From Racism to Rising Temperatures

Critical Ecologies

This podcast discusses the links between environmental injustice and climate injustice. Diploma student Sarah Morrissey, begins by introducing both the concepts and introduces the links between the two concepts, the major one being the shared roots which both concepts share mainly due to colonial projects which increased environmental impacts and produced a racial hierarchy. The podcast introduces the film Environmental Racism in Death Valley which explores the convergence of environmental degradation, racism and historical legacies in the US state of Louisiana, where residents of this predominantly black area are suffering the deathly consequences of living in a place with these industrialized petrochemical facilities such as cancer and other health issues. The podcast then deep dives into the reasons why it is vital to address climate change alongside racial justice and explains further why equitable policies as well as community engagement are necessary tools for persistence. The podcast finishes by discussing the power of indigenous voices and talks through why it is essential that we hear more of these voices in our media.