Understanding the interconnection between different systems of injustice is crucial in the search for solutions to combat so many social and environmental issues, and to work towards these solutions.
These systems are not isolated from each other, they overlap in so many ways, so therefore to bring about positive change, we must allow ourselves to open our eyes to this, and act upon the injustices we see, and maybe those we haven't yet come to see.
A statement that is definitely becoming more prevalent, but sadly not yet prevalent enough, is that there can be no climate justice without social justice.
The root causes of the climate crisis are indeed multifaceted and addressing institutional racism, working towards social justice is a huge part of the process in pursuit of climate justice.
“Environmental Justice is the intersection of both social justice and environmentalism, where the inequity in environmental degradation is also considered” (The Good Trade)
Caring about the lives of others, and our environment is surely a value we all hold, therefore more closely considering the implications of our actions from this perspective of environmental justice seems greatly necessary to align our actions with our morals, and support a more ethical way of living.
The term 'Intersectionality' was created by Kimberlé Crenshaw, and I’d definitely advise giving her Ted Talk a listen:
It is very much a term to address how interconnected many social justice issues are, such as race, gender, sexuality, and how this awareness is so crucial in achieving social justice for all.
This intersectionality exists throughout our lives, as nothing occurs fully in isolation, therefore within environmentalist movements, this relationship between social justice and environmental justice is of great importance to consider.
Intersectional environmentalism has been defined as...
“An inclusive version of environmentalism that advocates for both the protection of people and the planet. It identifies the ways in which injustices are happening to marginalised communities and the earth are interconnected. It brings injustices done to the most vulnerable communities, and the earth, to the forefront and does not minimise or silence social inequality. Intersectional environmentalism advocates justice for people and the planet”. Leah Thomas
So, what can we do to action these values?
Education is definitely key – research! get comfortable having uncomfortable conversations, and as difficult as it can be at first, we need to recognise the parts of ourselves we may not have wanted to admit were there.
As a white person, I am benefiting from a system that is oppressing others, and if we are not pushing back against that and actively trying to change that then we are complicit in an unjust society condoning racism. It’s important we allow ourselves to recognise this so we can move forward, take action and advocate for change.
I wanted to share this quote I found on the Intersectional Environmentalist website. Understanding what it means to be a true ally, and this concept of allyship feels really important to remember in order to help bring about social justice, and truly support marginalised communities, combat racism and achieve a society that is no longer built upon oppressive systems.
“The word ‘ally’ has been thrown around a lot, but don’t get fooled into thinking it’s a box to check off a list. Which is why the goal is, and should always be, allyship - (verb) a life long journey whereby you use your privilege to amplify the voices from silenced communities who have been ignored and targeted for far too long, Unlearning inherent biases is the first step towards allyship, and as allies we must use our privilege to speak up when witnessing injustices. But that also means no white saviors and no white centering, because allies do not have the right to lead this movement. If you don’t understand why yet, begin with some of the anti racism books and courses” Sabs Katz
Anti-racism books and courses can be found on the website:
Here are a few other resources below:
Articles:
Check out The Good Trade website, all of the articles on there are so insightful, and would definitely recommend giving them a read. Here’s a link to 2 posts below to get you started:
Some book recommendations to read:
‘So You Want to Talk About Race’ By Ijeoma Oluo
‘Becoming’ by Michelle Obama
‘Braiding Sweet Grass’ By Robin Wall Kimmerer
‘How to be an Anti-Racist’ by Ibram X. Kendi
‘Why I’m no longer talking to white people about race’ by Reni Eddo-Lodge
‘Black faces, White Spaces: Reimagining The Relationship of African Americans to The Great Outdoors’ By Carolyn Finney
Podcasts/episodes to listen to:
The YIKES Podcast:
I’ve learned so much listening to the podcast, so insightful, really important views expressed so I would really recommend!!! All episodes are incredible, but one in particular I want to emphasise is ep 7 ‘Black lives matter is more than a trend’.
This episode features Leah Thomas and Marie Beecham who gained a huge influx of followers following the #blacklivesmatter movement on their Instagram accounts, offering them the well-deserved and overdue attention in the environmentalism space. So many topics are discussed surrounding intersectionality, accountability, racial trauma, being an ally and so much more.
About Race with Reni Eddo-Lodge:
‘The challenge of diversity in the environmental movement, with Dorceta Taylor’ - https://open.spotify.com/episode/2YMJ0V3WVhLVJU7Slv4JWs
Race Traitor:
There are so many resources out there, and it’s important we all continue to educate ourselves and take action upon what we learn. So, use these resources as a bit of a starting point, but keep researching, learning, sharing and supporting the positive change we need to see
Here are some inspiring people to follow on Instagram, where you can find so much more valuable information:
Leah Thomas: @greengirlleah
Rachel Ama: @rachelama_
Addie: @oldworldnew
Marie Beecham: @wastefreemarie
Jenné Claiborne: @sweetpotatosoul
Demi Colleen: @demicolleen
Momoko: @oh_momoko
Sassy Latte: @sassy_latte
Mikaela Loach: @mikaelaloach
Dominique Drakeford: @dominiquedrakeford
The Yikes Podcast: @theyikespodcast
@nowhitesaviours
I hope these resources can be helpful, and a starting point for further research to inform your thinking and actions.
Share the resources that resonated with you and the people that inspire you with friends and family, because the more of us who take time to learn and inform our actions, the more positive change can be made in the world.