Celebrating Earth Day: Recognizing the Intersection of Racism, Amplifying Racialized Environmentalists

Hey everyone,

As we come together to celebrate Earth Day, it's crucial to reflect not only on the beauty of our planet but also on the challenges it faces. One often overlooked aspect is the intersection of racism and environmentalism. Yes, you read that right – racism affects our environment, and it's time we address it.

The environmental movement has long been criticized for its lack of diversity and failure to acknowledge the unique struggles faced by marginalized communities. From pollution in low-income neighborhoods to the exploitation of indigenous lands, people of color bear the brunt of environmental degradation.

Take a moment to think about it. Who suffers most from the effects of climate change? Who lives in areas with the poorest air quality? Who has limited access to clean water and green spaces? It's often communities of color. This isn't a coincidence; it's systemic racism at play.

But acknowledging this intersection isn't enough. We need to take action. We must amplify the voices of racialized environmentalists who are fighting for environmental justice every day.

One such voice is Kassandra Drodge, a passionate advocate for environmental issues here in Newfoundland and Labrador through her work at Mixed Coast Collective (@mixed_coast_collective). Her work highlights how racism intersects with environmentalism, from the disproportionate impact of resource extraction on indigenous communities to the lack of representation in mainstream environmental organizations.

In addition to Kassandra, there are other inspiring racialized environmentalists making waves in the movement. People like Leah Thomas (@greengirlleah) who founded Intersectional Environmentalist, a platform dedicated to exploring the intersections of social and environmental justice. Or Mustafa Santiago Ali (@EJinAction), a renowned environmental justice advocate whose work focuses on empowering frontline communities.

Here in our community, we can also take steps to address the intersection of racism and environmentalism. We can support local initiatives that prioritize environmental justice, like community gardens in underserved neighborhoods or efforts to clean up polluted waterways. We can also advocate for policies that address environmental racism and ensure that marginalized communities have a seat at the table in decision-making processes.

And let's not forget the importance of education and dialogue. We can host and attend workshops and discussions to raise awareness about the ways racism impacts the environment and brainstorm solutions together. By fostering a sense of solidarity and collective action, we can work towards a more equitable and sustainable future for all.

So, this Earth Day, let's commit to acknowledging the intersection of racism and environmentalism and taking concrete steps to address it. Let's amplify the voices of racialized environmentalists and work together to build a world where everyone can thrive.

Happy Earth Day!