Three Tips To Become an Intersectional Environmentalist
Coined by Leah Thomas, intersectional environmentalism is a term that describes how environmentalism is connected with social justice. This framework is important since sustainability can only be inclusive if it is intersectional to environmentalism, politics, and the systems in place.
If any push for climate action does not incorporate racial equity then it will fail to defend BIPOC people who are disproportionality affected by climate change. So, to be an intersectional environmentalist, it calls upon us to address our privilege. It takes our conceptual understanding of issues and applies it to practical, real-world environmental, and equitable action.
“I got the term from intersectional feminism, the type of feminism that I practice — one that doesn’t shy away from talking about race and the way that intersects with people’s identity within the feminist movement,” she explains. “And it just kind of clicked for me — if my feminism is intersectional, my environmentalism should also be intersectional. And I guess that language was just never put together.”- Leah Thomas
Intersectional Environmentalism has become a platform that highlights six communities (Black, Latinx, US Indigenous, LGBTQT2S+, South Asian, and Allies) with the aim of showing how different ideologies and cultural backgrounds can influence a person’s relationship with nature. However, you can self organize towards the intersection of the myriad of causes that create environmental injustice.
1. Allyship
It is important to be an ally to BIPOC members if you want to be an intersectional environmentalist. However, don’t pressure yourself in trying to “save” anyone. White saviorship is not healthy and is not needed. We do not need people with the mentality that they will swoop in and save a community. Instead, try to walk with your fellow colored brothers and sisters and truly listen to them. Get to know them as people, ask them about their lives, and get to know the small nuances of their lived experiences. The intricacy of BlPOC members is important in addressing lived differences and to truly recognize what they need (versus what you think they need). BIPOC needs should be prioritized to ensure equity.
Be realistic of how intentional you can be and what sacrifices you will need to make to be an intersectional environmentalist. Be sincere in how you are helping and listen to the places you are called to be. It won’t be easy, it won’t be self-gratifying and it won’t be an overnight thing. Also, note that you can’t place demands and limits on the people you are striving to help. Try to be an equitable ally by staying empathetically informed to help create good social change. Continue to ask questions to understand what BIPOC needs are and don’t assume what they want, even if it is convenient for you to do so. Additional tips include:
Support BIPOC related GoFund me accounts
Support BIPOC content creators
Amplify the voices of people of color within the environmental movement.
Support writers and artists bringing awareness to the environmental movement
Share posts that bring attention to a particular environmental injustice
Be patient, dedicated and motivated in seeing change
Be a lifelong ally since the fight for racial and environmental justice is a slow one
Sit, listen and ask questions, do a lot of independent research and give selflessly
Respond (don’t react) appropriately
2. Unlearn and Learn
Environmentalism and racism are complex topics that need to be unlearned. What that means is unlearning what you think is true but is actually not the truth. Thereon, you will be able to learn the actual truth, including topics such as the Black Lives Matter movement. And if you have the opportunity to do so, sit down with BIPOC members that are comfortable with sharing their stories and struggles. But be careful in not pressuring anyone in teaching you what you don’t know. No one else is responsible for personal ignorance. All the while, do independent online research. It will take time to thoroughly understand all issues within social justice and environmentalism, so please don’t rush yourself.
Instead, try to pace yourself on what you can do. Bear witness to the discrimination and violence that BIPOC members have been subjected to throughout history. Then reflect on how you can bring these issues to light. Consider making sure to do the following:
Read books relating to environmental racism and injustices caused by systemic oppression
Donate to environmental justice organizations after browsing their website and social media platforms
Follow and support environmental activists
Follow and support human right activists
Immerse yourself in BIPOC culture
Prioritize being in the community for empathetic learning
3. Commit
To be an intersectional environmentalist will mean dedication, time, and patience. Hope will occur when we all take persistent, everyday actions to see collective change. Every single person is important and we must all take our hearts and move them to action. Earth and its people are waiting for us. We need you to fight the good fight today.
Take the intersectional environmentalism pledge to create positive, social change. Commit to the following statements:
I will stand in solidarity with Back, Indigenous and POC communities and The Planet
I will not ignore the intersections of environmentalism and social justice
I will use my privilege to advocate for black and brown loves in spaces where the message is often silenced
I will proactively do the work to learn about the environmental and social injustices Black, Indigenous and POC communities face without minimizing
I will respect the boundaries of BIPOC friends and activists and not demand they perform emotional labor or do the work for me
I will share my learnings with other environmentalists and my community
I will amplify the messages of Black, Indigenous and POC activists, and environmental leaders
I will not remain silent during pivotal political and cultural moments that impact BIPOC communities