31 – Environmental Activism in South Asia Amidst Rising Authoritarianism
As South Asia grapples with accelerating environmental crises, from severe air pollution to catastrophic climate events, the region also faces a surge in authoritarian governance. This panel explores the intricate dynamics of environmental activism in South Asia, examining how activists navigate the tightening political spaces, state repression, and socio-economic inequalities. We aim to highlight the strategies, innovations, and resilience of grassroots movements in South Asian countries, offering a comprehensive understanding of how local communities are striving to protect their environment against corporate encroachments (often mediated by political actors) and discuss the implications of these struggles for global environmental justice. Possible contributions include, but are not limited to, the following topics:
• Authoritarian governments' manipulation of environmental policies for political gain and suppression of dissent
• Innovative tactics utilised by activists to navigate and resist authoritarian restrictions in environmental advocacy
• Threats faced by environmental activists in authoritarian contexts
• Impact of civic space restrictions on environmental movements in South Asia
• Disproportionate effects of authoritarian policies on marginalized groups
• Case studies demonstrating environmental degradation as both a cause /effect of authoritarian policies
• Exploring the intersections of environmental justice with social and cultural issues such as poverty, caste, gender, ethnicity
• Showcasing successful campaigns and movements achieving environmental justice despite authoritarian challenges
• Strategies for international organizations and regional alliances to support environmental justice movements in South Asia
• Roles of international solidarity and digital advocacy in bolstering global environmental movements under authoritarian regimes
