Institut für Auslandsbeziehungen
The photo shows the environmental activists in Brazil, members of Canal Novo Mundo and One Earth One Ocean. In front of the activists posing on a beach are full garbage bags. The photo is from the series of environmental actions organized by Thaine Maciel in Brazil.

Voices of Climate Activism: Perspectives from Brazil and Bangladesh

Thaiane Maciel from Brazil and Syed Muntasir Ridwan from Bangladesh, both CCP alumni, are climate activists who founded their respective organisations while still at university. CCP alumnus Max Jean-Louis from Haiti talked to them about the climate movements in their countries, the sensitivity of climate activism and the involvement of indigenous perspectives

What is the climate movement currently doing in your respective country?

Thaiane: Deforestation has been the big challenge in Brazil for the last four years because of the actions taken under former President Jair Bolsonaro’s government. With Lula's return to power in January, more attention is being given to it and we are getting back on track. But there is still a lot to do and climate activists need to better communicate the challenges we are tackling.

Syed: I am going to be straightforward with you: the climate movement in Bangladesh is largely tokenistic and ineffective. We are victims of greenwashing and we are not successful in pushing political boundaries. The construction of the Rampal Power Plant in the Sundarbans is a good example. The Sundarbans, which span Bangladesh and India, are a crucial ecosystem with rich biodiversity.

They act as a protective barrier against storms and tidal surges, supporting the livelihoods of local communities. Building a power plant near them poses significant risks, including potential alterations to the water balance. Regrettably, the government went ahead with the project and disregarded environmental concerns. The opposition from climate activists proved entirely ineffective in influencing the decision.

The photo shows a woman collecting rubbish from a beach. The beach gives an impression of a landfill site as the ground is completely covered with garbage. In the background are blue water and a few people on the quay. The photo is from the series of environmental actions organized by Thaine Maciel in Brazil.
Canal Novo Mundo and One Earth One Ocean doing cleanup © Sarah Maciel

We know that indigenous people are on the frontline of the battle against climate change. Are indigenous movements in your countries given a platform to voice their perspectives?

Thaiane: Personally, I have noticed that indigenous communities, such as the Yanomami people, who live very deep in the Amazon rainforest, are grappling with issues like poverty and inadequate healthcare. The recent floods have also had a significant impact on both indigenous communities and favelas. Marginalised people often lack essential infrastructure and face challenges with waste management, particularly after floods. However, a positive change has occurred: the new president, Lula, appointed a Minister of Native People in January 2023.

Now the government is clearing forests for rubber plantations and constructing resorts; they’re displacing indigenous communities and allowing Bengalis to buy properties in those areas.

Syed Muntasir Ridwan

Syed: In Bangladesh, the government has been aggressively acquiring land from indigenous communities and not just in the context of the climate crisis. These communities have traditionally practised sustainable agriculture and forest stewardship, which differs from the majority of the Bengali population. Now the government is clearing forests for rubber plantations and constructing resorts; they’re displacing indigenous communities and allowing Bengalis to buy properties in those areas.

This aggressive deforestation and displacement disrupt the stewardship of these lands and contribute to issues like landslides. So it’s not solely attributed to climate change, but rather the destructive development paradigm. Consequently, indigenous communities are experiencing food crises and seeking employment outside of their traditional occupations, leading to significant transformations in their way of life.

Consequently, indigenous communities are experiencing food crises and seeking employment outside of their traditional occupations, leading to significant transformations in their way of life. 

Is it perilous to be a climate activist in your country, considering the sensitivity surrounding the issue of climate change?

Thaiane: Being a climate activist can be risky, especially in certain regions. Engaging with local communities, whether in large cities or small towns, is complex and potentially dangerous. It attracts attention from both the central government and local officials, and there are unofficial power structures and individuals claiming authority over specific territories. My experience in organizing clean-up actions on Rio de Janeiro beaches brought this to light. As we started our local work, public authorities began to notice and closely monitor our activities.

Activists on the ground who challenge projects like the Rampal Power Plant face serious danger and restrictions on their speech.

Syed Muntasir Ridwan

Syed: In Bangladesh, the government as well as the private sector tend to embrace the kind of tokenistic climate activism that happens on social media because it serves their interests. However, activists on the ground who challenge projects like the Rampal Power Plant face serious danger and restrictions on their speech. Instances of murder and threats occur covertly and often go unreported to the police. Local politics and tensions further discourage people from risking their lives.

You both founded your own organisations at a young age: how did you do this?

The photo shows the environmental activists in Brazil, members of Canal Novo Mundo and One Earth One Ocean. The activists posing on the clean beach show the full garbage bags, which are the result of a cleanup operation. The photo is from the series of environmental actions organized by Thaine Maciel in Brazil.
The members of Canal Novo Mundo and One Earth One Ocean after cleanup in Brazil © Sarah Maciel

Thaiane: I founded Canal Novo Mundo as a YouTube channel during my university years to combine my expertise as an environmental engineer and actress. Despite the initial challenges of editing videos for YouTube, I eventually found success on Instagram. While we continue to use both platforms, we have observed that Instagram is more receptive and provides a smoother means of communication with our viewers.

During the pandemic, my brother and I started organizing cleanups in our neighbourhood in Rio de Janeiro, specifically targeting the polluted Guanabara Bay. Over the past three years, we have conducted more than 300 cleanups and collected tons of waste, collaborating with organisations and local government bodies.

Our focus is on education programmes, particularly for women, but securing funding remains a significant challenge for expanding our actions and working closely with communities. My connections, including those through CCP, and my proficiency in English have been instrumental in bringing attention to and support for our organisation. 

[Translate to english:] Auf dem Bild sind fünf Menschen sitzend auf einem Podium zu sehen. Einer davon hat Mikrofon in der Hand und scheint eine Rede zu halten. Vor dieser Gruppe befinden sich kleine Tische, die mit dem Logo Local Conference of Youth Bangladesh 2022 gekennzeichnet sind. Dieselbe Logo ist auch im Hintergrund zu sehen. Es handelt sich um ein Konferenzfoto mit den Experten aus Youth for Climate Resilient Food System.
[Translate to english:] Die Expert:innen von Youth for Climate Resilient Food System auf dem Konferenz in Bangladesch © Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN)

Syed: I co-founded Bangladesh Youth Environmental Initiatives 13 years ago when I was a student. As a business student, I initially focused with my co-founder on making money, but our curiosity was sparked by Al Gore's documentary 'An inconvenient truth' which mentioned the issue of climate change in Bangladesh. We soon realized the lack of awareness and understanding of the threat posed by climate change among our peers. With support from the US Embassy, we received funding in 2011 and launched the Earth Champions Programme, where we selected bright students for a boot camp and community projects.

Over the years, we expanded our scope to include raising young people’s awareness of climate issues. We now have five cohorts of the Earth Champions Programme, with active climate activists implementing various initiatives across Bangladesh. That’s only one of our programs but we have many, many more. 

I believe in the transformative power of education, especially when working with marginalized communities and young people.

Thaiane Maciel
The picture shows a man in a green T-shirt with a notebook in his hands. He walks through a large room where several round tables are set up. People are sitting at the tables in blue T-shirts with the heading "DEVELOPING THE NEXT GENERATION OF PLANETARY STEWARDS". The people in blue t-shirts seem to be busy while the man in green t-shirt seems to be attributed a leadership role. The photo gives an insight into Green Day Training in Dhaka during the National Earth Olympiad.
Syed Muntasir Ridwan at Green Day Training in Dhaka © Bangladesh Youth Environmental Initiative (BYEI)

You both emphasize the significance of education and communication in addressing climate change…

Thaiane: Yes, they are often undervalued. I believe in the transformative power of education, especially when working with marginalized communities and young people. It may take time to see results, and there may be challenges, but I remain committed to creating meaningful change through these methods.

Syed: Education and communication are crucial, but for us, securing funding is even more pressing. Our next goal is to create a decentralized funding source and promote grassroots entrepreneurship.

Interview by
Max Jean-Louis

Max Jean-Louis is a writer and journalist with more than 15 years of experience.  Having lived on three continents, he has developed a multicultural and multidisciplinary background. He has experience and achievements in the United States, Canada, France, Haiti, Japan, and Germany.  He is the founder and Chairman of Radio Guacanagaric, in Sainte-Suzanne, Haiti. In addition, Max's work has been published and broadcast by several media worldwide, including TV5 Monde, RFI, Agoravox France, Le Courrier de la Nouvelle Ecosse, Le Nouvelliste, Ayibopost, and Multicult FM.

CrossCulture Programme

The CrossCulture Programme (CCP) enables professionals and committed volunteers to think outside of the cultural box! The fellowship recipients gain professional experience in host organizations in Germany or in one of the over 40 partner countries. The goal of the occupational stays abroad is to strengthen lasting civil society networks between Germany and countries across the globe.

CrossCulture Programme

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