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Ecofeminism & Intersectional Environmentalism Explained

Today we explore Ecofeminism and Intersectional Environmentalism to understand the two movements more clearly and find out what we can do to support them.

Words: Sasha Wardrop

Eco-Feminism

SO, Ecofeminism is a movement that sees a connection between the exploitation and degradation of the natural world and the oppression of women. It brings together elements of the feminist and green movements and offers challenges to both. From the green movement it takes the concern about the impacts of human activities on nature whilst it borrows the view of humanity as gendered in ways that subordinate women from the feminist movement. 

This youtube video and this ted talk explore and explain Ecofeminism in depth. 

However, Ecofeminism was born out of a largely white environmental movement in the 70s and does not consider many important cultural groups that are also disadvantaged.

Incomes Intersectional Environmentalism, termed by eco-babe Leah Thomas (AKA @greengirlleah) during the BLM protests in 2020. Intersectional Environmentalism is an inclusive form of environmentalism that identifies that injustices that are inflicted on marginalized communities and the degradation of the earth are connected. It advocates for protection of people and the planet whilst considering all aspects of someone’s identity like race, culture, religion, gender, sexuality, wealth, and more. This is what makes it truly inclusive. 

Intersection Environmentalism

Leah and a team of eco-warriors have created an amazing platform called Intersectional Environmentalism with heaps of free resources to help us learn more and support the movement 

Differences aside, environmental justice is at the core of both of these movements. Environmental justice is about the fair treatment of all people with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies.

Environmental Justice