When I recall the catastrophic floods I witnessed in the Kashmir region when I was 15, I’m reminded of the overwhelming sense of helplessness and frustration I felt then.
My home was fortunately spared from the wrath of the floodwaters from the swollen Jhelum River in September 2014. Thankfully, the government intervened during the torrential downpours and put up bunkers by the river to protect a community hall near my house.
Despite this relief, I found that my maternal home was completely flooded. I felt devastated when visiting the home afterwards, finding that nature’s ferocity had laid waste to the place that cradled some of my cherished memories.
Witnessing such destruction made me wonder why it takes a tragedy for us to realize we are heading in the wrong direction. And what holds us back from acting in time to prevent such tragedies? Are we letting our emotions run too high? Or maybe we’re running away from them because they’re too much to bear.
Growing up in Kashmir, I never thought of art as a tool to help people cope with the destructive effects of climate change, both emotionally and physically. Moreover, as a fashion designer, I never really considered myself an artist.
"Art can be a guiding beacon that inspires hope in the face of an overwhelming problem, encouraging creativity and empowering people to positively impact the environment."
However, those views changed when I started working with the Conservation Council of New Brunswick in May 2023. Working in environmental advocacy, I discovered that art can transcend language and culture, uniting people under a common cause.
Working with the Conservation Council’s From Harm to Harmony project, I came to understand the incredible power art holds in shaping narratives, especially when discussing topics like climate change. I participated in artist workshops led by Mario Doiron, Laura Barron, Juliana Bedoya and Danielle Smith, which explored shared values like empathy, hope, love and connection, creating artworks that addressed environmental issues.
"At Mario's workshop, a drawing of a wind turbine started a conversation about wind energy without me saying a word. Instead of preaching, we used art to start a conversation. "
We talked about how art could raise awareness and inspire action for a better, sustainable future — one where generations thrive in harmony with the environment. At Mario’s workshop, a drawing of a wind turbine started a conversation about wind energy without me saying a word. Instead of preaching, we used art to start a conversation.
Participating in this project helped me cope with eco-anxiety. I felt a sense of community when I realized my feelings were shared by others. The process of expressing our emotions and thoughts became a source of individual comfort and a way to support others.
Without action, climate change threatens our future. The terrible floods in Kashmir served as a catalyst, awakening me to the urgency of environmental issues. However, seeing how seamlessly conversations unfold through art — even with skeptics of climate change — leads me to believe that these discussions need not solely happen following catastrophic events.
Art can be a guiding beacon that inspires hope in the face of an overwhelming problem, encouraging creativity and empowering people to positively impact the environment.