Exercise #2 Family Environmental History

January 19, 2026 By: gazal dhall

From Delhi’s Dust to Surrey’s Green: An Environmental Journey Through Generations

My environmental history is a tapestry woven with threads of bustling cityscapes, verdant farmlands, and the silent whispers of nature. It’s a story that begins in the heart of Delhi, India, with my grandparents, extends to my parents, and finds its current chapter in my life in Surrey, British Columbia, Canada. This journey across continents and cultures has profoundly shaped my understanding of the environment and our relationship with it.

My grandparents’ lives were deeply intertwined with the environment of Delhi. They lived in a traditional neighborhood, where the rhythm of life was dictated by the seasons. The natural resources that sustained them were simple yet essential: water from the Yamuna River, food from local markets, and building materials sourced from the surrounding areas. Their environment was a blend of the natural and the human made. Ancient trees lined the streets, providing shade and respite from the scorching summer heat, while intricately designed buildings stood as testaments to human ingenuity. However, the environment was also transforming due to urbanization and industrialization. Native species were gradually replaced by exotic ones, and the air became thick with pollution. My grandparents played a role in this transformation, albeit unknowingly. They consumed resources, contributed to waste generation, and participated in the city’s growth. Their ethnic and class heritage also influenced their relationship with the environment. As members of a middle-class family, they had access to resources and opportunities that were not available to everyone. Their gender roles also shaped their interactions with the environment, with my grandmother primarily responsible for managing household resources and my grandfather for providing for the family.

My parents inherited this complex relationship with the environment. They grew up in a Delhi that was rapidly changing. The city was becoming more crowded, polluted, and disconnected from nature. However, they also witnessed the rise of environmental awareness and the emergence of conservation efforts. They instilled in me a deep appreciation for nature and a sense of responsibility towards the environment. Our family often visited nearby parks and gardens, where I marveled at the diversity of plant and animal life. We also participated in community clean-up drives and tree-planting campaigns. These experiences shaped my understanding of the environment as something precious and worth protecting. However, my parents’ generation also faced challenges in balancing economic development with environmental sustainability. They worked in industries that contributed to pollution and resource depletion, and they often struggled to make environmentally conscious choices in their daily lives. Their relationship with the environment was thus marked by both appreciation and compromise.

 

My own relationship with the environment has been shaped by my experiences in both Delhi and Surrey. Growing up in Delhi, I witnessed firsthand the environmental challenges facing a rapidly urbanizing city. I saw the mountains of waste, the polluted rivers, and the smog-filled skies. These experiences instilled in me a deep sense of urgency to address environmental issues. Since migrating to Canada, I have been exposed to a different environmental context. Surrey is a city surrounded by lush green spaces, clean air, and abundant natural resources. However, I have also become aware of the environmental challenges facing Canada, such as climate change, deforestation, and biodiversity loss. My ethnic and class heritage continues to play a role in my relationship with the environment. As a member of a visible minority group, I am aware of the disproportionate impact of environmental degradation on marginalized communities. As a middle-class individual, I have access to resources and opportunities to make environmentally conscious choices. My gender also influences my perspective on environmental issues, as I believe that women have a unique role to play in promoting sustainability.

Looking ahead, I aspire to cultivate a relationship with the environment that is rooted in respect, responsibility, and reciprocity. I want to live in a way that minimizes my environmental footprint and contributes to the well-being of the planet. This includes making conscious choices about the food I eat, the products I consume, and the energy I use. It also involves advocating for policies and practices that promote environmental sustainability. Ultimately, I believe that we all have a role to play in creating a more just and sustainable world for future generations.

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