Preview by Flora Masika
As part of the Planet Summer season at the Southbank, climate justice activist Mikaela Loach joins Kelechi Okafor in discussion about her debut book, ‘It’s Not That Radical.’ Attempting to demystify the current environmental climate, with all the uncomfortable truths and legitimate tools to help slow climate change. This book acts as an intellectual guide on the climate justice space.
‘It’s Not That Radical’, breaks down how the economy created loopholes around climate change through acts such as green and white-washing. It dives into the history of capitalism and global warming and how they worked in tandem to hurt its most vulnerable. Whilst still maintaining a hopeful and helpful tone, the book is unflinching in its truths.
Mikaela Loach’s journey to become a climate justice activist is one filled with compassion and scepticism. As a member of the Jamaican diaspora, Loach had seen first hand the effect of global warming. Finding it unfair how countries that emit the least greenhouse gasses suffer the most in environmental terms. Mikaela Loach gravitated towards not just climate activism but found the importance of the title of climate justice. Furthermore, her studies as a medical student allowed her access to understand how climate change can affect the health and well being of the people around her.
The Planet Summer series hosted by the Southbank, aims to encourage positive discussions around climate change through performances, visual arts, exhibitions, interviews and family events. Taking place from the 21st June till the 3rd September, the variety of activities will stimulate, engage and educate on the discourse about how our planet is changing. The Mikaela Loach talk is happening on the 8th of July .
For more information on the Mikaela Loach event visit; https://www.southbankcentre.co.uk/whats-on/literature-poetry/mikaela-loach-its-not-radical
Other events in the Planet Summer series include:
VISUAL ART | DEAR EARTH: ART AND HOPE IN A TIME OF CRISIS
21 June – 3 September 2023, Hayward Gallery. Ticketed at £15. Free for members.
Dear Earth: Art and Hope in a Time of Crisis highlights the ways in which artists are helping to reframe and deepen our psychological and spiritual responses to the climate crisis, hoping to inspire joy and empathy as well as promoting a sense of political and social activism. The 14 artists explore the interdependence of ecologies and ecosystems, as well as our emotional connection with nature.
LITERATURE & TALKS | MIGRANT FUTURISM: FRANÇOISE VERGÈS
25 July, 3pm, Purcell Room, Queen Elizabeth Hall. Ticketed at £7.50. For ages 14+.
The renowned decolonial activist and theorist delivers a key-note presentation reflecting on the context of the UK’s Illegal Migration Bill.
For the full listing of Planet Summer see: https://www.southbankcentre.co.uk/whats-on/festivals-series/planet-summer