There is no climate justice without racial justice

By Karen Larbi, Senior Associate at Purpose Union

As we approach COP28 later this month, Purpose Union is delving into issues that sit alongside the climate discussion. In this first piece by Karen Larbi we explore the interplay between climate and race. By contemplating these insights we can gain a fuller understanding of how these systems function. 

When I facilitate discussions about race with senior leaders in environmental organisations, I begin by grounding ourselves with gratitude. This opening exercise is inspired by the Haudenosaunee, a confederacy of Native American peoples, who see expressions of thanksgiving as “the words that come before all else”. 

Gratitude enables the group to get present to the web of relationships – both human and more-than-human – that have enabled them to land in the moment we are sharing together, that support them to live out their values in their work. 

I’m reminded of this in the lead up to COP28 as I reflect on the intersections between climate and race. 

Systems thinking is vital

Environmental organisations are becoming more and more aware of the importance of systems thinking in their work. This involves acknowledging that the exploitation and commodification of the earth that has caused the climate crisis is inextricably linked to colonialism, slavery and genocide. 

Systems thinking forces us to sit with the discomfort that Western ideas that emphasise dominating and subjugating the earth were extended to humans during the European Enlightenment. This was when a racial hierarchy was constructed, which placed white people at the top and Black people at the bottom, with everyone else shifting dynamically in the middle, subject to political, economic, cultural and sociological winds. This racial hierarchy led to the denigration, demonisation and destruction of pre-colonial spiritual traditions that are rooted in a deep reverence for the earth, and see human wellbeing as being intimately bound with the wellbeing of the earth. 

We continue to see this devaluation today, even in conversations about the climate crisis. In environmental organisations, in science, in politics, in the media and beyond, decisions made exclude the rich ancestral expertise of people of colour – whether in the Global South where they experience extractivism and retaliation for environmental activism on behalf of fossil fuel companies; or in the Global North where we experience environmental racism, unequal access to nature and dire consequences on our health and wellbeing as a result.

Therefore, there’s still a lot more to be done to ensure that the climate movement represents the diversity of the earth’s human population. 

Connecting the dots

That’s why Purpose Union is passionate about being part of an interdisciplinary climate justice movement that uplifts the voices, perspectives and experiences of people of colour. This movement demands that we connect the dots between the climate crisis and oppressive race, class and gender dynamics that separate us from ourselves, each other, and the earth. 

Purpose Union has experience in this space, collaborating with organisations such as the Malala Fund at COP26 where we hosted an event exploring the impact of climate change on girls' education and featuring voices from those in affected regions.

By weaving together our stories of disconnection, grief and heartbreak with deep gratitude and love for the nourishment we gain from the earth, we can bring the movement to everyone and create the ethical mandate that inspires everyone to reach back to their earth-honouring traditions, make their voices heard and act for nature.

Organisations can learn the following to ensure that they prioritise ongoing considerations for both race and climate.

• Centre indigenous and decolonial perspectives in your work

• Remember that all issues are interconnected 

• Actively engage with the personal and inner dimensions of social and environmental justice

If you want our support to develop an anti-racist climate movement, create compelling narratives that centre the voices of those most impacted, and develop authentic climate leadership, get in touch. We would be very grateful to work with you. Get in touch here.