By Pragya Karki and Prince Shah, Rotaract Club of Kathmandu, Nepal
Early on a Saturday morning, as the sun cast a warm glow over the gathering crowd, we marveled at the diversity of those assembled for the first event of our FutureFeed campaign. The event was an awareness walkathon organized to advocate for climate justice and food security in collaboration with the World Wildlife Fund of Nepal and Save the Children Nepal. We wanted to host a fun event that would both convey the urgency of climate change and food insecurity and engage a wide audience.
When many people think about climate change, they often think only of temperature shifts, overlooking other impacts such as rising food insecurity. Climate change disrupts agricultural patterns, leading to crop failures and food shortages. That exacerbates poverty and inequality and leaves vulnerable communities even more defenseless against hunger.
Food insecurity is not just about lack of food, but also about not getting the necessary calories. In urban areas, due to disrupted agricultural patterns, people rely heavily on junk food and contaminated produce containing pesticides and insecticides, failing to meet their calorie needs. In major cities of Nepal, families – particularly those with children in their developmental stages – often avoid market-available produce due to fear of toxins.
Recognizing these issues, we organized an engaging and interactive walk to educate the community and urge action. On a weekend when people could have chosen to sleep in, many woke up at 7 a.m., demonstrating their profound sense of responsibility for addressing these two issues.
The rhythmic beating of traditional musical instruments echoed in the air, harmonizing with loud slogans chanted by the walkers. People carried artistic banners demanding climate justice and food security. The slogans were soon echoed by passerby, creating a powerful chorus.
A total of 510 people from diverse backgrounds – young and old, celebrities, ordinary citizens, and individuals of various ethnicities – came together for our Hunger Walk. Watching the event unfold, we were deeply moved by the genuine empathy and unity displayed by the participants. It wasn’t just a walk; it was a collective journey towards a brighter, more sustainable future.
What struck me most was how the event bridged the gap between celebrities, environmental activists, the National Human Rights Commission Team, Rotarians, influencers, representatives from international organizations like WWF Nepal and Save the Children Nepal, and members of the Wheelchair National Cricket Team. Everyone walked side by side, sharing stories and experiences.
As we neared our destination, flash mobs attracted more attention to our message. Participants realized that these issues were not isolated concerns, but shared challenges demanding collective action. Conversations continued long after the event ended. Individuals openly shared their personal experiences with each other. Social media platforms buzzed with posts about the issues and the walk. Local news outlets carried the story, amplifying our message further.
The inclusivity and diversity of our walk didn’t just make for a successful event, it ignited a movement.
Change begins with a single step, but it gains momentum when those steps are taken in unison. The Hunger Walk was more than just a walk; it was a leap towards a future where the effects of climate change are minimized, no one goes to bed hungry or relies on tainted food, and every individual – regardless of background – contributes to creating a more sustainable society.
The walk was just the beginning of our FutureFeed campaign, a dedicated effort to advocate for climate justice and food security. Stay tuned for more impactful activities as we continue our journey toward a more sustainable and equitable future!
‘FutureFeed Nepal’ is a dynamic and transformative environmental campaign initiated jointly by the Rotaract Club of Kathmandu and Rotary Club of Kathmandu, in partnership with WWF and Save the Children.
https://blog.rotary.org/2023/10/25/hunger-walk-draws-attention-to-climate-change-food-insecurity/