Why climate change and social justice go hand in hand

Can climate justice thrive without social justice? Rachel and Justine tackled this question together in this inspiring column. Spoiler alert: This may challenge you to think differently…??

"Can climate justice thrive without social justice? Not really. They are two sides of the same coin and are intrinsically intertwined. It’s only when we focus our efforts on both simultaneously that we can genuinely address deep-rooted inequalities and build a better, more sustainable future for everyone.???

Making equity the core value of climate justice????

Climate change impacts all of us, but not equally. The communities that contribute the least to the problem are usually those who suffer the most from its brunt. It’s not big news that our modern lifestyles are accelerating climate change. And yes, they are also exacerbating inequalities further, as the backlash of this modernisation disproportionately impacts the most marginalised and vulnerable communities. This is the ultimate unfairness! ?

This is where social justice plays a critical role in seeking to level the playing field, and ensuring everyone has a fair shot at a healthy environment. Because we know that the most vulnerable are the most impacted by climate change—think about extreme weather destroying homes or pollution affecting health... It's these communities who need support. So, it's time to act, not only because it’s the right thing to do, but also because they are the ones standing with the fewest resources to adapt and recover, most of the time.?

Here's why we can’t ask for climate justice without advocating for social equity too. Recently, SHRM as a company chose to communicate broadly on LinkedIn their intention to remove "Equity" from their DEI strategy.? As explained in a recent column, Equity is a critical component within DEI. Genuine inclusion can never be achieved without it, and any or all efforts to invite diversity would therefore be fruitless. The power of DEI arises when the three components work together. They fuel one another. None can thrive without the other.???

The critical role of intersectionality??

Social justice teaches us about intersectionality: how various aspects of identity—like race, gender, age, and class—intersect. This understanding is important when tackling climate change because different groups experience its effects uniquely and may need different levels of support. This is not a one-size-fits-all situation. Imagine trying to fight climate change without access to clean water or healthcare. Social justice advocates for equal access to these essentials, enabling all communities to implement effective climate solutions. So, we must raise the question of intersectionality and the critical role it has to play here. If we want to address climate change through a social justice lens, we must first recognise these inequities to tackle them efficiently. We know solutions must focus on inclusion and equity, and policies and actions to combat climate change must address social and economic injustices too. These are not standalone issues – they go hand in hand.??

Looks like we've agreed on the heading; Great! But now, how do we get there? How do we bring representation to the most vulnerable and marginalised? How do we ensure their voices are heard and their specific challenges addressed? To truly understand the extent and nature of their challenges, we have little choice but to involve them. Only then can we develop policies that consider all social factors and address systematic issues that may impact certain diverse profiles and backgrounds.? ?

So, what are the next steps?????

Imagine changing our political climate, shifting to a greener economy, and turning potential losses into gains. What we bear with us here... It’s a vision! If we were to shift to a more responsible and sustainable economy, we could create opportunities for everyone, especially those industries hit hardest by the change. Climate justice would then echo with new chances, job opportunities, and skill sets, rather than limitations...?

Whereas many companies focus on reducing CO2 emissions to fight climate change, they often overlook the human cost. It all boils down to fairness, so equity plays a critical role here. We can’t make inclusive policies without involving vulnerable communities in decision-making to address their needs and perspectives.??

This is why it is time to rethink our approach and invest in infrastructure and systems that work to help marginalised communities become more resilient to climate impacts. Essentially, this highlights the need to make sure everyone gets a fair share of resources, giving financial support and technology for climate action to those who need it most. By mixing social justice with climate efforts, we can set the stage for a fair and sustainable future.”?

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Co-written by Rachel Scheel, SVP of Global Talent, Development, DEI, and Justine Tabarin, Global Environmental Sustainability Director at Criteo.?