2020 saw the convergence of social justice and climate justice movements. Environmentalists were involved in the George Floyd uprising. Leah ThomasThis term was invented by the author Intersectional environmentalism. This approach explains how oppression in hard-hit communities is connected with the problems that affect the planet.
The 1980s are the beginning of environmental justice. The mainstream eco movement was narrowly focused at that time. Conservation of wilderness and endangered animalsNot people. It often ignored or silenced those who were most affected by environmental issues. This was addressed by environmental justice, which ensures that people have access to safe housing, transport, environment, human rights, and more in the green movement. 40 years later, the chances of marginalised and low-income communities living in areas that are dumping grounds are still higher. Pipelines, toxic waste and food deserts. They are at the frontlines of environmental catastrophe. Their vibrant stories and resilience stories have been erased.
Fairness and justice in relation to race, economic power, and migrant rights is not an optional or extra. They are the core of the world we want. Environmentalism is stronger when everyone is included. IntersectionalEnvironmentalism provides a framework for doing this. Climate justice reminds us about the privileges we may have in dealing with climate change, regardless of race, gender, class, ability, or ability.
Here are some ways environmentalism can be integrated with other struggles so that everyone can fight for a safer and better world.
Dismantling ableism
Historically, disabled people have been excluded from the environmental movement. Eco-ableismDescribes how mainstream environmental movements promote solutions that ignore the lived experiences disabled people.
COP26 The venue was not accessible from the entranceThe conference was not open to people with mobility impairments. Groups like SustainedAbilityThe Disability and Climate Network collaborate to close the access gap at COP. The international network works with grassroots movements and organizations on disability and climate justice. They advocate for inclusive climate change solutions that are accessible to all. They also ensure that everyone is able to participate in negotiations, regardless of the accessibility options.
Winnie, Vanuatu’s disability advocate, holds a sign stating what climate justice means for her: accessibility. Greenpeace
In the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey, wheelchair users suffered from loss of mobility and independence. Assisted living facilities were abandoned, and their residents neglected. Some residents with disabilities were Incorrectly institutionalizedbecause of a lack of housing. There are no housing options in the UK. 14.1 million people live with disabilities. The government’s 2021 National Disability Strategy is not yet in place. Implementation of any type disability-inclusive climate policy was not possibleThis would allow disabled people to fully take part in climate action. It excluded 20% of the population, making it difficult for them to communicate about crises and preventing them from accessing life-saving information. Disability justice is something environmentalists must recognize. No body or mind can be thrown away.
While accessibility is often discussed in terms of mobility and transportation, we must also consider language access and other disabilities. When we take into account the abilities of all environmental activists, we create an inclusive movement.
Gender and sexual identity
An interconnected approach to environmental problems asks: What environmental emergency is going to affect communities, and in what ways?
Women are everywhere in the world. 80% more likely that they will be displacedby climate change and produce upto 80% of the food in the world is organic. They are often the primary caretaker and food provider for their families, making them vulnerable to flooding and drought. Women are leading global grassroots efforts to combat climate change. The UK has the following: Womens Environmental NetworkThey are supported. They are part of communities that support actions and highlight the lived experiences women in campaigns.
Pride Walk in Amsterdam in Solidarity with LGBTQIA+ Communities in the Climate Crisis Marten van Dijl/Greenpeace
Climate justice must also embrace diversity in gender identity and sexuality. Black and Latinx were the first to march in Pride. Trans, gender fluid and non-binary.Individuals led the march against police brutality, police raids on LGBTQA+ bars, and police raids. However, oppression based upon gender and sexual identity continues to play out in times of environmental emergencies. Like Climate disasters that affect the same sex couples could result in them not receiving relief supportIf they are not recognized as legal couples by their government, Non-binary individuals who do not have access to the appropriate services for their gender may be denied emergency shelters. The UK’s Nationality and Borders Bill may increase the likelihood of people being turned away from emergency shelters because of their gender identity. Standards of proof to support LGBTQA+ asylumFrom countries that are affected by climate change.
Intersectionality is key to unlocking the struggle against oppression. It helps us recognize how race, gender, and abilities all impact on how the climate crisis affects us.
Racial justice
We face climate change as a global community, just like the COVID-19 pandemic. But not everyone is equally affected. More than class, race is the number-one indicatorFor the construction of toxic waste facilities. This is known as environmental racism. Because policies and practices make it more difficult for them to live near environmental hazards.
Jemmar Samuels became involved in activism at 17 because of racial injustice. Through The Advocacy AcademyThey developed their voices through story-telling and speaking on video. Jemmars talents led to the co-founding of the award-winning Halo Code. A campaign that aims at eliminating discrimination based on afro hair, especially in the workplace. They envision a world where everyone is happy. Where oppressed groups wouldn’t have to advocate constantlyfor their basic needs, rights or justice. We don’t have equity or equality. Jemmar says that liberation through abolition is possible.
Communities that are underserved suffer the most from environmental and social injustices. This is why social justice cannot be seen as an extra. Climate justice can only be achieved by tackling systemic racism.
Intersectionality is the future of environmentalism
Oppression plays an important role in how people perceive a movement. It is important that we look at who is being served, how they are supported, and who has the resources and support to do so. Marginalised communities can make important contributions to the environment movement. Environmental decisions that exclude historically marginalized voices are not complete. Intersectional environmentalism is essential.
We must prioritize those most affected by the environment emergency. This means allowing people who are economically disadvantaged to have space. DisenfranchisedQueer, Black, Indigenous, and people of color communities. Intersectionality allows us see how we can include someone with multiple identities and how to ensure they have the support and resources they need. We can make positive changes for everyone by starting at the point where the gap is widest.