Let us realise our environmental responsibility

Collective action to address environmental challenges can help build a more inclusive and sustainable world.

Dr Sulaiman Shahabuddin | Jun 5, 2022 | 5 min read

Our planet is currently struggling with three complex and interconnected crises: climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution. The consequences of these are quickly becoming evident as people all over the world grapple with record-shattering extreme weather events – heatwaves, floods, droughts, storms – along with food insecurity, the health consequences of poor air quality, and numerous other challenges.

These impacts are neither equal nor just. Different communities are impacted differently based on their geography and economic standing. Younger and future generations have the most to lose from runaway climate impacts. However, if collective and intentional action to address environmental challenges is taken now, we can build a more inclusive and sustainable world.

I often think about our responsibility to leave behind a better planet for our children. I personally got interested in the sustainability agenda while working as a health care leader. It was striking to me that not only is the health care sector responsible for over 4 percent of global emissions, it is also on the frontline of treating patients affected by emissions. I believe this makes it a moral imperative for health care institutions to reduce emissions and make systems climate resilient.

The world is changing rapidly, both in terms of how quickly climate impacts are becoming pervasive but also how fast technological solutions are developing. Commitments are also beginning to reflect the seriousness of the crisis.

I often think about our responsibility to leave behind a better planet for our children.

Dr Sulaiman Shahabuddin

The Aga Khan University, in line with the Aga Khan Development Network, has made a public commitment to reach net zero carbon operations by 2030. Achieving net zero involves cutting emissions dramatically, to the point that any remaining emissions are being absorbed from the atmosphere by forests and other sources. At AKU, this will be achieved through an array of actions, including increasing energy efficiency, switching to renewable energy, innovating to reduce waste, and modifying consumption patterns.

We are all living through a decisive decade. The actions we collectively do or do not take today will decide the fate and future of humanity and other species on the planet.

Today is World Environment Day. It provides us with an opportunity to reflect on what we are doing to the planet and to ourselves and take corrective actions. This year’s theme reminds us that we only have one Earth and therefore should make every effort to celebrate, protect, and restore our wonderful planet.

Action from everyone and at all levels is crucial to address the multiple crises the world faces. In my personal life, I try to limit my travel to the essential, don’t use any plastic bottles, grow plants at home, and strive to live a mindful and environmentally conscious life. In my leadership capacity, I commit to supporting the sustainability agenda at AKU and to leading by example, to showcase what is possible even in areas of the world with limited resources.

There is a tremendous opportunity for other institutions to also opt for sustainable change. Solutions are available, global momentum is building, and transformative change can be seen on the horizon. Let’s make sure we can say that we were a part of building a better world for all.

Dr Sulaiman Shahabuddin is President of the Aga Khan University. Previously, he served as Regional CEO of the Aga Khan Health Services in East Africa. He holds a Doctor of Health Administration degree from Central Michigan University, USA.