In October 2023, Professor Adil Najam delivered a series of impactful lectures at Cambridge and Oxford, addressing climate change adaptation and the potential of faith to promote sustainable behavior. His talks emphasized the need for immediate action, especially in vulnerable nations, and highlighted the significance of integrating cultural values and faith into climate initiatives.
Professor Adil Najam, Dean Emeritus and esteemed faculty member of the Frederick S. Pardee School of Global Studies at Boston University, delivered a series of lectures in the United Kingdom this October, focused on critical themes of climate change adaptation and the role of faith in climate action. His presentations took place at distinguished institutions, namely the University of Cambridge and the University of Oxford. On October 10, Professor Najam conducted two significant talks at the University of Cambridge. The first was presented at the Attenborough Center for the Cambridge Conservation Initiative (CCI) and titled “Climate and Development in the Age of Adaptation.” The session attracted a full audience comprising faculty and students. During this talk, he introduced the idea of the ‘Age of Adaptation,’ emphasizing that addressing climate change requires prompt and proactive measures beyond mere emissions mitigation, particularly for vulnerable developing nations that have been least responsible for the crisis. His second presentation at the UN Environment Programme’s World Conservation Monitoring Centre (WCMC) elaborated on nature-based climate solutions specifically tailored for Pakistan. Professor Najam discussed his leadership of the “Living Indus Initiative,” a pioneering project he initiated that has been seamlessly integrated into Pakistan’s national climate adaptation strategy. This initiative has recently garnered recognition as a ‘Flagship Climate Project’ by the UNEP. Subsequently, on October 14, Professor Najam spoke at the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies (OCIS) on the topic, “Can Faith Motivate Better Climate Behavior?” Addressing a full audience of students, researchers, and faculty members, he critically analyzed the shortcomings of depending solely on scientific and economic models to spur climate change action. He advocated for the adoption of values and faith-based principles in motivating climate-positive behaviors, especially within Muslim contexts, with an emphasis on water conservation initiatives. This Oxford presentation formed part of the ongoing ‘Faith and Climate Change’ program which Professor Najam leads at the Pardee Center, collaborating with OCIS.
The pressing challenge of climate change necessitates a multifaceted approach that transcends conventional pathways of reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Vulnerable developing nations, which have contributed minimally to climate change, are increasingly facing adverse impacts. Thus, there is a growing necessity for adaptive strategies that consider local contexts and the integration of cultural and spiritual values that can drive change at the community level. Faith-based movements have emerged as potential motivators for environmentally sustainable practices, particularly in regions where such values hold substantial influence over behavior and community norms.
In conclusion, Professor Adil Najam’s recent lectures at Cambridge and Oxford underscore the urgent need for adaptive strategies in addressing climate change, highlighting the integral role of faith-based approaches alongside scientific methodologies. His advocacy for integrating cultural values into climate action discussions aims to inspire communities, particularly in Islamic societies, toward sustainable environmental practices. The recognition of initiatives such as the ‘Living Indus Initiative’ signifies the importance of localized, nature-based solutions in crafting effective climate adaptation policies.
Original Source: www.bu.edu
