The fight of our lives

Being killed, silenced or, ridiculed for environmental activism, journalism, and advocacy.

This week, I was randomly looking into environmental news articles when I stumbled upon a piece entitled: “Murders and threats spark fears among female activists.” This article piqued my interest because recently, I found myself inspired by the bravery of environmental activists around the world. I mean, they embody what it means to truly stand up for what you believe in, even if the masses are undecided. While the thought of danger did not cross my mind at that moment, after reading this article, I felt like I had unlocked a hidden room in the house of our world.

Dangerous Careers

Although we are aware that journalists, advocates, and activists generally have a difficult time (especially in underdeveloped or developing countries), seldomly is the link drawn to the dangers that environmental activists, journalists, and advocates face daily. Just 5 years ago, Global Witness wrote a report on the statistics regarding murdered defenders globally. This article revealed that in 2017, Latin America was classified as the worst region for activists worldwide, with murders in Brazil accounting for 34% of the dead defenders. Not to mention the effects in the Philippines and Africa. Despite the importance of their work, these activists and their families face many threats. In an article written in 2019 about the matter, when asked, “do you feel safe?” a Philippine environmental activist responded that safety is no longer a word recognized by activists in the country. Needless to say, these people are still empowered to carry out their duty: they just want to do what they feel is right. But at what cost?

The fight of our lives

Level with me, if you would know that creating awareness about or unmasking the culprits of our environmental issues would surely lead to your death, would you still pursue your ambitions to make a difference? A very intense question, I know, but definitely food for thought. We live in a time where change needs to happen, and the only way to make it happen is: to advocate for those who cannot do it themselves or inform the people through writing and organizing events. Now is the time to shine a light on the issue, and “jumpstart” the train toward the future we fantasize about for our children (well, of course, if that is something you dream about).

We are in the fight of our lives! Had it not been for activists, journalists, and advocates risking their lives, our generations would not have all of the information that we do currently to make the necessary changes and possibly, save our future.

Cheers to you, the activists, journalists and advocates. You are the true heroes of this era.