Climate Justice as Racial Justice: The Overlapping Goals of Black Lives Matter

In the year 2020, the global movement Black Lives Matter made significant strides in bringing attention to issues of racial justice and equality. Amidst widespread protests and calls for accountability, the movement also highlighted the intersectionality of racial justice with other pressing societal issues, including climate change.

As the world grappled with the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, Black Lives Matter activists emphasized the disproportionate effects of environmental issues on marginalized communities, particularly communities of color. The movement shed light on the concept of climate justice, which recognizes that those who are the least responsible for environmental degradation often bear the brunt of its consequences.

Key figures within Black Lives Matter drew attention to environmental racism, the practice of placing pollution and industrial facilities near minority communities. This form of systemic injustice not only harms the health and well-being of individuals but also perpetuates racial disparities in access to clean air, water, and land.

Furthermore, Black Lives Matter activists connected the dots between systemic racism, environmental degradation, and climate change, illustrating how these issues are interconnected and exacerbate each other. By advocating for climate justice, the movement underscored the need for equitable and sustainable solutions that prioritize the most vulnerable populations.

The year 2020 marked a turning point in the Black Lives Matter movement, as it expanded its focus to include not only police brutality and racial discrimination but also broader issues of social and environmental justice. By highlighting the overlapping goals of climate justice and racial justice, Black Lives Matter demonstrated its commitment to addressing the root causes of inequality and advocating for a more just and equitable world for all.