Interview with Shyla Gheek, co-Founder of the Vancouver Climate Reality Hub

Shyla graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations and Economics from the University of British Columbia and serves as the Partnership and Cooperation Manager at a UK-based non-profit called Bank Green, where her role is to solidify strategic alliances towards combating climate-destructive practices made by financial institutions.

The work that Shyla does speaks to the different ways in which Climate Hubs Network can advance local climate action through community conversations, arts-based practice and hands-on projects. Inspired by what you see? You can join or found a Hub in your town, city or region today. Find out more at climatehub.ca and follow the Vancouvery Climate Reality Hub on Instagram. 

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself:  

Through diverse experiences which honed my analytical skills and my ability to engage with complex socio-economic issues, my drive and passion for climate action and sustainable policy initiatives has developed greatly over time.

Additionally, my background in poetry and the arts inspires me to integrate creative expression into my environmental advocacy, believing that art can deeply influence public perception and encourage active participation in climate conversations.

What motivated you to start a Hub and what are some of your goals? 

I was motivated to establish the Vancouver Climate Reality Hub due to the growing sense of eco and climate anxiety among our community members. Many people hesitate to engage in conversations about climate change, fearing the enormity and seriousness of the issues at hand.

My vision was to create an open space where people can freely communicate, learn, and share insights through an open dialogue about the environment in a relaxed and supportive setting. I believe that all effective grassroots work begins with fostering such conversations which make environmental action accessible and engaging for everyone.

Our goals are to cultivate hands-on projects and informative seminars in collaboration with grassroots groups towards encouraging active participation and delivering tangible environmental benefits.

By integrating music, art, poetry, storytelling, and interactive games into our activities, we aim to inspire creative expression and innovative collective action. This approach not only educates but also helps in reducing the psychological barriers that inhibit people from taking action, thereby empowering a broader community to join the climate movement.

Can you tell us about some of the events you have organized so far? 

We've hosted a variety of engaging events that foster climate awareness and community involvement. One of our most memorable was the collaboration with the University of British Columbia’s Mug Share initiative, where we used a fun game of Jenga to facilitate climate conversations, blending humor with serious discussions to address eco-anxiety.

This event, like others, allowed participants to share their favorite nature photos, discuss climate issues pertinent to our municipality, calculate their carbon footprints, and make short-term (environmental? Vancouver Reality Hub (VRCH) chart?) pledges.

Our first event, however, holds a special place with us as it laid the foundation for our focus on community engagement. During this event, each participant stamped their hand on the Vancouver Reality Hub (VRCH) chart as a pledge to better protect our planet.

This symbolic gesture was paired with deep and open conversations about our individual climate stories and what climate preservation means to us personally. This initial gathering not only set the tone for our future activities but also highlighted our commitment to hands-on involvement and personal accountability in climate action.

These events serve as our version of a Climate Café, where discussions, creative expression, and community insights merge to create a dynamic platform for environmental advocacy and change.

What are some of the climate solutions or issues you’d like to see addressed in your city? 

In Vancouver, I am particularly focused on issues like urban sustainability, waste management, and green infrastructure development. I advocate for enhanced public transportation options and support for local green businesses. Also, I believe in the importance of integrating climate education into school curriculums towards fostering an early awareness and action driven mindsets in younger citizens. Addressing these areas can significantly contribute to reducing our city’s carbon footprint and promoting a healthier environment.

Interview conducted via email, July 15, 2024 with Shyla Gheek, founder of the Vancouver Community Climate Hub.