1.2 Climate injustice is a social issue
Climate change is not only a geographical but also a political and economic divide, happening across countries – as expressed imperfectly by the Global North/Global South labels – and also highlighting inequalities within countries. It is inherently a social issue.
As a climate justice post on the UN Sustainable Development Goals blog describes it:
‘Climate change is happening now and to all of us. No country or community is immune,’ according to UN Secretary-General António Guterres. ‘And, as is always the case, the poor and vulnerable are the first to suffer and the worst hit.’
Simmons (2020) summarises key factors to consider in thinking about climate justice:
- ‘Key groups are differently affected by climate change.’
- ‘Climate impacts can exacerbate inequitable social conditions.’
- ‘Momentum is building for climate justice solutions.’
Simmons offers some useful examples of how specific groups can be more susceptible to risks posed by climate impacts like storms and floods, wildfire, severe heat and poor air quality. Harrington (2019) explores the susceptibility of those with disabilities and those living in poverty, showing how these groups can be more affected than others – and may also have fewer resources to handle those impacts.
The videos available from the Education for Climate Justice YouTube channel [Tip: hold Ctrl and click a link to open it in a new tab. (Hide tip)] offer a good basis for supporting students in understanding how some groups of people are more affected by climate change than others. The related report from Scottish Universities Insight Institute gives some background information about the Education for Climate Justice project and its aims.
Oxfam’s website ‘The human impact of climate change’ is also a good source of resources for primary and secondary school teaching (but adaptable for other sectors). The resources use stories, film and role play to explore the human impact of the climate crisis.