Why Environmentalism Is Inherently Intersectional

Leo Goldsmith: “Want to become engaged in environmental justice and activism, but don’t know where to start? You’re not alone. This article gives great tips for getting started, including small but impactful ways you can engage in environmental justice in your community today.”

LG: “This is the original document that has laid the groundwork for defining environmental justice for generations to come. These principles are referred to quite often in the EJ world and will become a necessary guide for anyone aiming to better understand environmentalism.”

LG: “Environmental justice also extends to the green spaces that we may frequently use or have a close connection to. "Here, this piece from The Nature Conservancy outlines how to ensure everyone can have access to nature and green spaces.”

LG: “Undocumented immigrants are especially vulnerable to climate-related disasters due to economic disparities and institutional barriers. This article does a great job of describing vulnerabilities, impact, and what states are doing to provide aid when the federal government’s leadership is lacking.”

LG: “A beginner’s guide to understanding how race, class, ability, sexual orientation, gender identity, etc. are inherently intertwined with the environmental movement. I appreciate that this article includes clear definitions for those who are completely new to the subject and an easy-to-follow case for why we need intersectional environmentalism.”

LG: “Those with intersecting identities are often made invisible, especially within the environmental space. This beautifully written article advocates for queer, transgender, and two-spirited individuals within the climate movement through an inspiring story about members of the Fort McDermitt Tribe. They stood up for their community by cutting ties with their environmental group partner, Deep Green Resistance, over their transphobic views.”

LG: “After the above article was published, there was backlash against including transgender individuals within the climate justice movement. So the author, Yessenia Funes, followed up with this piece which expertly advocates the fact that trans women are women, and just like cisgender women, will disproportionately be affected by climate impacts.”

LG: “You might’ve heard of the metal straw movement or the uproar over Whole Food’s ready-to-eat peeled fruit, packaged in plastic. On the surface this may seem like a good cause, because it’s better for the environment, right? But solutions need to integrate disability rights within environmental/climate justice to be truly sustainable. This article is a great overview on how that can happen.”

LG: “In this very quick, 15-minute YouTube video, Dr. Kyle Powys Whyte describes why indigenous knowledge is necessary within climate and environmental policy and highlights indigenous leadership within climate justice. It’s highly engaging, whether you’re listening to it or watching the many photos and figures he packs into his presentation.”

LG: “Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) are heavily underrepresented in environmental and conservation spaces. So I’m grateful that National Geographic is highlighting Black leaders in the environmental field, their experiences, and what drives them. Plus, it’s a great chance to spotlight and raise awareness for all the great work they’re doing.”