In October 2023, Professor Adil Najam delivered influential talks on climate change at Cambridge and Oxford, emphasizing adaptation strategies and the role of faith in motivating climate action. His presentations highlighted the concept of the ‘Age of Adaptation’ and the effectiveness of integrating values into environmental stewardship practices.
In October 2023, Professor Adil Najam, Dean Emeritus at Boston University’s Frederick S. Pardee School of Global Studies, delivered a series of impactful lectures on climate change at prestigious UK institutions: the University of Cambridge and the University of Oxford. His presentations focused on essential themes surrounding climate change adaptation and the intersection of faith and environmental responsibility. At the University of Cambridge on October 10, Professor Najam presented two significant talks. The first was held at the Attenborough Center for the Cambridge Conservation Initiative, where he introduced the concept of the ‘Age of Adaptation.’ He argued that addressing climate change requires prompt and decisive action, particularly in fragile economies that have contributed minimally to the crisis. His second lecture, presented at the UN Environment Programme’s World Conservation Monitoring Centre, highlighted nature-based climate solutions in Pakistan. During this presentation, Najam shared insights from the ‘Living Indus Initiative,’ a program he developed that has gained recognition in Pakistan’s climate adaptation strategy and received the UNEP’s ‘Flagship Climate Project’ award. On October 14, Professor Najam continued his discourse at the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies, delivering a talk titled “Can Faith Motivate Better Climate Behavior?” His address explored the inadequacy of relying solely on scientific and economic rationale in encouraging climate action. He emphasized the necessity of integrating values and faith-based strategies to motivate climate-friendly behaviors, particularly within Muslim communities, with an emphasis on water conservation practices. This lecture formed part of the ongoing ‘Faith and Climate Change’ initiative that Professor Najam leads as a Faculty Fellow at the Pardee Center, in collaboration with the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies. Further details about both the Cambridge and Oxford presentations, including photographs, can be accessed through designated links.
The discussions led by Professor Adil Najam at Cambridge and Oxford address the urgent need for climate action, particularly focusing on adaptation strategies for developing nations that are disproportionately affected by climate change. The concept of the ‘Age of Adaptation’ reflects a broader understanding that mitigation efforts alone are insufficient. Furthermore, Najam’s exploration of faith-based motivations for climate action presents an innovative perspective on engaging communities in environmental stewardship, highlighting how religious values can complement scientific efforts to promote sustainability.
Professor Adil Najam’s recent lectures delivered at prominent British universities underscore the urgent need for comprehensive climate strategies that extend beyond traditional mitigation approaches. By introducing the ‘Age of Adaptation’ and advocating for faith as a motivating force in climate action, Najam provides a multifaceted approach that is particularly relevant for vulnerable populations. His work demonstrates an essential shift in how climate change can be understood and addressed, appealing to both scientific and moral imperatives for action.
Original Source: www.bu.edu
