Episode 77: Bearing Witness and Speaking Up with Julio Cochoy & Anne Therese Gennari
On this month’s episode of Citizens’ Climate Radio, host Peterson Toscano sits down with Julio Victor Cochoy Alva, a Guatemala native who grew up in the scenic Highlands region.
Julio speaks about his picturesque mountain village with great affection. This is a place of beauty, yet it continues to be a place of deep trauma and historic conflict. In fact, you will hear details about the war Julio witnessed as a boy. These small mountainous communities were often hidden and tucked away. Many times, you could only reach them through narrow mountain trails on horseback. As a result, Julio was shielded from the major conflict happening in Guatemala. A civil war broke out in 1960, five years before he was born.
Just a warning: This content may not be suitable for all audiences.
Julio discusses the significant impacts the Guatemalan Civil War had on Indigenous people, the land, and communities. Today, he is a witness to the impacts of climate change. He talks about the ways these impacts are similar to his experiences and how they are different. He raises important questions. When it comes to climate change, who is the enemy? Who do we resist? How do we make peace and pursue justice?
Ten years ago, Julio and his partner Doris Kizinna began World Pilgrim Global Education, an organization that leads people through guided pilgrimages across countries like Guatemala, Cuba, Thailand, Mexico, and more. World Pilgrim Global Education travel guides share their knowledge and love for these places with their volunteers in hopes of creating cross-cultural connections that will last a lifetime. Though the COVID-19 pandemic interrupted tours to Guatemala, they will resume in February 2023. Learn how individuals, families, and groups can visit Julio’s village and many more spectacular regions around the globe.
The Art House
Originally from Sweden, Anne Therese Genari came to New York City to speak up about the important issues that moved her. For her, the first step was an unlikely one: becoming a fashion model. She quickly learned the modeling agencies wanted her to keep her mouth shut. She was there to represent the brand, not speak her truth.
From a young age, Anne Therese Genari felt connected to the natural world. She carried this passion for sustainability and caring for the planet into her adulthood. She realized if she wanted to speak out as a model, she needed to create a new kind of modeling agency, one that makes room for models with a message.
Anne Therese talks about challenges facing social media influencers and gives practical tips on being authentic and true to yourself. She also produces the Climate Optimist newsletter, an outlet inspiring individuals to be the best, and most optimistic, climate advocate. On this episode, you can hear her read an excerpt from her upcoming book, The Climate Optimist — How to shift the narrative on climate change and find the courage to choose change.
Resilience Corner
Tamara Staton is the Education and Resilience Coordinator for Citizens’ Climate Education. In this installment of the Resilience Corner, Tamara helps us consider what we need right now.
What you need and want is exactly that — at least for right now. While there’s nothing wrong with wanting or even trying to change those needs and wants, you’re likely not going to get very far in this moment when what you actually need is acceptance.
Next month, Tamara will take a closer look at asking for help. Get more tips and resources by visiting The Resilience Hub.
Good News Report
Our good news story is about a billionaire who is giving his billions to help take on climate change. The Good News Network reports that the owner of the clothing company Patagonia gave away the company’s entire $3 billion worth to fight climate change. Watch a clip on YouTube from The Daily Show about this incredible good news.
If you have good news to share, email radio@citizensclimate.org.
We always welcome your thoughts, questions, suggestions, and recommendations for the show. Leave a message on our listener voicemail line: (619) 512-9646. +1 if calling from outside the USA that number again. (619) 512-9646.
Transcript
Click here to view a full transcript of this episode.
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