People and Planet: What Is Intersectional Environmentalism?
The world is changing and humanity is faced with an ever-growing list of socio-environmental challenges brought on by human activities and the lack of thoughtful and respectful consideration of the planet. There is a need to organize in a new way, so that we can shift toward a sustainable and equitable future.
Intersectional environmentalism is a term used to describe this type of organizing which looks at the various social, cultural, and economic inequalities that influence how people interact with the planet and vice versa. This article will explore what is meant by intersectional environmentalism, the type of work it forces and how it can be a powerful tool in the fight for sustainability.
What Is Intersectional Environmentalism?
Intersectional environmentalism is the idea that environmental justice should include the consideration of intersecting social, economic and cultural inequalities, e.g. race, gender and class. It acknowledges that people are not all affected equally by environmental injustices, systemic racism, and other oppressive systems in society. This approach also recognizes that we must tackle all these issues together in order to create a better future.
Intersectional environmentalism is a comprehensive way of looking at the many ways in which human activities, past and present, damage the planet and the people on it. It takes into account a wide range of different social systems, cultural values, economic structures and environmental degradation, and of the multiple ways in which they overlap and interact with one another. This means that the social, political and economic benefits of taking care of the environment should also be shared equally.
Goal of Intersectional Environmentalism
The goal of intersectional environmentalism is to build an equitable society for all and for the planet by creating meaningful relationships among the people, the environment, and the communities that are interconnected and dependent upon one another. It is about creating spaces where people from all backgrounds, cultures and beliefs can come together to protect and preserve the planet, as well as fight for social, economic and environmental justice.
It is about recognizing that the exploitation of people and the planet are often intertwined, and that one cannot be addressed without paying attention to the other. It sees the need to create policies and programs that take account of the collective impact of structural racism, sexism and classism and other forms of marginalization.
Examples of Intersectional Environmentalism
One way of thinking about the application of intersectionality to environmentalism is by understanding the concept of environmental justice. Environmental justice is the fair treatment, access and meaningful involvement of all people, regardless of race, color, national origin, or income, with respect to the development, implementation and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations and policies. It is also about ensuring that all people have access to healthy and safe physical, ecological and social environments.
For example, green businesses such as agroecology, renewable and non-toxic energy sources, responsible waste management, and sustainable forestry and fishing, should be available to people regardless of their geographical location or socio-economic background.
Another example is how the Green New Deal, proposed in the US, is a political movement that recognizes the importance of taking an intersectional approach. It promotes a transition to renewable energy sources and a fair transition for the workers and communities that are still professionally involved in the extraction and burning of fossil fuels.
The Impact of Intersectional Environmentalism
Intersectional environmentalism has the potential to bring people together in a shared project that is beneficial to everyone involved and to the planet. It also has the potential to be a powerful tool for transformation.
By considering the various social, economic and cultural inequalities that lead to environmental injustice, intersectional environmentalism can be used to create more equitable, just and sustainable societies that are in harmony with nature. This can then result in more sustainable resource use, fairer trade, and healthier ecosystems and communities.
Intersectional environmentalism has the potential to provide meaningful participation in decision making with regards to the environment, as well as reducing pollution, protecting biodiversity, and curbing climate change. It also can support people in taking ownership of the issues that need to be addressed, and be part of the solution to creating a brighter future for all.
Intersectional environmentalism is the idea that environmental justice needs to include consideration of intersecting social, economic and cultural inequalities. It is a comprehensive way of looking at the multiple interconnected systems that are damaging the planet and the people on it. Intersectional environmentalism provides a way for people from diverse backgrounds and cultures to come together to protect and preserve the planet, as well as fight for social, economic and environmental justice. It has the potential to create a more equitable and sustainable future that benefits us all and the planet.
