Intersectional Environmentalism and the Black Lives Matter Movement
Regularly scheduled content for Climate Change Sunday School has been postponed.
In the meantime, let’s use this time to talk about where the Black Lives Matter movement intersects with climate change. The term is referred to as Intersectional Environmentalism.
What does that mean?
Leah Thomas, defines it as an inclusive version of environmentalism that advocates for both the protection of people and the planet. It identifies the ways in which injustices happening to marginalized communities and the Earth are interconnected.
If you’ve followed the Sunday School series, you’ll know that the people who have contributed the least to the problem are the ones who suffer the worst consequences.
Indigenous peoples, the Global South and marginalized communities are on the forefront of climate damage. Here are also a few examples from the Environmental Justice Foundation.
When the BP oil spill of 2010 happened, the waste from the shoreline clean-up effort (94-184 million gallons of oil) was trucked to landfills mostly in Black communities in Louisiana, Alabama and Florida
Traditional Owners of the land fought to protect their land (but lost) from the Keystone XL Pipeline
In the devastating wake of Hurricane Katrina in 2005, George W. Bush barely paid attention to / aided the predominantly Black communities in New Orleans
By 2050, 18 million people will be displaced from Bangladesh due to sea level rise
Do you ever just stop and reflect on HOW we’re all living in a world like this?! Oh the side-rant I could go on… but I’ll spare you. For now ;)
Okay, so now that you know the definition and you’re equipped with some examples, next is tackling what can we do about it?
Acknowledge. First, as @pattiegonia mentions in their “Whiteness in the Outdoors” post, we need to acknowledge there is no “outdoors for all” when racism exists.
Self-Awareness. Think of it like this: when you pass others on the trail do they smile, meet your eye or greet you? If yes, don’t assume this is a universal experience. Be aware of your own assumptions and prejudices. Imagine how much more difficult it must be to enjoy nature when you’re worried about your physical safety and who might see your skin colour as a threat.
Listen. Listen to the stories of BIPOC and their experience with nature. Empathize with the role nature does or does not play in their world.
Here are some questions you can reflect on when thinking of others and their experience: What role does the environment play in their lives? Is it their home? A safe space? Is it the complete opposite? If it doesn’t play a role, why not? Is there anything preventing them from developing a relationship? How does their voice strengthen the climate cause? How can you help make that voice stronger?
Support. Show up and invite your community to show up too. Message people, tag them, email them. Start a conversation with curiosity and as a learner. Additionally, support affinity spaces (safe spaces designed for a particular marginalized community).
Be Real. You’re going to mess up. Own it. Realize that you’re going to make mistakes. Apologize when you do. No one is perfect and ‘unlearning’ takes time and hard work. If you get called out, listen, apologize, commit to growing, and move on. You’ve got this. 💪
FINAL WORDS: While I can’t comment on anything experience-wise, I know I can still contribute and put effort towards this issues. SO, if you want more access to intersectional environmental resources? Or if you want to know more about affinity spaces? Or EVEN if you want more historical examples on how environmental injustices impact BIPOC? THAT I can help you with by being the research nerd I am and digging for some info. 🤓 Just comment below. 👇
