Embracing Climate Optimism with EMA Activist Board Member Zahra Biaba
Zahra Biabani is a climate activist, speaker, writer, and entrepreneur. Based in Texas, she attended Vanderbilt University, where she pursued environmental studies. As a result, she developed a strong passion for advancing inclusivity and diversity regarding ecological issues, namely how we can all foster more climate optimism. What eventually started as a blog has led her to many other endeavors. For example, the launch of her upcoming book, Climate Optimism: Climate Wins and Creating Systemic Change Around the World, and the first rental clothing company for vetted sustainable and ethical fashion brands In the Loop.
Zahra focuses her work on educating others about the importance of social justice in the environmental movement, as well as how to develop a mindset that embraces climate optimism. Whether speaking at an event, writing her next book, or overseeing her fashion brand, she is determined to overcome the climate crisis in more ways than one.
Learn more about our engaging conversation with Zahra in our exclusive EMA interview below.
Starting from the beginning, what led to your passion for environmental justice work?
I was really involved in social justice work but didn’t see the connection with the environment until 2017, when Hurricane Harvey impacted my home state of Texas. I saw that people lacked help from the government, such as the example of Fema, which spurred my passion for environmental justice. Unfortunately, most people impacted and not being helped are black and brown. My hope is to right future social wrongs brought about by climate-related disasters.
I identify as a climate optimist and believe there is no point in fighting for a future if you don’t believe in it. Unfortunately, our brains are attracted to negative news, but there are examples of wins for our pursuit of a more sustainable future. That’s what I want to showcase through my work
How did that passion develop into creating a movement for systemic change? Was it an “Aha” moment or an eventual build-up?
I started out channeling my thoughts about the movement in a blog. That began gaining traction, and then I started developing a good following on my social media, which I credit primarily due to the pandemic. It turned out to be a blessing in disguise, as many came to my channel to hear my thoughts and gain insights on ways to be proactive regarding climate change. After that, I began expanding into other passion projects, in which I realized the best step for me to take was to focus on self-branding.
Systemic change means a lot to me, so I began prioritizing climate optimism to foster that. My other upcoming book, In the Loop, goes into further detail about the topic. When it comes to trends on progress, I classify that into "3 spheres." The first is the streets (movements), an example being climate justice. The second is the courts (arguments for rights of nature). This is more focused on litigation and the regulatory environment, with an example being in Minnesota, where wild rice would be able to grow uninhibited by fracking or pipelines. The idea is to give nature its rights, not just our rights. The final sphere is the markets (institutional divestment). This is seen more and more with ESG being discussed at the board level of a company
One thing I never thought I would be passionate about and pursue was being in the startup space, fundraising, and going through capitalism. For a while, I thought systemic change was only achieved by working in a nonprofit. Seeing money as a form of social good for an enterprise didn't hit me until later. However, I don't feel venture capital is the solution for all climate challenges. We need as many hands on deck now compared to before. If I can be part of that force from different angles, I feel I am doing some good.
As your brand continues to grow with more engagements and projects, why do you believe you have gained the momentum you have so far?
I am both surprised and encouraged at the reception I have been gaining. I notice that we put pressure on people with platforms to say and do something about today’s social issues. In a sense, it’s good that people are held accountable by their audience. I make sure to be as transparent as possible with my audience, which is why they resonate with me. At the moment, my audience growth has not stagnated. Because of covid, I feel it allowed me to grow a more loyal and specific audience that is still with me now.
Are there other topics you would like to discuss more, or do you think are not discussed enough?
That’s a good question! Talking about solutions for the climate crisis from different ideologies is an ideal starting point. I don’t want to be speaking in an echo chamber, so I find it necessary to equip people with the skills to speak effectively about climate solutions. On the technical side, both in the United States and Abroad, emissions deserve the majority of our attention. The power sector also needs more discussion as there is room for innovation regarding how we get our energy.
What goals would you like to meet within 3-5 years? What goals are you meeting in 2022?
I am looking forward to launching my new book, In the Loop. Getting it into people’s hands and making this kind of knowledge more accessible brings me joy. I am also happy to share my TEDtalk that was released recently. As far as the coming years go, I am very interested in climate finance and what innovation that can bring.
I recently graduated from undergrad, and while there, I led Fossil Free 5, which works to file complaints against the state attorney general to promote divestment from fossil fuels. I’m looking forward to what’s to come.
Your work is very inspiring as it focuses on many climate-related issues. Where do you believe progress still needs to be made in 2022?
Anything on a federal level. We hear of many commitments made by the administration that may contradict what is actually happening. Seeing congressional action which fully supports climate resilience and social equity would be a step in the right direction. There must be more bipartisan efforts to come together and seek active solutions.
What advice would you give to other aspiring activists looking to make environmental resources more accessible and inclusive?
I would first recommend finding the intersection between what your skillset is and what the community needs. From there, it benefits significantly to get involved with the community in any capacity you can. Speaking to those who are both like-minded and not like-minded gives a well-rounded view of the issues at hand and trains you to be adaptable, which is more in demand now than before.
As I recall from my own experience, definitely being persistent and determined is crucial along one’s journey. Even though I am considered an influencer, I have never wanted to be “me” focused. When it comes to the climate crisis, on social media or elsewhere, it is about others, not the individual. It’s important to remember the relationships you build as an activist because each role is equally important. We all need each other.
What would you say is something someone can do today to become more aware and involved?
Like all things, it’s good to start small and build up from that. Starting at the local level is great because you develop your knowledge base, skills, and relationships simultaneously. It also gives a higher probability of success to begin making a positive impact.
Whether someone is attending a city council measure or tree planting initiative, keeping tabs on things happening at the local/community level is very important.
I think it’s great when there are programs that seek to educate and bring people together. An example of this would be the Climate Reality Project. In addition, become an advocate for lifelong learning. Things change and are updated fast in this field, so keeping on top of the latest is key to being compelling. Resources such as Grist, Yale Climate Connections, and NY Times climate desk are all resources I refer to frequently.
At EMA, we strive to bridge the gap between science and communication. What benefit do you see that storytelling can bring to the movement for positive change?
I do see storytelling as underutilized in the scientific community. For example, communicators with a good grasp on environmental issues who can take vital research to make it digestible to the public can make a real difference. These days, many climate communications are out there on social media. It helps reach our younger generations. Although the mediums have changed a bit, the result of a story that reaches audience members wherever they are is a goal I see trending. Thanks to organizations like EMA, we can continue to reach audiences today for a better tomorrow.
Thank you, Zahra!
Zahra Biabani: zahrabiabani.com
Written by Demitri Fierro, ESG Contributor (MBA Candidate in Sustainable Management)