Bigger Picture: My Fight to Bring a New African Voice to the Climate Crisis

Vanessa Nakate is a powerful voice for climate justice, inspiring people to take action and protect our planet. She emphasizes that we are not all in the same boat, but we are all in the same storm and that everyone can be an effective activist. Nakate's commanding political voice demands attention for the biggest issue of our time and shows how to join her to protect our planet now and for the future.

Format: Hardback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 28 October 2021
Publisher: Pan Macmillan

Vanessa Nakate, a prominent climate activist, continues to impart a vital lesson that emphasizes the distinction between being in the same storm but not necessarily in the same boat. She serves as an indispensable voice for our future, drawing inspiration from figures such as Greta Thunberg, Malala Yousafzai, and Angelina Jolie. Regardless of one's age, location, or skin color, Nakate believes that everyone can become an effective activist in addressing the pressing issues of our time, including devastating flooding, deforestation, extinction, and starvation.

After witnessing firsthand the impacts of these issues, particularly in the Global South, Nakate became deeply concerned about the lack of attention and action being taken by the world's biggest polluters. She observed how these entities were seemingly asleep at the wheel, disregarding the severe consequences of climate injustice experienced in the regions most affected.

Motivated by a shared vision of hope, Nakate has emerged as a commanding political voice, advocating for the urgent need to address climate change. In her rousing manifesto for change, she outlines practical steps that individuals can take to protect our planet both in the present and for future generations. Nakate emphasizes the importance of recognizing the voices and experiences of those who are often marginalized in the climate conversation, such as those who will bear the greatest impacts of the crisis.

One notable incident that highlighted the need for a broader perspective on climate change occurred in 2020 when Vanessa Nakate, the only Black activist in an image featuring four white Europeans, was cropped out of a press photograph at the Davos summit. This example serves as a poignant reminder of how those who are most affected by the climate crisis are frequently excluded from the dialogue. Nakate explains that while we are on the front line of the climate fight, our stories are not always prominently featured in the media.

To fully understand the complexities of climate change, Nakate advocates for a "Bigger Picture" approach. She believes that without a comprehensive understanding of the issue, we risk missing the full story and falling short of effective solutions. Nakate encourages individuals to broaden their knowledge and awareness, engage in meaningful conversations, and support organizations and initiatives working towards a sustainable and equitable future.

In conclusion, Vanessa Nakate's message is a powerful reminder that climate change affects us all, regardless of our background or circumstances. She encourages individuals to recognize their role in the fight against climate change and to take action to protect our planet for future generations. By adopting a broader perspective and working together, we can create a more sustainable and equitable world.

Weight: 468g
Dimension: 162 x 242 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781529075687