There are many misconceptions and assumptions that go into environmental justice and the ways that race and class interact in organizing. Even if you think you know about diversity and climate justice, these articles are a great start to gaining a deeper understanding of justice, race, white supremacy, and how different identities interact. Some of this might be uncomfortable or difficult to grapple with, so fill out our contact form if you want more resources or information about an upcoming training.
Basic Info on Environmental Justice
If you know about the phrase “environmental justice” but don’t know how to explain it to someone, start here!
THE LEAST CONVENIENT TRUTH PART I—CLIMATE CHANGE AND WHITE SUPREMACY
White supremacy produces disproportionate environmental pollution
The Environmental Justice Movement
Are There Two Different Versions of Environmentalism, One “White,” One “Black”?
Updated Resource document on Race-Climate Intersectionality from MN350
Listen to & Uplift BIPOC Voices in Climate & Environmental Movements
BIPOC stands for “Black, Indigenous, people of color.” It’s imperative that we directly listen to and learn from from those with the lived experience of oppression, including environmental and climate injustice.
Green Voices of Color, compiled by Mary Annaïse Heglar, a Black climate justice writer (read her work on Medium and follow her on Twitter!)
Black Environmentalists Talk About Climate and Anti-Racism
11 Young Climate Justice Activists You Need to Pay Attention To
More About White Supremacy and Racial Justice
If you don’t know what “whiteness” means or think white supremacy is limited to hate groups and blatant racist acts, read these!
White Supremacy Cultural Traits
White Fragility: Why It’s So Hard to Talk to White People About Racism. (A PDF of the full book by Robin DiAngelo can be found here.)
Why We’re Still Unwilling To Admit To Systemic Racism in America
Of Course There Are Protests. The State Is Failing Black People
America’s Protests Won’t Stop Until Police Brutality Does
White Supremacy and Me, book and workbook by Layla Saad
Examples of Environmental Racism
Read here to understand more about how the above problems cause real harm in communities around the United States.
‘Environmental Injustice’: Minorities Face Nearly 40% More Exposure to Toxic Air Pollution
Flint’s water crisis is a blatant example of environmental injustice
Climate Change Forces Northwest Natives From Their Ancestral Homes
5 Things to Know About Communities of Color and Environmental Justice
Louisiana’s ‘Cancer Alley’ Is Getting Even More Toxic — But Residents Are Fighting Back
White People’s Role in Environmental Justice & Dismantling White Supremacy
Understand the above problems, but don’t know what to do next? Here are some things to keep in mind for antiracist organizing.
Letter to the Environmental Community, from Students of Color
Campus Environmental Group Insists ‘White People Step Back’
11 Things White People Can Do to Be Real Anti-Racist Allies
10 Reasons You Should Support Black Lives Matter
5 Ways White People Can Take Action in Response to White and State-Sanctioned Violence
Remember, understanding white supremacy and unlearning racism is a constant journey. The most important steps are to listen and acknowledge mistakes made along the way. 350PDX is committed to this journey and we welcome any feedback you may have or additional resources we should include on this page. Please email jedi@350pdx.org. Thank you!
