As part of our ongoing collaboration with The World Reimagined, Rhodes House hosted a panel discussion entitled Responding to the Climate Emergency: The Impact of Colonialism and Racism.
Our speakers shared their experiences of working with communities around the world who struggle with the cumulative impact of these challenges. As we considered the influence of the past on today, we also looked to the future, hearing how collaboration and inclusion can bring positive progress.
The event was introduced by Sir Rick Trainor, Warden of Rhodes House, and Dr Michelle Gayle, CEO of The World Reimagined. Marvin Rees OBE, former Mayor of Bristol who works around the globe to help cities address and adapt to the adverse consequences of climate change, moderated the discussion.
Our panel also included:
Paul Gardullo, Assistant Director of History at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture and head of the Museum’s Center for the Study of Global Slavery.
Wawa Gatheru, Rhodes Scholar (Connecticut & St John’s 2020) and founder and Executive Director of Black Girl Environmentalist, dedicated to addressing the pathway and retention issue in the climate movement for Black girls and labelled “one of the largest Black youth-led organizations in the country” by Forbes.
Tori Harwell, Rhodes Scholar (Missouri & Queen’s 2024) and advocate for environmental justice, grounded in community-based projects that address the lack of infrastructure supporting Black communities working to heal their connection to the land and the land itself.
Dorah Marema, Atlantic Fellow for Racial Equity and Portfolio Head for Municipal Sustainability Portfolio at the South African Local Government Association, leading work to support municipalities in South Africa on issues of environmental management, climate change, disaster management and fire services.
The panel discussed topics such as COP, individual versus collective responsibility, climate reparations and the importance of the language used when talking about the climate crisis. Guests questioned and challenged our panellists during a dynamic Q&A session.
Attendees and speakers mingled and continued the conversation over drinks and canapes following the discussion, whilst also exploring the art exhibitions at Rhodes House. Conversations were sparked and connections forged. We look forward to more discussions in partnership with The World Reimagined in the future.
Photographer: OxEvents
