Intersectional environmentalism
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Intersectional environmentalism is a term used to advocate for both the well-being of humans and the planet, regardless of ethnicity, gender, or class. The concept centers around environmental issues such as climate crisis and natural disasters that leave minority communities and marginalized groups in high-risk situations that are also life-threatening.[1] Climate Activist Leah Thomas defines the term Intersectional environmentalism, as “... an inclusive version of environmentalism that advocates for both the protection of people and the planet.”[1]
History[edit]
The concept of intersectionality was first introduced by Kimberlé Crenshaw in 1989 in the published paper "Demarginalizing the Intersection of Race and Sex: A Black Feminist Critique of Antidiscrimination Doctrine, Feminist Theory and Antiracist Politics".[2] In June, 2020, during the George Floyd protests, Leah Thomas, who graduated with a B.S. in Environmental Science and Policy from Chapman University in 2017, published to Instagram an illustration stating, “Environmentalists for Black Lives Matter” with the caption “Social justice cannot wait. It is not an optional 'add-on' to environmentalism.” She explained the term "intersectional environmentalism" as the more inclusive version of environmentalism in which there is advocacy for marginalized groups. After her post went viral she went on to create the organization called Intersectional Environmentalist. Thomas openly credits the origin of intersectional environmentalism to Professor Kimberlé Crenshaw.[3]
Examples[edit]
Class[edit]
Rich and middle class communities often will create Not In My BackYard (NIMBY) laws meaning that poorer neighborhoods would more often be chosen for environmentally hazardous projects such as landfills and power plants.[4] In her article "Intersectional Environmentalism: Why Environmental Justice Is Essential For A Sustainable Future", Thomas explains how it is more difficult for people in lower income communities to have a place safe from pollution and toxic waste.[5]
Race[edit]
Communities of color are the most affected by environmental health and economic issues. A few examples of these issues included asthma in young children, poor water and air quality. In the perspective of Leah Thomas this can be due to the low number of lawmakers in congress that identify as people of color[6] who are willing to make changes to laws from similar communities they could have come from
Immigration status[edit]
High risk jobs are often held by people who are immigrants especially undocumented ones.[7] Often these hazards are caused by or exacerbated the environment these people are working in.[4]
Disability[edit]
See also[edit]
References[edit]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Haddock, Fran (2020-10-08). "What is Intersectional Environmentalism? - Curious Earth". Curious Earth | Environment & Climate Change. Retrieved 2022-03-17.
- ↑ Crenshaw, K.W. (1989). "Demarginalizing the intersection of race and sex: a black feminist critique of antidiscrimination doctrine, feminist theory and antiracist politics". University of Chicago Legal Forum. pp. 139–167. Search this book on
- ↑ "About Us". Intersectional Environmentalist. Retrieved 2022-03-18.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 "A Guide to Intersectional Environmentalism". Means and Matters. Retrieved 2022-03-17.
- ↑ "Intersectional Environmentalism: Why Environmental Justice Is Essential For A Sustainable Future". The Good Trade. Retrieved 2022-03-17.
- ↑ Leah Thomas (2021-04-22). "What Mainstream Environmentalism Gets Wrong". Marie Claire Magazine. Retrieved 2022-03-18.
- ↑ ORRENIUS, PIA M.; ZAVODNY, MADELINE (August 2009). "Do Immigrants Work In Riskier Jobs?". Demography. 46 (3): 535–551. doi:10.1353/dem.0.0064. ISSN 0070-3370. PMC 2831347. PMID 19771943.
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