Nature Speaks: How Literature Can Combat the Climate Emergency

Academics often focus on pure sciences when finding solutions to ecological challenges, but it’s time to recognize the importance of social sciences and humanities, including literature and the arts. Emerging fields like environmental humanities bridge these gaps. They tap into literary and artistic sources to explore climate change and related environmental issues.

In my recent research, I examined how literature can aid in protecting the Congo Basin, which is often called Earth’s "second lungs" after the Amazon for its significant carbon storage. This region also boasts the largest tropical peatlands, which store as much carbon as 20 years of U.S. fossil fuel emissions. However, the Congo Basin faces severe threats from logging, mining, urbanization, and poaching, among other human activities.

By analyzing novels, plays, and poems from Congolese writers, I discovered that these works not only highlight environmental issues like deforestation and pollution but also promote local knowledge. For example, novels like Congo Inc. by Bofane and Le Silence de la forêt by Goyémidé showcase indigenous practices and criticize the harms of neoliberal capitalism and unsustainable development.

Literature can raise awareness about pressing issues. In 2020, primary forest loss in the Congo Basin surged, particularly in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Cameroon. Plays like The Hill Barbers by Ekpe Inyang tackle the causes of deforestation and explore potential solutions.

Furthermore, the voices of young activists, such as Greta Thunberg and Uganda’s Vanessa Nakate, resonate in these stories. Congolese authors often feature young protagonists who take a stand against climate change, which shows that literature can inspire real-world activism.

Literary works also reflect the essential connections between humans and nature, urging us to rethink our relationship with the environment. Novels by Nsahlai and Effa illustrate these ties, demonstrating how poor governance and a lack of awareness can lead to ecological problems.

Additionally, literature challenges harmful myths, such as the idea of "Edenic Africa." This notion promotes a false image of Africa as untouched by human presence, fueling practices like green colonialism that displace local communities for conservation efforts. By debunking such myths, literature can encourage inclusive conservation approaches that respect indigenous knowledge.

The ongoing climate crisis is not just a scientific issue; it’s a cultural one too. Ideas that separate humans from nature have long supported the exploitation of the environment. However, literature can reshape this narrative, celebrating our interconnectedness with nature and providing channels for discussing complex environmental concerns.

In this way, alongside scientific and political efforts, literature can play a crucial role in safeguarding the Congo Basin’s biodiversity and communities. By integrating multiple perspectives, we can develop a more comprehensive understanding of ecological challenges. This multifaceted approach enriches the conversation about our environment and equips us with the tools needed to address pressing issues more effectively.

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