Healing tears. Hummingbird speed. Telepathy. These remarkable abilities are showcased by The Forces of Nature, a team of Canadian superheroes dedicated to protecting the planet in The Forces of Nature: Gaia’s Child/Les Forces de la Nature: L’Enfant de Gaïa (La Poison et La Pomme, 2019), authored by Dr. Chúk Odenigbo and Samantha Matters. This diverse team confronts an otherworldly antagonist intent on wreaking havoc on Gaia, also known as Mother Earth.
While the superhuman abilities may be fictional, the inspiration behind the team is grounded in reality. Odenigbo collaborated with a group of environmental advocates, including Matters, on a 2015 report for the Canadian Parks Council, which explored ways to encourage more youth engagement with Canada’s parks.
The varied backgrounds of the team members motivated Odenigbo to craft a bilingual narrative aimed at tweens and teens, illustrating that everyone possesses unique powers when it comes to connecting with and safeguarding nature.
Importance of Representation
In my conversation with Odenigbo, who is currently the director of evaluations and impacts at the Tamarack Institute, I am struck by his energetic approach. While discussing my enjoyment of the book despite my usual dislike for superhero stories, he is not at all surprised and explains that the genre was a purposeful choice.
“I chose the superhero fantasy genre to spark imagination,” he remarks. “It transforms a weighty subject into something joyful and engaging.”
The narrative emphasizes the importance of representing diverse identities. Odenigbo aimed to illustrate various approaches to interacting with and caring for nature, highlighting that each character embodies a unique relationship with Gaia.
Shared Odenigbo, one of his favorite pastimes is sitting beneath a tree while watching a movie on his iPad. He believes that rigidly promoting the idea of “disconnecting” to foster a connection with nature only alienates young people.
The Need for Youth in Environmental Advocacy
Odenigbo emphasizes that fostering a connection between youth and the natural environment is essential for nurturing a generation that values ecological awareness.
A growing body of research supports that mindful interaction with nature can lead to a deeper connection to the Earth and a stronger desire to protect it. The narrative illustrates how individuals can utilize their unique abilities—whether through research, physical strength, or political activism—in service of environmental protection.
Environmental Justice Issues
Access to nature and opportunities for advocacy differ dramatically among children and youth.
“I can’t ask everyone to be on the streets like Greta Thunberg. Some are capable, while many are not,” Odenigbo explains regarding educating youth on environmental justice. He highlights that racialized youth may encounter additional risks in advocacy and protest, including increased scrutiny from law enforcement.
Alongside systemic challenges like racism, Odenigbo points out that practical barriers may prevent youth from engaging with the environment. This could include a lack of appropriate clothing, allergies, or limited access to transportation.
Younger individuals are encouraged to explore questions like: “Who am I? And based on that, what can I accomplish?” Recognizing that responses may evolve over time is vital.
“There are always ways to connect with nature that accommodate your individual circumstances,” Odenigbo states. “As you pursue these connections, you might inspire others to do the same or help dismantle barriers for others that mitigate their experiences.”
This article originally appeared in the August 2024 issue of up7op magazine.
