PROMISING CLIMATE ADVOCATE IN THE MENA REGION

In a recent CityscapeWIRE podcast episode, Elsy Milan, a passionate climate activist and clean energy advocate from Lebanon, shares her insights in a thought-provoking conversation on sustainability and climate action.

Teneshia: Elsy, let’s start from the beginning. What inspired you to become a climate activist?

Elsy: Growing up in Lebanon, I was surrounded by incredible natural beauty, but I also saw firsthand the devastating effects of climate change and pollution. It was heartbreaking to witness, and I knew I had to do something. My family always prioritized sustainability, so that foundation was there, but I wanted to take it further. I faced skepticism, especially from older generations who believed things wouldn’t change. But I refused to accept that. I started working with initiatives like the Youth for Climate manifesto and collaborating with governments and academic institutions to move beyond just talking about sustainability and actually implementing change.

Teneshia: Your work focuses heavily on cement production and carbon capture. Why did you choose this area of research?

Elsy: Cement is at the core of construction and urbanization, but it’s also one of the biggest sources of CO₂ emissions. Without addressing it, we can’t build a truly sustainable future. That’s why my research is centered on carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) in the cement industry. As a chemical engineer pursuing my PhD at Imperial College London, my goal is to develop frameworks that make it easier for cement manufacturers to implement carbon capture solutions. But it’s not just about the technology—it’s also about policy. Every country has different economic models, so solutions need to be tailored while still fostering international collaboration.

Teneshia: You attended COP28 in Dubai. What was that experience like?

Elsy: It was incredible. One of the highlights for me was seeing how much youth involvement there was. It wasn’t just governments and corporations talking about sustainability—young people were actually at the table, contributing ideas and pushing for real commitments. At the same time, we still have a long way to go. The built environment, in particular, is slow to change. There’s still resistance to moving away from traditional ways of doing things. But if we want real progress, we have to shift our mindsets and prioritize collective action over individualism.

Teneshia: What are the biggest challenges you see in tackling climate change in real estate?

Elsy: Mindset shifts. Technology is advancing, and policies are evolving, but if the people leading industries don’t embrace change, we’ll keep hitting roadblocks. Sustainability isn’t just about reducing emissions—it’s about rethinking the way we build, design, and operate cities. We need to integrate sustainability at every level, from education to policy to the private sector. It has to be a collective effort.

Teneshia: Before we wrap up, what advice do you have for people who want to get involved in climate action?

Elsy: Start conversations. Get involved in local initiatives. Push for change in your own industry. You don’t need to be a scientist or activist to make a difference—every effort counts. The more people demand sustainable solutions, the faster we’ll see real change.

Links to listen to the podcast Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Web.

Teneshia Naidoo | Jul 08, 2024