Conversations with UN Ambassador Dia Mirza: Eco anxiety in a climate risked world

The advocacy work of public figures like Dia Mirza, a UN Environment Goodwill Ambassador, serves as a crucial bridge between international mandates and grassroots awareness, particularly in a developing nation like India. Her emphasis on sustainable development, conservation, women's empowerment, children's rights, clean air, wildlife protection, and social justice directly aligns with both global agendas and India's national priorities.

**Background Context and What Happened:**

Sustainable development, first popularized by the Brundtland Commission Report in 1987 as 'development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs,' became a global imperative. This concept gained further traction with the adoption of Agenda 21 at the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio, leading eventually to the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and subsequently the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by the UN General Assembly in 2015, with a target date of 2030. These SDGs encompass a wide range of social, economic, and environmental objectives, from ending poverty and hunger to ensuring clean water, affordable energy, gender equality, and climate action. The UN often appoints prominent individuals as Goodwill Ambassadors or Messengers of Peace to leverage their public platforms and influence in raising awareness and mobilizing action for these critical global issues. Dia Mirza, a well-known Indian actress and environmental activist, was appointed as the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) Goodwill Ambassador for India in 2017, a role through which she champions various environmental and social causes.

**Key Stakeholders Involved:**

Several stakeholders are integral to the success of such advocacy. Firstly, the **United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)** is the primary international body providing the framework and mandate for her work. Secondly, the **Government of India** plays a pivotal role through its policies, legislative measures, and international commitments to environmental protection and social welfare. Thirdly, **Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)** are crucial partners, often working at the grassroots level to implement programs and raise local awareness. Fourthly, the **Public and Citizens** are the ultimate beneficiaries and drivers of change, whose attitudes and behaviors are targeted by these awareness campaigns. Lastly, the **Private Sector** can contribute significantly through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, sustainable business practices, and technological innovations.

**Why This Matters for India:**

India faces unique and severe challenges across all the areas Dia Mirza advocates for. Environmentally, India is highly vulnerable to climate change impacts, including extreme weather events, water scarcity, and air pollution, which consistently ranks among the worst globally. India is also a megadiverse country, making wildlife protection and conservation efforts critical. Socially, despite significant progress, issues like gender inequality, child labor, and lack of access to clean resources persist. Mirza's advocacy helps to: (a) **Raise Public Awareness:** Her celebrity status provides a powerful platform to educate millions about pressing issues like air pollution, plastic waste, and the importance of biodiversity. (b) **Influence Policy:** While not a policymaker, her voice adds weight to public discourse, encouraging stronger government action and better implementation of existing laws. (c) **Mobilize Action:** She inspires individuals and communities to adopt sustainable practices and participate in conservation efforts. (d) **Enhance India's Global Image:** Her role showcases India's commitment to international environmental and social goals, reinforcing its position as a responsible global actor.

**Historical Context and Constitutional Provisions:**

India has a long history of environmental awareness, reflected in its ancient texts and traditions. Post-independence, environmental concerns gained legislative teeth. The **42nd Amendment Act of 1976** notably added **Article 48A** (Protection and improvement of environment and safeguarding of forests and wildlife) to the Directive Principles of State Policy, making it a state's duty, and **Article 51A(g)** (Fundamental Duty to protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers and wildlife, and to have compassion for living creatures) to Fundamental Duties. Key legislation includes the **Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972**, the **Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974**, the **Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981**, and the overarching **Environment (Protection) Act, 1986**. The establishment of the **National Green Tribunal (NGT) in 2010** further strengthened environmental justice. For children's rights, **Article 21A** (Right to Education) and **Article 24** (Prohibition of employment of children in factories, etc.) are fundamental. Women's empowerment is rooted in **Article 14** (Equality before law) and **Article 15** (Prohibition of discrimination), with various government schemes like 'Beti Bachao Beti Padhao' addressing gender inequality. Social justice, as enshrined in the Preamble of the Indian Constitution, is a foundational principle.

**Broader Themes and Future Implications:**

Mirza's work connects to broader themes of good governance (effective implementation of environmental laws), sustainable economic development (balancing growth with ecological preservation), and international relations (India's role in global climate action). Her continued advocacy, along with that of other public figures and organizations, is vital for achieving the ambitious targets of the SDGs by 2030. It can foster greater public participation, influence corporate behavior towards sustainability, and pressure governments to adopt more robust environmental and social policies. The future success hinges on converting awareness into tangible action, moving from dialogue to on-ground impact, and ensuring that development is truly inclusive and sustainable for all.