ECOLOGICAL GUILT IS REAL

Greater awareness of how both humans and non-humans are coping with climate disruptions only deepens the anxiety

- AMBIKA AIYADURAI

For someone who teaches environmental humanities and studies, and the human dimensions of wildlife conservation, living with ecological guilt is a daily reality. Constantly assessing one's lifestyle and its environmental impact has been unavoidable. And the more materially comfortable life becomes, the sharper this guilt feels. I debate my use of plastic bags or cars for short distances almost daily. Cycling on campus offers momentary relief, but feels superficial. Riding a bicycle on a green, low-traffic campus is itself a privilege—one that quickly exposes the limits of individual virtue.

In India, the ability to rethink lifestyle choices is, in truth, a luxury. What, then, of those who have no choice but to endure climate change, which is already eroding their health, livelihoods and, at times, their lives? Knowledge does not soothe; it compounds concern.