CLIMATE STRIKES IN SRI LANKA

Welcome curious minds! It has been awhile since my last blog but I am hoping to write again more frequently. Climate strikes and marches have gained global traction since the 28th of September, 2019. Even though we had been observing marches in metropolitan cities worldwide, those marches seem to only attract limited national media. However, all that changed when the young generation decided to join the marches on school days. This movement was led by a brave young girl, now known globally called Greta Thunberg!

This movement rapidly grabbed media attention as an alarming number of youth left school in demand for climate action and the immediate stop to ecological destruction. They preached, “Why study for a future we might not even have”. This is a powerful statement not only because it is coming from our youth but also because it is true.

The climate strikes this year took place in countries where such strikes have not ever been held. For example, Sri Lanka joined the global movement for the first time this year and our number might not be large and alarming yet but it is a great start! Sri Lanka was ranked as the second highest at risk country from climate change impacts by German Watch list of 2019. The reality is that many farmers in Sri Lanka are facing the full force of climate change but they are suffering in silence as they are not given the importance they deserve. In the past five years alone farmers have faced severe droughts which led to zero harvest for four seasons, affecting so many lives in the agricultural regions. The worse impacts that Sri Lanka will face due to climate change is from an increase in frequency and intensity of natural disasters, which will not only affect the country socially or environmentally it will affect us economically as well.

I joined a number of the climate strikes in Sri Lanka, and I was surprised that many Sri Lankans were confused about the idea of protesting to save the environment. However, this confusion led to many inquiring about why I was protesting which was a great start to an important conversation. Therefore, it is important to search for answers, not be afraid to ask the right questions. Educating yourself does not end after higher studies, it is a lifelong commitment you owe to yourself. Ignorance is not an option for our generation, as we are the only ones who can make a difference before the damage is irreversible.

Unfortunately, for certain species and a number of islands in the pacific ocean, it is too late, and we bid goodbye with a heavy heart and a promise that we will do everything we can to save the rest of our beautiful mother earth.

Happy striking to everyone!

IF WE HAVE TO REBEL TO SAVE OUR PLANET, THEN THAT IS WHAT WE WILL DO!

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HUMAN WILDLIFE CONFLICT IN SRI LANKA

Welcome curious minds to an intriguing blog! Humans and wildlife have coexisted since the dawn of civilisation, historically most encounters between humans and wildlife were life-threatening to each party. A simple term called Human-Wildlife Conflict coined by the IUCN World Parks Congress (Madden 2004) is defined as “when the needs and behaviour of wildlife impact negatively on the goals of humans or when the goals of humans negatively impact the needs of wildlife. These conflicts may result when wildlife damage crops, injure or kill domestic animals, threaten or kill people”. I will try my best to unravel the modern human-wildlife conflict in Sri Lanka. Firstly, it is important to understand the historical aspect of livelihoods in Sri Lanka and the coexistence that prevailed during these periods and how it was lost to current society. During the many interesting and informative conversations I have had with farming communities in different regions, the older generation of farm

VECTOR-BORNE DISEASES AND CLIMATE CHANGE

Welcome curious readers! Today I would like to talk about the relationship between climate change and vector-borne diseases. Yes! There is a positive correlation. Currently, Africa and Asia are known for facing some of the deadliest diseases on the planet, but they are spreading worldwide. Majority of these diseases are vector-borne. The importance of addressing vector-borne diseases is because malaria and dengue are responsible for high rates of mortality especially in Africa and Asia. Vector-borne diseases have also had a strong influence on the survival rates of children and adults in the past and at present Around 12% of mortality in tropical regions can be directly attributed to vector-borne diseases. The mosquito species that are responsible for dengue and malaria are climate sensitive, which means they have a specific temperature window for optimum establishment (Githeko, et al., 2000). Future climate projections from the IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change)

PLANT BASED DIET OVER MEAT BASED DIET

Welcome curious visitors! Today I would like to discuss a topic that has grabbed my attention and sparked a personal psychological/attitudinal change in my life. It is evident from research studies conducted globally that we are reaching our planetary boundaries. The question is, is there a way we can minimise consumption and ensure sustainable resource management? I will tell you why having a plant-based diet can be beneficial for the planet and yourself. Image courtesy: FAO, 2019. I have had this conversation with a number of people and it was clear that there is a huge knowledge gap in society regarding basic farming activities and the effects it has on the planet. It should really be a core subject taught to kids from a young age, even though it rarely happens. So why am I fixated on farming? I have decided to be a vegetarian due to two basic realisations. One and the most relevant to today’s blog is the carbon footprint a meat-based meal contains over a plant-based me

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