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Jaya Gajparia
Interview with Jaya Gajparia
It is undeniable that Covid-19 has had a huge impact on the environment but what does this mean for the long-term issues around sustainability and climate change and specifically, the main themes of this event? Jaya Gajparia, School of Law and Social Sciences, will examine and gather views on how this pandemic will affect the sustainability agenda and some of the other issues around its impact on society.
Jaya, this topic is incredibly relevant. Tell us about why it is so important to have this debate during the conference
There is not one answer or solution to solving this unprecedented global problem of climate emergency. We need to work collaboratively and collectively across discipline, industry and experience taking a multi-dimensional holistic approach to understanding and addressing climate emergency. And so, this debate allows for a creative and inclusive space to share these ideas from industry to research, teachers to learners. Everyone needs a seat at the table which this debate hopes to achieve.
Lots of people are talking about the positive impact that the pandemic has brought about for the environment. What should we learn from this and how should this change our behaviours and actions moving forward?
The evidence is clear that reduced air travel, road travel and shipping has directly impacted the local and global environment. Depending on where people live in the world, some have renewed or reimagined their relationship with nature, time and consumption – this of course has directly impacted the environment. The readiness to now reimagine the re-balance of work with quality of life presents an opportunity to harness this experience and apply it throughout society, which in turn would directly impact the environment.
In your role, what’s the thing that inspires you the most?
A Cliché but none the less true, my students inspire me all the time in my role as course director.
Sustainability and climate issues are a major concern for people all around the world but particularly for younger people – what message do you have for them
Although climate issues can often overwhelm, it is important to never forget everyone has to start from somewhere so think globally but act locally.
Finally, what are your hopes for the conference and more importantly, for the future?
The conference, and the event series as a whole, has given us the opportunity to collaborate, exchange ideas and offer a learning environment for our broad range of stakeholders. For the future, I hope this will go some way in working towards a global greener economy and society.
Jaya will be delivering her session on the conference day devoted to Climate’ taking place on 22nd June.
For more information and to register for this event, which will be delivered online, visit the event page.
We look forward to ‘seeing’ you there!