In his book Pale Blue Dot , astronomer Carl Sagan refers to the Earth as a ‘mote of dust suspended in a sunbeam.’ Not enough can be said about protecting this mote of dust that’s privy to countless number of changes of its own, apart from having to deal with our own ignorance.
Now, author and educator of sustainable development Bijal Vaccharajani in her new book for kids , So You Want to Know About the Environment , tackles subjects related to wildlife, food, water, and waste without pressurising children into saving the planet. It is about a way to understand how human behaviour has repercussions on Earth. Excerpts from an interview:
Your book is for kids, but it talks about topics that pertain to all 7 billion people who are a part of this planet. What was your approach to writing it to make it both kid- and adult-friendly?
I am glad you think so! I was just following Maurice Sendak’s words when he said, “I don’t write for children. I write — and somebody says, ‘That’s for children!” I think the environment concerns all of us, but kids are way smarter and sensitive and are willing to speak honestly about the things they see as wrong or right. And which is why I wanted to write for them.
The book is divided into five sections: food, waste, water, wildlife and climate change. What made you choose these particular sections, and did you have examples in your head for each one before research began?
My commissioning editor and I discussed the topics in detail, and narrowed down on these five. It was pretty hard, even now when I read the book I think, oh no, I could have added this bit about marine life or why didn’t I write something on highways cutting across forests. There’s such a wealth of information out there and people doing fabulous work. I have been fortunate to have met some of them as a journalist as well. I have also studied environment security and peace, so a lot my studies came in handy, as well as my work with 350.org, Time Out , Fairtrade, PETA and Sanctuary Asia . It all went in there.
Do you remember what first made you interested as a child in the environment and the need to protect it? Has there been a significant change in the way schools or parents nowadays inculcate environmental education in their lives?
My mother is to blame for that! When we were kids, Mum used to constantly bring home injured animals and nurse them back to health. She would tell us stories of growing up surrounded by animals — a cow in their backyard, an owl who came knocking, snakes — and I wanted to meet all these animals. The books I read also were a huge influence on me. I can’t pinpoint an exact moment of time, but I do remember looking up animal welfare NGOs in Mumbai in the newspapers and trooping off with my cousin to volunteer at one. We did street plays about animal welfare on Juhu Beach, puppet shows about trash, and campaigned with physical signature petitions. I have met fabulous children who are concerned about the way we treat animals and tread upon this earth. They are out there, making a huge difference in their own way. And I feel they become the best teachers for their peers and parents.
Taking care of Planet Earth is a topic that’s so vast, because there are countless number of things one can do to reduce their own carbon footprint. How did you decide what aspects to touch upon in your book and what to leave out?
Actually, as I say in the book — the Earth is going to be fine, she will adapt. It’s a misnomer, what we are looking at is saving our species. We are the ones who are grappling with unpredictable weather, climate change, food insecurity, landfills and oceans full of waste. We can reduce individual carbon footprint, but sometimes there are larger issues to consider, such as government policy or the role of the immediate community in say composting. Which is why I decided that the actions I recommend would be more centred around scientific observations or understanding personal habits and behaviour when it comes to consumption. I didn’t want to pressurise children into ‘saving the planet’ [have you looked at their homework load?] but rather get them to understand how everything is interconnected and how our individual and collective behaviour impacts all of this.
You studied in Costa Rica for a year to further your knowledge about the environment and climate change. Did your experiences there inspire topics in the book too?
Yes. I pursued a Masters in Environment Security and Peace with a specialisation in climate change and security at the University for Peace. That year was definitely a turning point for me and a mainstay for my book. My classes in food security and education for sustainable development, professors and classmates, and my travels also fuelled a lot of the book.
There’s a poem in the book that talks about urban wildlife and how you don’t have to go too far to experience it. What are some of your favourite green spots in Mumbai, have you ever been visited by an unusual wildlife guest in the city?
My favourite is Sanjay Gandhi National Park. A forest in our own backyard! Then there’s the Mahim Nature Park, the flamingoes at Sewree, little parks and bigger ones like the Priyadarshini one. There’s a lot we can do like go on a walk with the Bombay Natural History Society to their Conservation Education Centre.
Oh yes! We once had a bat visit us. The poor thing was disoriented by the light and kept zooming around our living room. Of course we yelled the place down, frightening it more. But once my sister and I calmed down, we left the window open, switched off all lights and fans, left the room. And in some time the bat had found its way out, into the night.
Having worked with children, how do you think they react to environment and climate change? Do you think somewhere down the line they’re tired of what seems constant preaching which is when they switch off? Or do you think kids these days are more conscious of these things?
I think it’s a bit of both. On one hand, grown-ups are constantly telling children what to do and what not to do, morals being thrust their way, and so on. But on the other, children are naturally sensitive and compassionate. They are concerned about their environment, compassionate towards animals, and passionate about human rights — the idea of right and wrong. They are also the ones who are going to be inheriting a warmer world, and it’s only reasonable that they would be worried.
What do you have to say to the people who dismiss global warming and climate change as a political propaganda?
The science is clear. We really can’t afford to dismiss climate change as propaganda. There is a lot of politics around it of course. But we are at a time when the adverse impacts are visible, tangible, and it all comes down to how we act from here, as a species.
But research does show that we can’t keep telling apocalyptic stories if we want people to listen. We need to share more action-oriented solutions and recognise what’s happening around us.
Book Review
‘The author wants you to read and think’
This book tells us about the world around us and all the things children should know about it, especially related to environmental issues. It is divided into sections including climate change, food, waste, water and wildlife.
Even though I am not a fan of non-fiction I really liked this book. I liked how the author wrote about the issues. Each chapter starts with a small relatable story that gives you the idea of the topic in that chapter. This is followed by four or five fun activities, which help to further understand the concept. I had a great time doing these activities. It is very interactive and actually provides a scribble space for the reader! It also has cool extra information like links to websites and other books. The author doesn’t only want you to read, she wants you to think!
The book is a very easy and breezy read. It is written in a very informal humorous way and at the same time was very explanatory. The information is clear and easy to understand for any age group. The author put in a lot witty puns and wordplay that just made it more entertaining even in the more serious bits like global warming, solid waste.
If we had these kinds of books as our textbooks I am sure everyone’s favourite subject would be science and environmental studies. Your average textbook contains piles of confusing information, which you just mug up. A story is different. You understand it and enjoy it. Maybe the things we study about could be converted stories too! The activities could count as tests. This way we have fun and our teachers don’t have to spend hours correcting test papers. It is a win-win.
The book aims to make children more aware of environmental problems. And to empower them to right the wrongs made by previous generations. And it has succeeded. Not only did I find out so many things that I never knew, I also have a lot to think about now!
Reviewed by Samina Bandukwala, age 10, J.B.Petit High School For Girls
