Everyone deserves the right to determine when and if to have children. However, many early reproductive health efforts related to climate focused on population control. That is, they wanted certain women to stop having children. That is wrong. We love how the climate & reproductive spaces have pivoted toward more equality and justice. In case you wondered what the climate justice space is talking about this week, we’ve got you! We’ve compiled some quick reads to keep you in the loop about what climate justice experts and advocates are talking about recently.
UNFPA: Climate justice requires ending climate crisis-related early marriages
The UNPFA published a press release discussing climate change and how its effects leave an impact on women and girls’ bodily autonomy.
TLDR; In climate justice work, working to resolve inequalities as well as increase resiliency is essential. The UNFPA is working to do this. The UNFPA director, Dr. Natalia Kanem said, “We know that when women and girls can take control of their bodies and lives, it strengthens their ability to adapt to and weather the impacts of the climate crisis. They must have agency in making their own sexual and reproductive health choices, which stems first and foremost from having access to quality services, information and supplies.”
Yale School of the Environment: Queering Environmental Justice
Yale published a news article reviewing the findings of Michelle Bell and Leo Goldsmith that lays out why and how to make the climate justice movement more inclusive for LGBTQ+ communities.
TLDR; “The LGBTQ+ population is at more risk to environmental challenges because, just like many other marginalized populations, they face social, economic, and health inequities and disparities. “The resilience of LGBTQ+ populations can also be affected as they are less likely to be able to access necessary resources, aid, and health care due to structural policies.”— Leo Goldsmith. This quote unfortunately echoes true for so many!
- LGBTQ+ communities
- BIPOC communities
- People who experience disabilities
- Women/girls/femmes.
In the fight for climate action, climate justice must be a priority.
United Nations Foundation: 5 Facts About Gender Equality and Climate Change
The UN Foundation published a quick explainer giving readers a glimpse into the intersection of patriarchy & climate justice.
TLDR; Some quick facts included are how climate change exacerbates maternal mortality rates, historic income inequality makes it more difficult for people to leave climate-dangerous areas, and female-led climate justice organizations receive less financial backing.
Stay tuned! Next week, FUNKY BROWN CHICK’s deep dive into what climate resiliency means, and how to create equity and justice in the climate change movement!