These great resources will help you learn about advocating for climate justice
What is intersectional environmentalism?
Intersectional environmentalism analyzes how social injustices are linked to—and have a direct impact on—our environment. The term "intersectionality" was coined by American scholar, civil rights advocate and lawyer Kimberlé Crenshaw in her 1989 academic paper "Demarginalizing the Intersection of Race and Sex: A Black Feminist Critique of Antidiscrimination Doctrine, Feminist Theory and Antiracist Politics," where she explained how racism and sexism must be looked at together, not separately.
Intersectional environmentalism was founded and defined by eco-activist Leah Thomas during the ongoing Black Lives Matter movement following the murder of George Flloyd. She describes it as an inclusive form of environmentalism that advocates for the justice and protection of all people and the planet. Thus, we can say that it is acknowledging the interconnection between the environment, race and privilege.
Here are some questions you may want to think about to start recognizing the social inequalities related to the environment:
- How does climate change more negatively affect low-income individuals, communities, and marginalized groups because of where they live?
- How does systemic racism play a factor in who gets to sit at the table making decisions on how to tackle climate change?
- How have Indigenous land rights been threatened due to capitalism and colonialism?
- How are rich countries the most responsible for climate change, yet poor countries suffer more?
In order to expand your knowledge on how to take action to support marginalized voices within the climate movement, here are some podcasts that make excellent resources...
1. Dismantled
Founded and hosted by the Intersectional Environmentalist team, this podcast focuses on conversations about the climate crisis with those who are most impacted by it: Black, Indigenous and POC communities. There is only one season out right now, so you don't have a lot of catching up to do. Listen
2. Mothers of Invention
Mothers of Invention brings together former Irish president Mary Robinson, comedian/writer Maeve Higgins and series producer Thimali Kodikara who declare, “Climate change is a man-made problem—with a feminist solution!” Educate yourself on agriculture, the fashion industry, climate migration and more, while hearing stories from women who are at the forefront of the global climate change movement. Listen
3. How to Save a Planet
Hosted by a team of climate enthusiasts and experts, along with journalist Alex Blumberg, How to Save a Planet brings together inspiring stories about a variety of topics related to climate change that are meant to leave you motivated to take action. Episodes include discussions on gender equality, human migration, as well as the Black Lives Matter movement's connection to the climate crisis. Listen
4. Spoken Earth
Based in the UK, Lacuna Magazine focuses on human rights issues around the world, including migration, poverty, politics, equality and the environment. The platform’s new podcast series, Spoken Earth features award-winning author and explorer Adam Weymouth having in-depth chats with environmental thinkers, activists and academics. Listen
5. Force of Nature
Force of Nature is a movement run by young people—the next generation of climate leaders who want to mobilize and empower youth to turn their eco-anxiety into solutions. Their podcast launched season 2 in September 2021, and includes episodes that discuss racism and sexism, as well as the role politics plays in the climate crisis. Listen
6. Hot Take
What happens when an investigative journalist and a climate essayist come together? A straight-to-the-point, honest podcast about the climate crisis and how it links to every other social justice issue across the globe. Co-hosts Mary Annaïse Heglar and Amy Westervelt bring a feminist perspective to environmental issues, and if you want even more Hot Takes, you can also subscribe to their weekly newsletter. Listen