Intelligence Squared Understanding Environmental Inequality, with Leah Thomas
Sep 14, 2022
Join Leah Thomas, environmental activist and author of 'The Intersectional Environmentalist', as she uncovers the crucial link between environmentalism and social justice. She discusses how marginalized communities face the brunt of climate change while emphasizing the need for an intersectional approach to activism. Leah critiques performative activism and the pitfalls of greenwashing, advocating for genuine commitment to sustainability. The conversation also highlights the importance of diverse voices in climate movements, particularly those of climate organizers of color.
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Interconnected Justice
- Environmental and social justice are often seen as separate issues, stemming from the early environmental movement's focus on wilderness preservation.
- This separation overlooks the displacement of indigenous people and disproportionate impact of environmental problems on marginalized communities.
Intersectional Environmentalism
- Environmentalism must be intersectional, acknowledging that marginalized communities disproportionately suffer from environmental issues.
- Ignoring this reality renders environmental efforts ineffective and perpetuates social injustice.
Environmental Racism
- Environmental racism describes the disproportionate exposure of marginalized communities to environmental hazards.
- This can manifest as a lack of green spaces or increased proximity to pollution sources.
