Gen.T+
The co-founder of environmental startup Nusanterra aims to address global sustainability issues through innovation and advocacy
Tackling environmental issues requires a collective effort by individuals, businesses and governments, says Khairun Nisa Zabidi. “When people ask me how they can do their part to save the planet, it isn’t an easy question to answer,” says the environmentalist and entrepreneur. “In truth, what we try to do as individuals, whether by changing our diet or reducing energy consumption, it pales compared to what we can do together.”
“To make a significant impact, we need technological and systemic change, along with vigorous environmental policies at a global scale."
Since she learned about the climate crisis at a young age, Khairun has made it her life’s mission to take action and make the world a better place.
She started as a climate activist and would later lead Malaysia’s UK International Climate Fund Pact (Partnering for Accelerated Climate Transitions) programme. This multi-million-pound technical assistance initiative helps countries accelerate their clean growth transitions and reduce carbon emissions.
In 2021, she co-founded Nusanterra, a startup that seeks to collaborate with like-minded individuals and organisations to solve the climate crisis. It aims to be a carbon project developer, designing creative solutions to generate high-quality carbon credits. These credits are intended for carbon-conscious investors that want to meet their net-zero targets.
Read more: Why Businesses Can Invest In Sustainability And Also Do Well
“The core of my life’s work involves designing solutions for large-scale problems through consulting and innovative technology and processes. I also advocate for government policies that combat climate change as an activist and through climate diplomacy. I put economic pressure on businesses by voting with my wallet and create awareness about climate change through advocacy, mentorship and action.”
Advocacy work can take a toll on those that engage in it, and even the most passionate can sometimes feel exhausted or overwhelmed by the weight of an issue such as climate change. For Khairun, there are a few ways to overcome these feelings.
“I learnt early in my career to always put on my own mask before helping others,” she says. “Setting clear boundaries and practising balance has been my strategies for staying energised and motivated. This includes regularly keeping in touch with friends and family, staying active (I like to climb), prioritising healthy eating, writing, celebrating successes often, [going for] therapy and being intentional with my actions.”
She also practises various philosophies of life to stay grounded and focused. This includes ikigai, a Japanese concept that gives a person a sense of purpose or a reason for living; hygge, the Danish way of living well and contented; Greek stoicism, which is about maximising positive emotions and reducing negative ones; and the Buddhist practices of non-attachment and acceptance of lifelong learning.
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