When it comes to acquiring knowledge, we generally have two primary pathways: formal education or self-directed learning. Through consistent practice and experience, we can achieve proficiency in any subject readily accessible through formal instruction. This applies broadly, whether we’re considering theoretical disciplines like physics, business management, psychology etc. or practical skills such as painting, graphic design, music etc.

However, there are certain societal roles, particularly those that involve challenging established systems, where formal educational avenues are notably absent. No institution explicitly teaches how to disrupt or critique a system, especially one that may offer benefits to those within it. Consider, for example, the realm of political activism. Most political workers are not trained political scientists. Individuals with formal degrees in political science often gravitate towards policy institutes or academic positions rather than grassroots activism. Consequently, those who engage in political work acquire their skills through on-the-job experience and the passage of time.

The Activist’s Abyss: Experience Without Expertise, A Recipe for Failure

Despite their dedication, a significant number of political workers find it challenging to attain genuine expertise. This difficulty stems primarily from the absence of a well-defined educational structure that would enable them to cultivate a thorough grasp of both political theory and practical application. While they gain experience through direct involvement, this “learning by doing” approach, devoid of a systematic methodology, frequently results in restricted and inconsistent development. Consequently, the deficiencies evident in their performance, directly attributable to this inadequate learning process, are often met with harsh criticism, particularly in societies where existing systems are already fragile. This negative perception of political practitioners leads to widespread public disillusionment with the political sphere itself. Ultimately, this creates a vacuum that is often filled by individuals who are not concerned with maintaining a positive reputation, further degrading the field’s integrity. The inevitable consequences of this downward spiral are painfully obvious.

Environmentalism’s Tarnished Shield: Good Intentions, Corrupt Outcomes

The principle holds equally true in the realm of environmental activism, and now, climate activism. When society first recognized the necessity for public oversight of environmental management and pollution control, this field emerged as a distinct area of engagement. Individuals from all socioeconomic strata, both the privileged and the underprivileged, became involved. Unfortunately, particularly in regions like ours where ethical and principled conduct is often compromised, the field has garnered a less than favorable reputation.

In Pakistan, the late 1990s, marked by the enactment of the first comprehensive environmental legislation, underscored the crucial role of activism in compelling regulatory enforcement. However, despite the presence of a few dedicated and admirable environmental activists, widespread success in this domain proved elusive. Many individuals ultimately transitioned to related sectors, such as environmental journalism or the environmental development sector. Others, regrettably, resorted to unethical practices, choosing to pressure polluters not to cease their harmful activities, but rather to extract a share of the financial gains derived from circumventing environmental management costs. This corruption, stemming from the desire to profit from pollution rather than eliminate it, has significantly undermined the integrity and effectiveness of environmental activism.

Climate’s New Vanguard: Educated Voices, Distant Footsteps

The urgency of climate change became undeniably clear in the early 21st century, sparking a global surge in climate activism. This movement resonated in Pakistan, particularly within its educated circles, gaining significant traction in the early 2010s. Today, social media platforms are saturated with voices advocating for climate action. Notably, a significant portion of these activists are graduates from prestigious educational institutions. This is a positive development, as their advanced education empowers them to approach climate issues with a level of sophistication and strategic thinking that contrasts with the methods employed by some of their predecessors from public universities.

Privilege’s Peril: Echoes in Policy, Silence on the Streets

However, a concerning trend has emerged. Due to their privileged socioeconomic backgrounds, many of these activists remain detached from grassroots realities. Their engagement predominantly focuses on “supply-side” environmentalism, which entails cultivating relationships with policymakers and those responsible for implementing climate policies, primarily to facilitate and promote existing initiatives. Even their advocacy for climate justice often involves aligning themselves with individuals or entities who have historically impeded progress in this area.

The Shadow of Climate Washing: Activism’s Integrity Under Threat

This approach has raised concerns among seasoned climate advocates who fear it could fundamentally alter the core ethos of climate activism in Pakistan. In a nation where “climate washing” – the practice of making misleading claims about environmental benefits – is neither legally defined nor likely to be in the foreseeable future, there’s a risk that genuine, impactful activism may be diluted or co-opted.

A Revolution in Training: Forging Climate Warriors, Not Just Enthusiasts

Driven by the recognition that effective climate action requires more than mere enthusiasm, the online academy, Climate Action Skills, was recently established. This initiative aimed to provide comprehensive training in climate activism, moving beyond the superficiality of brief, expensive workshops. Instead, the academy offered a rigorous, entirely online course, completely free of charge. A meticulous screening process identified 65 promising individuals, aged 22 to 30, a demographic considered particularly vital for the future of climate advocacy.

The Crucible of Knowledge: Rigor, Resilience, and the Diploma of Change

The intensive nature of the program, encompassing both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, resulted in a significant dropout rate, with approximately 35 percent of the initial cohort withdrawing. Ultimately, 40 participants successfully completed the demanding curriculum. Those who achieved a score of 70 percent or higher were awarded a Diploma in Climate Activism, while those who fell below this threshold received a Completion Certificate.

A Paradigm Shift: Formal Education, the New Weapon in Climate’s Arsenal

The training covered a wide spectrum of technical aspects related to climate science, alongside a nuanced exploration of the principles and practices of climate activism. Crucially, the program emphasized the importance of a balanced approach, discouraging both extreme stances that might involve blanket boycotts and overly accommodating positions that could lead to greenwashing. This marked the first instance of such a comprehensive and extended training program dedicated to climate activism, accessible to young people from diverse educational backgrounds. Remarkably, nearly half of the graduates possessed backgrounds in environmental sciences or related fields, demonstrating a growing awareness among the younger generation that authentic climate activism necessitates formal training and education, beyond mere self-identification.

The Next Wave: Training Tomorrow’s Climate Leaders

The academy plans to announce the commencement of its second training cohort via social media in the final week of August.