global narratives, there's a quieter reality that deserves our immediate attention — the profound impact of climate migration on the most marginalized communities, those who reside much closer to our homes.
In the heart of Maharashtra, just 8 hours away from metropolis of Mumbai, lies Beed district where sugarcane cutters bear the brunt of climate change's unforgiving impact. Belonging predominantly to vulnerable Nomadic & Denotified Nomadic Tribes, Scheduled Castes and other vulnerable communities, they have faced an extensive history of social and economic marginalization. Added to this, the community faces recurrent droughts in the region that disrupt their way of life, leading to displacement, migration and a cascade of health challenges. Amidst these hardships, they grapple with uprooted families and homes, meagre sustainable livelihood opportunities, prejudice and discrimination. One of the worst affected, are children from these families whose access to education has been historically disrupted, depriving them of their fundamental rights.
Climate Change: A reality close to our homes
Get to Know Us
Climate Resilience Project is an initiative dedicated to supporting communities affected by the detrimental impacts of climate change. It is founded by Alekha Choksey, a young 12th-grade student at Bombay International School passionate about global issues, particularly the pressing challenges posed by climate change.
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Conducting rigorous research and ethnographic insights to build case studies and an academic research paper titled “Shallow Waters: Examining Displacement, Migration, and Climate Resilience among Urban-Village Communities in Beed.” - It has been published in the September 2023 issue of the International Journal of Social Science and Economic Research.
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Organizing a Fundraiser for the establishment of the Navchetana Gurukul, a first-of-its-kind residential hostel in Beed. This residential facility will be pivotal in enabling the displaced children of Beed, who will be able to continue their education and live in a steady environment without having to drop out from their school.
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Building a resource network by connecting individuals and organizations who are willing to offer support to these communities through trainings and resources including vocational training, water management education, medical assistance, etc.
