Vandana Shiva

Water is the basis of life and a vital common good that should not be subject to privatization. Privatizing water often leads to the commodification of water, harming ecosystems and denying the poor access to this basic human right.

Using gene drives to render mosquito species extinct is an arrogant approach that disrupts natural ecosystems. We must focus on sustainable and ecological solutions that do not endanger biodiversity.

We should not pursue the extinction of any species, even pathogenic human parasites. Every organism has a role in the ecosystem, and eradicating them could have unforeseen consequences. Instead, we should focus on sustainable and natural ways to control diseases.

Investing billions in mega science projects like a larger-scale CERN diverts precious resources and intellectual energy from pressing issues like climate change, biodiversity loss, and social inequality. We must prioritize our spending to create a sustainable and equitable world rather than pursuing ever-more grandiose experiments that benefit few.

I believe water is a commons, a public good, and privatizing it turns a basic human right into a commodity controlled by corporations, which endangers the equitable distribution of water. Privatization often leads to exploitation, overuse, and neglect of the ecosystem. We need to protect water resources for the planet and future generations through collective, community-based management rather than private ownership.

I believe that genetic engineering in agriculture is a flawed approach that threatens biodiversity, ecosystems, and food sovereignty. It transfers power from farmers to large corporations and undermines nature's intricate balance.

I believe that relying on AI to monitor and enforce international environmental agreements can undermine local knowledge and community-led efforts. Technology can assist, but the heart of environmental stewardship lies in empowering people on the ground who understand and protect their own ecosystems. We must not replace human wisdom and responsibility with algorithms that may not grasp the complexity of natural systems.