2024 Candidate Charu M. Nair

Charu M. Nair
Professor Emerita

Candidate for: Member of the Governing Board

As a retired University educator who is extremely active globally  in several areas of interest including climate change and biodiversity science and dissemination and human potential including diversity, equity and inclusion spheres, I bring deep cultural expertise and knowledge of developing insights across ecosystems and involving and engaging wide swaths of communities to embrace innovations for the benefit for all. Over 35 years of increasingly responsible leadership positions, I remain deeply committed to continuous learning and sharing, as well as a personally responsible way of living for a sustainable planet for all.

What interests, experiences or skills would you bring to this position?

I bring the unique skills of a global mindset, deep cultural understanding and tools to realize communicant and cooperation amongst communities. I have developed my capabilities in both human studies, humanities, as well as the business and science arenas with my experiences. Ecological ways of thinking and being are critical tool-sets for our current civilization and in my teaching of ancient civilizations and learnings from these, I seek to leverage these vitally critical knowledge and engagement across communities and differences in support for long term sustainability for our beautiful world.

How would you support ESA’s mission? How would you plan to promote DEIJ in ESA membership and activities if elected?

With over three decades in the practice of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Justice (DEIJ) I have had the opportunity to be involved from the nascency of this movement from the nineties. I have led a DEI company, as well in each of my professional roles have been responsible for DEIJ components. The climate and ecological transition is an intensely justice journey as the indigenous communities safeguard 80% of the world’s remaining biodiversity, and along with other historically marginalized groups, are most impacted by climate change, as well under pressures buying now to give up the rare metals on their lands. We are all challenged to learn from their deep connection to the natural environment, their effective practices of agroforestry, reforestation, circular ways of living, and much more, to embrace a new reality. I will put all my knowledge, passion and energies into expanding the engagement of our members and broader communities into this “good fight.”