I had the opportunity to interview Ashangwa Harrison from Cameroon but currently based in Venice, Italy. He is a twenty-eight-year-old climate activist, environmental advocate, and also the Co-executive Director of the International Student Environmental Coalition.
What types of problems do you work to solve? How do you do it?
I work to solve environmental problems in general, I am a trained environmental engineer with a Masters degree in Environmental Engineering. Over the years, I have realized that awareness is key in addressing environmental challenges. I am the Co-executive Director of the International Student Environmental Coalition where we are working to give young people around the world the resources, capacity and organizational power to engage in grassroots movement for climate justice and a sustainable and equitable future of our planet , in over 30+ countries, we have engaged over 200,000 young people through our various programs, campaigns, trainings and initiatives.
What inspired you to become an environmental advocate? How did it all begin, and why did you continue?
I grew up in a small community in the North West region of Cameroon where farming was a major activity. I watched my mother and other smallholder farmers grapple with the changing climate which spurred my curiosity to learn more about what was happening. In addition to the many environmental challenges I saw around me, I decided to study environmental engineering at the university, through my studies I realized that a majority of the population was unaware about climate change and how some of their activities contributed to the challenges around them. The work of raising awareness and educating the population got me fully into climate justice activism and environmental advocacy before I founded the International Student Environmental Coalition in Cameroon in 2017 as the National Director and I am now heading the organization in over 30 countries as the Executive Director.
How long have you been involved in this work?
Over 6 years now.
As an Executive Director, what is your role?
I work to supervise, coordinate and lead the activities of the International Student Environmental Coalition in over 30 countries. I also lead and spearhead campaigns in Cameroon, and take part in National and International conversations and initiatives concerning climate change and the environment in general.
What has been the most challenging thing? What is one thing you learned?
The most challenging thing has been securing finances to run our activities, campaigns and programs. I learnt that partnership is key in whatever climate activities we are engaging in and also the importance of Intergenerational dialogue in the environment and climate space. The passion and enthusiasm of young people should not make them think they know it, we still have a lot to learn from the older generations.
What is something you are proud of?
The impact of our work around the world especially in the global south.
What are some legislations or policies relevant to the work you do?
Youth engagement in policies and climate issues locally, nationally and internationally.
What are your thoughts on climate change and global warming as an environmental advocate?
Climate change is the greatest challenge facing our planet today and we need to get everyone involved in taking action to address the climate crisis. It is through individual actions and systemic change that we can curb GHGs which is the major cause of climate change. I also believe in the ingenuity, passion, and energy of young people to not only be at the forefront of the global campaign towards climate action but to also be part of the decisions and policies that are being taken towards a sustainable future of our planet.
How does it impact your community in Cameroon?
Climate change is impacting our lives in ways beyond our comprehension; In our cities and communities, we now have violent and devastating floods like never before, weather patterns are very unpredictable, our farmers are confused about planting seasons as the rains are very inconsistent, heat waves are quite prevalent nowadays across our country, droughts and desertification is fast eating up the northern part of Cameroon, agricultural activities and a host of others are affected negatively. The impacts of climate change are overwhelming to us and we all need to do something.
How does this make you feel? How did your community respond?
The impacts of climate change I see around me is the reason why I am fighting for climate justice and advocating for the environment. We need climate action today and now. I want to secure a prosperous, equitable and sustainable future of our planet because there’s no other planet.
What are ways young people can take effective action for change in the community like you have?
Passion is important but alongside passion, young people should also learn the necessary skills, knowledge, gather the right/necessary information and expertise to be fully involved and engaged in the international climate discourse.
What do you hope to see in the future?
I hope to see a future where young people are not only leading campaigns and grassroots action but also to be fully involved in the aspects of policies and global decisions about the things that concern of our planet.
