Echo for a Change
Tan Pei Qi shares on why she speaks up for environmental issues despite the struggles she faces as a young environmentalist and hopes to push fellow youths to do the same.
Story by: Amber Leong | Photos by: Tan Pei Qi
Towards the end of 2019, when Tan Pei Qi was preparing for her ‘A’ Levels examinations, she became increasingly anxious about what the future held for her. Over the years, the 19-year-old, who is currently studying at National University of Singapore’s Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, recalls coming across countless articles on the environmental issues that our world is facing.
“The climate statistics really scared me,” she shared truthfully.
One day, Pei Qi chanced upon an article about the SG Climate Rally. That was the moment she turned her environmental awareness into action. “It is imperative for Singaporeans to acknowledge this crisis as it is a global issue,” said Pei Qi on why she is so adamant about the cause.
Pei Qi has participated in various eco-related events such as Impossible Food X BA Green Sharing and SGCR COVID-19 X Climate Workshop, but the one that stood out most to her was the Big Beach Clean Up by LUSH X Seven Clean Seas back in July 2019.
However, her fight against climate change hasn’t been easy. The road to becoming more environmentally conscious would not be possible without sacrificing some comforts of life. Pei Qi revealed, “I used to be an avid cheese lover, but after learning about some of the horrible truths of the dairy industry, I am determined to go vegan more than ever.”
As she reads daily about eco issues, she faces environment degradation. “I get angry, frustrated and fearful. Eco-anxiety can happen to anyone, and it can be really damaging to mental health,” she expressed.
In order to cope with this, she has been attending environmental spirituality workshops and eco-anxiety sessions. She revealed that it is good to know that she is not alone in this.
Recently, in March, Pei Qi and a group of like-minded Singaporean youths started Eco Youth Collective (EYC), a collaborative initiative with the goal to enact change for the environment.
Pei Qi started EYC because she discovered the need to engage more with youths, especially students, to raise awareness for environmental issues that are going to affect us and our future generations.
Pei Qi believes that everyone can play their part in fighting climate change. Other than making changes to diet and lifestyle, she urges Singaporeans to educate themselves about the environment.
Among people of other age groups, Pei Qi feels that youths, in particular, play a crucial role in changing mindsets and raising awareness for important issues. Lastly, Pei Qi has some words of encouragement for fellow youths who are passionate in fighting for the causes they believe in. “We, youths, have the power of using our voices to speak up.”
