How Can I Think of the Planet When I Can't Even Afford Rent?

About this episode

This episode explores the intersection of climate action and economic struggles faced by low-income communities.

How can we talk about climate action when so many people are struggling just to get by? Why do the people least responsible for climate change often suffer the most from it?  When paying the rent, finding a decent job, or putting food on the table are on the top of your concerns, climate change seems to be something for somebody else to solve. This is what we explore in the new episode of SystemShift, where Carl Schlyter and Joycelyn Longdon are joined by Nala Amirah, climate activist and founder of Green Welfare Indonesia. From rising rents to polluted neighbourhoods, they explain how low-income and marginalised communities often have no choice but to live in polluted areas that are at high risk from climate change—while those in power do little to fix the problem. But change is possible. Nala shares how community-led action, sustainable housing, and climate education are already making a difference—and why real solutions must come from the people most affected. As we wrap up this series, this episode asks: Do I have to worry about the end of the month or the end of the world? What can you do? It’s easy to feel like you’re not “doing enough” for the planet. But if you’re…

People in this episode

Hosts: Carl Schlyter, Joycelyn Longdon

Guest: Nala Amirah

Topics covered

• climate action
• social justice
• community-led action
• sustainable housing
• marginalized communities

Keywords

• climate change
• rent
• pollution
• community action
• sustainability
• social issues
• wellbeing

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Green Welfare Indonesia, Greenpeace International

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