Meiya Gujjalu

Tag: sustainability

  • Overcome the climate crisis: impossible?

    Check out my New Year’s special issue for the Daily Cal!

    As a new year begins, the skies over Los Angeles bear the scars of wildfires that raged ferociously, while floods, droughts and hurricanes devastate communities across the globe. Last year marked a tipping point — the planet crossed the 1.5 degrees Celsius warming threshold, a stark reminder of the scale of human impact on Earth. Extreme weather, political inaction and corporations backpedaling on sustainability promises further exacerbate our current situation. 

    The events of 2024 have illustrated the consequences of inaction. Climate disasters have displaced millions, transforming regions into migration hubs where survival is a daily struggle. The International Chamber of Commerce estimates that extreme weather over the past decade has caused $2 trillion in economic losses, deepening global inequalities. Coral reefs, vital to marine biodiversity, have suffered catastrophic damage, threatening ecosystems and livelihoods. 

    Global summits are bogged down by bureaucracy and greenwashing, yet a rising sense of urgency is shared by scientists, activists and people worldwide as they begin demanding change. 

    Emerging signs of hope illustrate the power of innovation and determination in driving sustainability. In Ghana, Africa’s largest floating solar farm on the Bui Dam is blending solar and hydroelectric energy, feeding clean power into the national grid — a model that could inspire other nations. Similarly, in Rwanda, electric motorbikes are replacing traditional moto-taxis, not only cutting emissions but also improving air quality in urban areas. These efforts highlight how sustainability initiatives can provide immediate benefits to local communities.

    Groundbreaking conservation projects are also gaining momentum. The first successful in vitro pregnancy of a northern white rhino signals a potential turning point for this critically endangered species. The rewilding movement is also gaining strength, with reintroducing species such as the European bison and lynx to their natural habitats, helping restore biodiversity and rebuild carbon sinks. 

    And, even more ambitious, de-extinction projects — such as Colossal Biosciences’ initiative to revive woolly mammoths by 2028 — are pushing the limits of what is possible in conservation, sparking new possibilities for ecological restoration. 

    Yet, while technological advancements hold promise, they cannot reverse damage unless paired with a shift in mindset that prioritizes sustainability over unchecked growth. It is a dangerous illusion to think we can pollute freely and then rely on recycling to make it right — especially when only a fraction of recyclable plastics are ever actually recycled.

    Economist Mariana Mazzucato’s idea of mission-oriented innovation offers a practical starting point for change by advocating for a realignment of markets with the common good. Instead of pursuing growth for its own sake, Mazzucato calls for policies and business models that prioritize shared prosperity and environmental sustainability.

    We need a transformation in our approach to one that values sustainability and mindful consumption over relentless expansion, putting ecological health and long-term stability above short-term gains.

    One of the greatest obstacles to meaningful progress that remains is climate change denial. This takes on many forms: from outright rejection of science to greenwashing and half-hearted efforts that delay real change. Often, these barriers are fueled by entrenched economic interests, ideological resistance or deliberate misinformation campaigns aimed to protect the status quo.

    We must begin prioritizing education and media literacy, helping individuals discern facts from falsehoods. Public awareness campaigns are crucial to making the crisis feel personal, hence galvanizing collective action. 

    Simultaneously, sectors such as energy, agriculture and technology must adopt approaches that address the root causes of climate change. Governments must enforce policies that foster green innovation and hold polluters accountable. Educational systems must equip future generations to lead the sustainability charge. And, on an individual level, we must demand transparency from corporations, support local initiatives and hold leaders accountable to their climate commitments

    The question is no longer whether this shift is possible — it is about whether we have the courage to make it happen.

    2025 presents a pivotal moment to turn hope into concrete action. The stakes could not be higher, but neither could the opportunities for progress. The lessons of 2024 — both the human costs of inaction and the power of community-driven solutions — should inspire our determination. 

    The climate crisis is not an insurmountable challenge; it is a test of our collective will, creativity and resolve. The time to act is now. So, are we ready to face the challenge?

    https://www.dailycal.org/overcome-the-climate-crisis-impossible/article_c8bc1716-d879-11ef-9347-4bc03176131c.html

  • Hungry for change

    Check out my piece for the Daily Cal! 

    It all started with a love for food. Back in 1868, when UC Berkeley laid its foundations, the College of Agriculture stood as the cornerstone of the University of California (UC) system. From modest beginnings on the Berkeley campus to the establishment of the University Farm at Davis and the Citrus Experiment Station at Riverside, the UC poured its resources and expertise into enhancing the agricultural landscape across California.

    Today, about 60% of the world’s strawberries can trace their origins back to UC-developed varieties. UC Davis also built the world’s most environmentally advanced winery, ensuring a steady yet sustainable supply for our thriving wine industry. And let’s not forget the humble canned-fruit cocktail, which owes its existence to the innovative work of UC Berkeley food scientist William Vere Cruess in the 1930s, who discovered how to prevent fruit waste through his ingenious preservation methods.

    However, our modern agricultural and food-access challenges surpass those encountered by California farmers in the 19th century. We now grapple with issues such as climate change, the spread of invasive pests, food insecurity, destructive monoculture practices and growing global obesity. One-third of the food we produce annually goes to waste, while food production itself accounts for 26% of global greenhouse gas emissions. These challenges require shifts in our consumption patterns and farming practices, and of course, initiatives that can facilitate such change. UC Berkeley must therefore lead the charge and pioneer innovative solutions to ensure a sustainable transition. 

    UC Berkeley is already pushing forward with research, technology and agricultural science within its classrooms and labs and disseminating this knowledge throughout the community. This commitment to sustainable agriculture and pioneering practices extends beyond the classroom — from student organization to residential services.

    For instance, Berkeley Dining embraces sustainability by implementing incremental changes in its food procurement processes. Emphasizing organic and fair trade ingredients, the dining services have transitioned to local food suppliers. They have also made significant strides in curbing food waste by eliminating dining trays, a move that has encouraged diners to opt for smaller portions per meal. Through these measures, Berkeley Dining aims to integrate the values of a Berkeley education into its dining halls, engaging students in the intricacies of the food they consume and aligning its menu with student values.

    Yet, many people have not yet made the link between what’s on their plate and the climate crisis. Consumers’ food choices depend on what they know, so education is crucial to addressing this. Students who are unaware of sustainable alternatives may be less inclined to explore them. Through awareness efforts, perhaps some die-hard cheeseburger lovers might find themselves opting for a vegan burger — a plant-based alternative that closely resembles its meaty counterpart.

    If campus dining services enlighten them about the shortcomings of our current agricultural practices and the sourcing of ingredients in the dining halls, they gain insight into local procurement practices and the carbon footprint associated with food production. Education not only involves presenting people with options but also empowering them to have a voice in the decision-making process.

    Ultimately, the process of transitioning to sustainable food practices is about finding balance. While a chicken BBQ special may grace the menu one evening, it should be accompanied by a plant-based alternative, such as grilled tofu. Taste should also not be compromised for those opting for a vegan diet — the goal should be to facilitate accessibility. Conversely, if someone craves a hearty cheeseburger fresh off the grill, that option should be available as well.

    In our ongoing commitment to sustainability and promoting nutritious food choices, we could design more initiatives that educate and include diverse voices in the conversation. For example, we could reimagine classic comfort foods with plant-based twists. Think “fusion” food that upholds sustainable principles without compromising on the flavors. Or to honor cultural legacies and ancestral traditions, we could develop a “food stories” platform where students and the broader Berkeley community share recipes and stories about culinary practices from their diverse backgrounds, fostering a collective effort to integrate sustainability into various cultural contexts.

    “Green gourmet” workshops could empower students to craft sustainable versions of their beloved family recipes. From guest lectures, chef-led discussions, cooking classes and farm visits, we hold the potential to not only engage with the current food system but also actively contribute to shaping a better, more sustainable one.

    Our campus already stands as a melting pot of ideas and creativity. Looking ahead, dining should evolve into a celebration of diverse culinary traditions and informed consumption choices to create a more harmonious relationship with our planet. To achieve this, a coordinated effort is needed to raise awareness, unite all stakeholders and implement bold initiatives. There lies immense value in fostering connections across the UC community — from students and farmers to Indigenous people. By creating platforms for collaboration, we enable different people to come together, identify common ground and forge pathways to build better programs and opportunities.

    https://www.dailycal.org/opinion/the_soapbox/hungry-for-change-we-need-to-transform-campus-food-culture/article_b2d4311c-000d-11ef-a877-3babf5cc1277.html

  • Divest to invest

    Check out my piece for the Daily Cal!

    In January 2024, for the first time ever recorded, global warming exceeded the 1.5°C climate benchmark.

    Many of us have already heard about the big “1.5°C”  global temperature limit set by the Paris Climate Agreement in 2015, which was a climate pledge made by 195 nations. The goal of setting the 1.5°C limit was to prevent serious, irreversible consequences for climate change. 

    Over the last two decades, communities across the globe have been increasingly subject to the consequences of rising global warming, from intense heat in California to recent tropical storms in Malawi that have sparked a cholera outbreak, impacting thousands due to compromised water quality. Now that we’ve breached the 1.5°C threshold, it is likely that climate change effects will only heighten in the years to come if swift action to divest from fossil fuels is not taken immediately.

    College students are in a unique position to catalyze that transformative environmental change. At UC Berkeley, students are in a unique position to do so as a result of our proximity to the technology industry and the Bay Area’s rich history of activism. While we may not yet have a seat at the negotiation table, our voices have significant power to shape public discourse and influence policy changes. 

    The urgency of the current situation cannot be overstated. At the 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference, or COP28, in November, representatives from nearly 200 nations gathered, raising concerns over the lack of progress in meeting the ambitious targets set by the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement. Despite setting net-zero targets, which are initiatives to balance the amount of greenhouse gas taken out of the atmosphere to the amount emitted, to cover close to 90% of global emissions, our collective emission is still on the rise. Globally, the top 10% of emitters contribute to almost half of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, whereas the bottom 10% contributes to 0.2%. The United States alone was responsible for 5.06 billion tons of CO2 emissions in 2022, contributing to 13.61% of global CO2 emissions that year. The disproportionate contribution of wealthier nations to the climate crisis exacerbates the challenges faced by developing nations, especially small islands that are disproportionately affected. This gap between ambition and action underscores the urgent need for global collaboration.

    In the United States, student activism — especially among college students — has already been instrumental in raising awareness and advocating for climate action. Student activism in the United States has long been prevalent at UC Berkeley since the Free Speech Movement of the 1960s started on campus and has gone on to impact the proliferation of college activism to this day. Today, college students across the country (and the world at large) have gained traction for relentlessly urging universities to divest from the fossil fuel industry, holding their institutions accountable.

    In May 2020, after years of student protests, the UC system, with more than 280 000 students, announced a $1-billion divestment from fossil fuels. This money is said to be redirected toward clean energy initiatives, such as replacing 20% of fossil gas with zero-carbon biomethane by 2025, making the UC system the largest university coalition to take such a significant step. Several other institutions, such as Harvard, Yale and Stanford, have also divested from fossil fuels.  

    However, these institutions have not yet committed to a full divestment from the fossil field industry, so there is more work that needs to be done.

    At UC Berkeley, students have a unique opportunity to harness the Bay Area’s innovation ecosystem and proximity to the tech industry to influence the global community and create tangible change. For instance, we could design a startup using the latest technologies and support from the Berkeley SkyDeck Fund to actively prioritize climate action. Alternatively, we could perhaps even create our own divestment organization inspired by clubs at other schools such as Yale and Harvard to encourage the UC system to fully cease investments in companies whose practices harm the environment. 

    UC Berkeley Department of Environmental Science, Policy, and Management and student organizations such as The California Public Interest Research Group are already educating and empowering Berkeley students to take climate action. We should also prioritize working in coalition with initiatives such as the Green New Deal movement launched by UC San Diego, which unites students across UC campuses, alumni and faculty to advocate for transparency and a commitment from their universities. 

    Globally, the most effective way to reduce emissions involves changes to food, transport and energy systems. On a local scale, it requires collaborative efforts within our communities to implement targeted, innovative actions, such as those that can be done within our campus community.

    Moving forward, we must align actions with our common UC Berkeley values to inspire others and start a ripple effect of positive impact. Ultimately, our fight against climate change transcends mere policy discussions; it represents a global movement with students positioned at the forefront, ready to lead the charge.

    https://www.dailycal.org/opinion/the_soapbox/uc-berkeley-should-divest-in-fossil-fuels-to-invest-in-environmental-future/article_657fde56-d6a6-11ee-b3e9-9f4ce6a7be77.html