Kumi Naidoo argues art and culture are central to climate justice

Kumi Naidoo, who serves as the president of the Fossil Fuel Treaty Initiative and is a co-founder of the Global Artivism Movement, insists that art and culture should play a pivotal role in climate justice rather than being mere embellishments. Reflecting on his experiences growing up in a South African township during apartheid, he illustrates how artistic expressions like songs, poetry, and murals fueled resistance when political structures fell short. He advocates for the early involvement of artists in policy-making, asserting that they should not merely convey pre-made decisions. Naidoo underscores the significance of 'artivism' in contesting prevailing views that link success to consumption. He identifies the SB64 meetings in Bonn, Germany, scheduled for July 2025, and COP31 in Turkey in November 2025 as key moments for incorporating cultural perspectives. Co-commissioned by ArtsHub and Creative Climate, a new Australian organization focused on climate and culture, the article highlights Naidoo's belief that climate change represents a crisis of values and narratives, where Indigenous knowledge is crucial for sustainable living. He urges increased support for artists in the Global South and calls for the integration of art into education and policy frameworks.