Jaya Gajparia
Interview with Jaya Gajparia
It was undeniable that COVID-19 had had a huge impact on the environment but what did this mean with regard to 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, would examine and gather views on how this pandemic would affect the sustainability agenda and some of the other issues around its impact on society.
Jaya, this topic is incredibly relevant to all of us. 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 the 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, and this debate hopes to achieve that.
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 relationships 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 is 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 that 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 fostering the work towards a greener global economy and society.
Jaya’s session was on the conference day devoted to ‘Climate’, on 22nd June 2020.
For more information on this event, visit the event page.