Climate activists play an important role in spreading awareness about climate-related issues and sparking change, but it is important to remember that climate activism must remain intersectional. In other words, the climate crisis disproportionately affects people of certain populations and identities more than others and it is important to consider that in our activism. It is easy to focus on only one cause or social movement, such as the climate crisis, but the simple truth is that climate activism is inherently intersectional in nature.
Environmental Racism
Climate change and racial inequality go hand in hand.
Environmental racism refers to the fact that people of color, as well as people with low income/socioeconomic status, are most likely to be situated further from clean air and water and closer to sources of pollution. A history of discriminatory housing, educational, and occupational practices have been perpetuated in the present time, disproportionately affecting people of color. For example, it has been found that it is notably more likely for African Americans to live in neighborhoods that have more pavement, which traps heat, and few trees. Issues like environmental racism emphasize the importance of intersectional activism. Those who are advocating amidst the climate crisis should be doing so with consideration to the people who are most affected by climate change; similarly, activists for issues, such as racial inequality, should be considering the implications and affects of climate change in their activism.
I have heard these points before in a child psychology class because the effect of the pollution is so bad for anyone's health.
ReplyDeleteIn order for true change to happen we need to consider everyone’s needs. Great post!
ReplyDeleteThank you for mentioning this and for educating me about intersectional activism. I am glad to learn that there is a term for this type of activism.
ReplyDeleteThe people that are most vulnerable are the ones most likely to be impact by climate change. People who are unable to move away from poor quality air and change climates.
ReplyDeleteGreat post! Climate change isn't just an environmental issue, but a social justice issue as well. It is important to acknowledge how much historical injustice still impacts access to clean air, water, and even trees.
ReplyDeleteI've never heard of intersectional before, but I feel that environmental racism is real, that low poverty areas get bought by big companies and cause a bunch of destruction and pollution and the people in the area can't do anything about it.
ReplyDeleteIt blows my mind how people cannot open their eyes and see what is right in front of them. Clearly the numbers do not lie and yet people brush stuff like this off. Everyone deserves to be well taken care of and have opportunities to live somewhere that is environmentally safe.
ReplyDeleteIntersectional activism is crucial because climate change doesn’t affect everyone equally. Environmental racism is a major issue, yet it often gets overlooked in mainstream climate discussions. How do you think we can get more people to recognize and address these overlapping injustices in climate activism? thanks for sharing Katie
ReplyDeleteIt's so sad to think that some kids are being born into places where their health is automatically more likely to be poor due to their environmental circumstances.
ReplyDeleteIt is unfortunate and disheartening that the impacts of climate change are more immediate for those in already vulnerable situations. I appreciate you sharing more about environmental racism, I learned briefly about it in a sociology class but I feel this blog post was a well needed review.
ReplyDeleteI think we all forget at times to be conscious of the ways climate change is disproportionately impacting people. We are very fortunate to live in Michigan, and it could be very easy to turn off the news close our eyes and not learn any more until it reaches our front door, but this should be an opportunity to advance our understanding and embrace those who are currently being hurt by climate change. Poorer people are breathing the air that large corporations polluted, the inequality is very obvious, but discussions like these are the only way to convince those who don't want to hear it.
ReplyDeleteThis is such an important topic. I live in GR and when I drive home there are so many places that have very minimal trees and the houses are so close together. I live in a predominately minority neighborhood and it is so different from how the houses were separated when I lived in Grand Haven where most of the population is white. This impact of climate change is an unfortunate reality. I wonder what we can do about this and how redlining really impacts where people live today.
ReplyDeleteIt is scary to think of how much change has occurred in just the past decade of environmental protests and activism. What our planet really needs is a solid and steady concentration that can limit what the pollution and big companies are producing in the world. We have so many places where we clear-cut trees and forests for homes and parking lots, eventually, we will run out of space and trees altogether.
ReplyDeleteClimate activism must be intersectional, recognizing that marginalized communities face the greatest environmental risks due to systemic inequalities. Addressing climate change and racial injustice together ensures a more just and effective movement for all.
ReplyDeleteWell said. Another reason example climate inequality is that globally, poor nations near the equator will be hurt more than wealthy nations by the effects of climate change for a myriad of reasons, even though they contribute the least to the problem.
ReplyDeleteIt is definitely important consider all the different attributes and factors that flow into activism. Climate activism isn't confined to simply the environment, we must be consciences of the people involved as well and their individual needs.
ReplyDeleteHow do you think we can better integrate intersectionality into climate activism?
ReplyDeleteI think the social aspect of climate change impact is something that needs to be examined further. It is extremely disappointing that minority groups continue to experience discrimination from a level that affects their overall livelihoods and resources to survive. The intersectional perspective will hopefully encourage global cooperation that can finally stop climate injustice cases and reduce global emissions.
ReplyDeleteGreat post! I was so surprised to see the photo you put up and how 95% of their claims have been denied.
ReplyDeleteLike all the other commenters I appreciate your drawing attention to the connection between climate change and environmental racism. The issue can also be examined on an international level - the use of fossil fuels by countries in the Global North and the consequences felt first and most desperately in the Global South.
ReplyDeleteMe being from the southside of Chicago and moving to South Haven really showed me the difference in air quality and nighttime stars. pollution from Chicago prevented this for me growing up
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