Sheikha Shamma Launches Inspirational Collective to Ignite Climate Action Through Storytelling

Sheikha Shamma bint Sultan just launched The Climate Tribe Hub in Abu Dhabi. This vibrant space is designed for climate storytelling and hands-on workshops. Every corner showcases the UAE’s rich materials, with tables crafted from date seeds and furniture made from palm fibers.

“When we created the hub, we wanted it to be dynamic,” said Hind Al Ghseen, the hub’s executive director. “We aimed for the community to contribute and come together.”

Sheikha Shamma’s interest in climate issues sparked during her college years at Zayed University. Accompanying her parents on a humanitarian trip to Somalia, she witnessed the severe effects of drought firsthand. This experience shaped her understanding of economic models, highlighting their neglect of environmental costs.

Her other effort, the UAE Independent Climate Change Accelerators (UICCA), emphasizes policy change, while The Climate Tribe aims to create a more personal dialogue surrounding climate action. “It adds a human touch to the conversation,” she noted.

Since its formation in 2023, The Climate Tribe has engaged over 2,200 individuals through grassroots initiatives, including tree planting and recycling. Their impact includes planting 921 trees and diverting over 8,600 kg of waste from landfills. The hub highlights a shift from digital activism to real-world engagement.

Hind Al Ghseen pointed out that the hub truly reflects their values. “It celebrates Emirati heritage and emphasizes community craftsmanship,” she said. Initially, the team sought stories globally, only to find compelling narratives within the UAE itself. “Sustainability here is often a personal journey, not just a commercial venture,” she said.

The Climate Tribe aspires to connect local voices with global narratives, fostering hope and resilience in the face of climate change. When asked about the pace of global climate action, Sheikha Shamma expressed concern. “No, we are still fragmented. Collaboration is essential,” she insisted.

Recent statistics highlight the urgency of climate action. The latest report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) warns that global greenhouse gas emissions need to be halved by 2030 to limit warming to a safer level. Engaging communities like those around The Climate Tribe will be vital to meeting this challenge.

As social media trends show a rise in climate activism among younger generations, initiatives like The Climate Tribe Hub can harness this energy to foster community-driven solutions. The understanding that sustainability isn’t just an obligation but a shared responsibility can inspire future generations to take action.

The Climate Tribe Hub stands as a testament to local creativity in the face of a global challenge, bridging cultures and communities while fighting for a sustainable future.



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