Climate Justice

Climate Justice as a concept seeks solutions for the climate crisis.

The Center for Climate Justice at the University of California (UoC) describes Climate Justice as recognising

“… the disproportionate impacts of climate change on low-income communities and communities of color around the world, the people and places least responsible for the problem.”

Essentially, those least responsible for the impacts of climate change will be the worst affected. I really like this short video from Oxfam GB that explains Climate Justice in just over a minute: click here

It is widely acknowledged that an entire system transformation would be required within a Climate Justice approach. For example, people-centred approaches to sustainability would need to be prioritised over profit to help address the root causes of climate change.

Many injustices would also need to be tackled within a Climate Justice approach to combat climate change. For example, environmental-, gender-, and social injustices and so on. Climate Justice is a massive topic, and one that could very easily be seen as overwhelming.

Climate Justice can therefore be broken down into specific areas, also described as “pillars” by the UoC. It should be noted that all organisations who work to promote Climate Justice as a concept will have their own breakdown of Climate Justice. Nonetheless, the 6 pillars proposed by UoC are some of the most comprehensive.

These pillars include:

• Just Transition

• Social, Racial and Environmental Justice

• Indigenous Climate Action

• Community Resilience and Adaptation

• Natural Climate Solutions

• Climate Education and Engagement

Full details of each pillar can be found at here.

I highly recommend reading through each pillar on the UoC website for an easily digestible overview of the components.

Most importantly, I think, the breakdown of each pillar shows that there are in fact solutions to the problem!

So, what can you do?

Well, I’d suggest first reading up on the topic, to familiarise yourself with Climate Justice overall.

Then if you’re looking for something practical then search for groups/events in your local area. There is probably more going on locally than you think! Just remember that in your local area there may not be a specific Climate Justice movement.

However, education is key.

Share the message far and wide! Most people already involved in a nature-based group will likely be receptive to the Climate Justice concept, they just might not have heard of it yet...

Now for the difficult bit… having conversations with those not interested in climate change or those who are outright climate change deniers. My suggestion here is to always frame the conversation back to human impacts. If they say they don’t care/are not interested, then ask them a question.

Here’s an example:

“So then how would you feel if you were displaced due to adverse weather? Would you expect help from your government or other nations?”

I usually find that making the issue human centred allows more people to relate to the issue, because it could actually happen to them!

If you’d like to educate yourself more on climate change/sustainability in general, I’d highly recommend our Carbon Literacy or Sustainability Leadership Skills Programme. They’re a great starting point for anyone interested in the issue.