What is Environmental Intersectionality?
One of the clearest applications of intersectionality is in the environment. Environmental intersectionality evaluates how the environment connects to other fields, such as social justice and public policy. It advocates for actions taken that would promote the environment and thus benefit society as a whole.
An example of environmental intersectionality is evaluating the relationship between systemic bias, marginalization, and health. Marginalized communities are more likely to live in polluted environments. This harms population health. I read papers on the environmental effects of cancer. I was particularly surprised to find a large number of carcinogens in everyday items, whether it was soot in chimneys or hair dyes at the barber’s.
Environmental intersectionality is key to environmental stewardship. By appreciating it we can better impact the world.
