Alice Mah

Alice Mah, a sociologist and author, explores the intricate ties between ancestry and ecological anxiety. Drawing from her family's journey from rice-growing villages in South China to Western Canada, she reflects on the emotions tied to honoring heritage amidst environmental degradation. Themes of cultural memory, the fading Qingming Festival rituals, and the haunting notion of 'hungry ghosts' illustrate deep intergenerational responsibilities. Mah urges us to reconcile with our past while navigating the complexities of modern identity and climate grief.

Alice Mah, a Professor in Urban and Environmental Studies at the University of Glasgow, dives into the intricate battles surrounding the petrochemical industry. She discusses the environmental injustices faced by marginalized communities, spotlighting compelling case studies like Cancer Alley. The conversation highlights local activism in cities such as Nanjing and Guangzhou, contrasting it with global ecological movements. Mah calls for systemic changes in the petrochemical sector, emphasizing the urgent need for decarbonization and the integration of indigenous knowledge for a sustainable future.

Alice Mah, a Professor in Urban and Environmental Studies at the University of Glasgow, dives deep into the dark underbelly of the petrochemical industry in her book, 'Petrochemical Planet.' She highlights the environmental injustices faced by marginalized communities, such as those in Louisiana's Cancer Alley, and the psychological toll of living near industrial sites. Mah showcases grassroots activism, particularly in China, and emphasizes the urgent need for multi-scalar solutions and rethinking planetary politics to combat environmental crises and foster resilience.