Differing worldviews, indigenous people and the front lines of climate action with Archana Soreng

In this special edition of the Futuring Podcast, Forum’s Director of Global Programmes, Caroline Ashley, is in conversation with Archana Soreng. As a young woman activist from an indigenous community, she is on the front line of the fight against climate change.

Tune in to hear Archana reflect on the contrast between the indigenous world view she grew up with, which sees people as part of nature, dependent on it and with an obligation to protect it, and a developed world view of nature as a commodity, to be harvested at a profit.

She emphasises the importance of bringing an indigenous perspective to climate policymaking and action, particularly youth activism. There is a lot of work still to be done, she concludes–and there is no time to waste but she takes some comfort from a growing recognition of the value of indigenous knowledge. 

Explore more at thefuturescentre.org/fos2021

About the Future of Sustainability: Looking Back to Go Forward

Produced by international sustainability non-profit, Forum for the Future, the Future of Sustainability: Looking Back to Go Forward is a unique opinion and commentary series set to explore lessons learned from the last 25 years in the sustainability movement and what they mean for the future.

Based on new and exclusive insights from diverse voices across the sustainability movement, we'll examine where we have succeeded and where we have failed in creating real change. We’ll consider how the world is responding to today's multifaceted challenges and opportunities, and what pivots might be needed if we’re to deliver at scale and pace. Lastly, we'll look forward - exploring how we can reframe the goals of the system, reset our ambition, and encourage the adoption of new mindsets and approaches critical to creating what’s really needed: a truly just and regenerative future. 

With thanks to our partners
Looking Back to Go Forward was made possible thanks to the generous support from our partners: Laudes Foundation, GSK Consumer Healthcare, Target, M&S, Capgemini, Bupa, 3M, CTPA, Burberry, Olam Food Ingredients, and in particular our headline sponsor, SC Johnson

All opinions expressed by their interviewees are their own and do not necessarily reflect the positions of Forum for the Future.
Interview recorded on 12th November 2021.

This audio features the song "Boulevard" by Yung Kartz available under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial license.