From Stopping to Adapting: A Deep Dive into Climate Change with an Ecologist

We sat down with ecologist Maria Suma to discuss the true meaning of eco-friendliness, the impact of the fashion industry on the environment, the connection between kindness and ecology, and the importance of collaboration between companies and individuals.

About Maria Suma

Maria Suma is a graduate of the International Sakharov Environmental Institute at Belarusian State University, a biochemist, and a master’s degree holder. For over a decade, she has been educating Belarusians about ecology, working on various environmental projects, and promoting the “zero waste” concept in Belarus.

Progress in Addressing Environmental Issues

For years, ecologists have been raising awareness about serious environmental problems. However, these issues continue to intensify. Climate change, for instance, has been a topic of discussion for the past 20 years. While it’s a well-known issue, even among schoolchildren, and has been on the UN’s agenda multiple times, insufficient action has been taken.

Ecologists have shifted their focus from stopping climate change to adapting to its effects. The goal now is to minimize the loss of life due to floods, famine, and droughts. Maria compares this situation to a moving train. If we had pulled the emergency brake 10-15 years ago, the situation would be different today. The longer we delay action, the more radical the required changes will be.

Prioritizing Environmental Problems

Maria believes that it’s not productive to prioritize or classify environmental problems as they are all interconnected. Climate change encompasses various issues such as water and soil pollution, air contamination, harmful waste, chemical emissions, ozone depletion, biodiversity loss, and deforestation.

The root cause of these problems is the human desire for increased consumption. Companies strive for growth, nations aim to boost their GDP, and individuals accumulate more “necessary” items. This overconsumption directly impacts the environment.

The Impact of the Fashion Industry

The fashion industry is a prime example of overconsumption. Fast fashion exacerbates the situation, with brands releasing up to 12 collections per year. This rapid turnover leads to more clothing being discarded than purchased, with less than 1% of textiles being recycled globally. The dyes and chemicals used in clothing production severely harm the environment.

Maria suggests that the solution lies in consuming less and supporting local brands, which typically have a smaller transportation footprint and produce longer-lasting clothing.

The Trend of Eco-Friendliness

Being eco-friendly has become trendy, with many people using reusable bags and containers. However, Maria emphasizes that true eco-friendliness is about awareness and understanding, not just following trends. For instance, buying a new reusable bag every month is counterproductive. Real change comes from adopting eco-friendly habits as core values, regardless of external circumstances.

Individual Efforts Matter

Maria argues that individuals should focus on what they can control. While one person’s actions may seem insignificant, collective efforts can lead to substantial change. She also notes that businesses are increasingly adopting ESG principles (Environmental, Social, and Governance), which consider ecological impact. Companies with low ESG ratings struggle to find partners, clients, and investors, highlighting the economic importance of eco-friendliness.

In conclusion, Maria’s insights underscore the need for a shift in mindset, from stopping climate change to adapting to its effects, and the importance of collective action in addressing environmental issues.