Turning 50: Embracing a New Chapter as a Climate Change Warrior

Greetings! My name is Shailesh Jhugroo. In a few weeks, I will be turning 50. As I close the chapter on the past fifty years of my life on this planet, I'm opening a new one in becoming a climate change warrior. Growing up in Mauritius, I was surrounded by my family's warmth and my homeland's vibrant culture. The island’s natural beauty and simplicity of life were constants that shaped my early years.

In 2020, the Japanese-owned bulk carrier MV Wakashio ran aground on a coral reef, spilling up to 1,000 tonnes of heavy oil—one of the worst environmental disasters to hit the western Indian Ocean. Witnessing the devastating effects on our environment and the indifferent response from our government was an eye-opener. It exposed the deep-seated corruption and lack of accountability among those in power. Faced with this unprecedented catastrophe, Mauritians tried everything to contain the spill. They even donated their hair, which is great at absorbing oil—this was the ‘victory gardens’ moment for the Mauritian people.

This incident ignited a fire within me, compelling me to dig deeper into the workings of our government and make a resolute decision to strive for change. That is why I am proud to introduce The Conscious Island Project, a social and political movement to expedite the fight against climate change and improve the lives of the Mauritian people.

When it comes to climate change, I see it as a half-glass-full kind of opportunity, as it presents tremendous opportunities for meaningful work and investments towards saving the planet and its biodiversity. Put simply, this is doing God’s work.

As I embark on this new journey, I am filled with a sense of purpose and determination. I invite you to join me in this endeavor to protect our environment and create a sustainable future for generations to come. Together, we can make a difference and turn the tide against climate change.

I am a seasoned IT technology expert and an avid observer of life. Over the past 25 years, I have lived and worked in the United States and Europe, contributing to major institutions like Intelsat, The World Economic Forum (Davos), and FINRA. For the past 12 years, I have served as a consultant supporting the US federal government. During this time, I have witnessed the profound impact of global issues such as pandemics, wars, climate change, and the evolving threat of artificial intelligence on our workforce. These are undoubtedly challenging times for us all.

Mauritius faces its own specific challenges, from corruption to climate change. However, I firmly believe that by pooling our resources and working together, we can address these issues and create a brighter future for ourselves and the generations to come.