CLIMATE JUSTICE
Many TDSB youth have played an active role in advocating for climate action in their schools, communities, and the city of Toronto. The demand is clear; climate action must address the root causes of climate change, (e.g., burning fossil fuels such as coal, oil and natural gas), but it must also be just and sustainable for all.
Climate change, and the environmental damages that occur as a result, disproportionately impacts marginalized communities. For example, low-income communities are more likely to be located near factories emitting dangerous gases or toxic disposal sites, divided by highways, and have limited access to clean air and water. (EcoJustice Education: Toward Diverse, Democratic, and Sustainable Communities).
Climate justice examines the climate crisis through a human rights lens and supports the belief that by working together we can create a better future for present and future generations. (UN Sustainable Development Goals: Climate Justice)
PILLARS FOR INTERSECTIONAL CLIMATE JUSTICE & ACTION
The following pillars, informed by the Fridays for Future Toronto pillars, TDSB Multi Year Strategic Plan, and City of Toronto Resilience Strategy, can guide an intersectional approach to climate justice and action by students:
Centre Indigenous voices in climate action initiatives. Students are encouraged to consider how their work will contribute to reconciliation and align with Indigenous knowledge about how to ensure the well being of people and the land.
Defend land, water and life, ensuring that any actions contribute to the protection and regeneration of ecosystems, biodiversity and humans, aligned with an Indigenous view of our responsibility to take care of “all our relations”.
Contribute to a just transition towards a low-carbon, sustainable economy that provides dignified livelihoods for all workers and a livable climate resilient future for all citizens.
Uplift and amplify marginalized communities. Create an environment where every voice is welcomed and has influence. Involve people who have been most affected by climate change and the oppressive, exploitative systems that cause it.
Empower youth. They will bear the long-term burden of the crisis and need space and power to advocate for their futures and the collective future of the planet, and to build leadership skills.
Draw upon Toronto’s diversity to create new systems based on the principles of equity and solidarity to transform current and social inequities.
RESOURCES
ETFO (Elementary Teacher Federation of Ontario): Climate Change Primer and Climate Justice and Environment
Zinn Education Project: Teach Climate Justice
Climate Justice in BC: Lessons for Transformation
Yale Climate Connections: What is ‘Climate Justice’?