Dubai teenage eco-warrior on sustainable development mission

At an age when not many kids would be even able to spell the word 'ENVIRONMENT', eight-year old Kehkashan Basu had already harped upon her journey as an environmental activist after she planted her first sapling on her eighth birthday, June 5.
Coincidentally she shares her birthday with a day she is extremely passionate about. World Environment Day that is celebrated every year on June 5.
"I feel it was pre-ordained that I should grow to be an eco-warrior. My journey started on my eighth birthday, when instead of splurging money on gifts I planted a tree to celebrate the occasion. It was during that time that I chanced to read a quote from famous explorer and environmentalist Robert Swan who said 'The greatest threat to our planet is the belief that someone else will save it.' This was an absolute eye-opener for me and motivated me to start taking actions on environmental conservation."
Now 15, Kehkashan is a student of Deira International School and the founder of youth organisation, Green Hope UAE that works to promote sustainable development amongst all sections of civil society. The teenager firmly believes that every individual has a responsibility to make Mother Earth happy and we can only do so by protecting our environment.
In a run up to the World Environment Day (June 5), members of Green Hope collected large quantities of recyclables, such as paper, cardboard, cans, bottles and cans from their homes and neighborhood over a period of four weeks. A total of 1,500kg of recyclables were collected by the young eco-warriors, some as young as nine years old.
The recyclables were handed over to local recycling plant Tadweer.
Kehkashan, along with other youth members of Green Hope also planted 150 saplings across Dubai on Saturday (May 28) to show solidarity with the green cause. Till date, Green Hope members have planted several thousand saplings in their bid to reduce the carbon footprint and reduce global warming.
The youngster who plans to study Sustainability Management at Harvard University has addressed over 50 international conferences and has travelled to over 20 countries in the process.
Last year, Green Hope conducted its first side event at the United Nations in New York when it held a panel discussion on renewable energy. "We plan to build on this over the coming years so that through Green Hope, youth from all nations can find a channel to work on sustainable development. I would like to be youngest the Secretary General of the United Nations."
Voicing her concern about the environment, Kehkashan said: "With the global population crossing 7 billion, our planet's resources are under tremendous strain. Thus it is imperative for citizens to reduce waste and imbibe a lifestyle that is based on sustainable consumption."
At the age of 12, she was elected as the Global Coordinator for Children and Youth for United Nations Environment Programme's Major Groups for Children and Youth, making her the youngest person in the world to hold this position.
"This made me realise that young people have the ability to take on huge responsibility and achieve the impossible. All we need is an opportunity.
As a responsible 15 year old, she believes that it is the responsibility of today's youngsters to take action and spread awareness amongst all sections of civil society so that every home becomes eco-friendly.
"Only then will society at large achieve sustainability. The approach has to be from the grassroots level. This is my mission and also the mission of my organisation Green Hope."
saman@khaleejtimes.com