
People & Culture
Dr. Ingrid Waldron on environmental racism
Waldron spoke with Canadian Geographic about representation for women and racialized communities
- 1319 words
- 6 minutes
Canada is currently grappling with an unprecedented wave of wildfires. However, the devastating consequences of these infernos extend far beyond their immediate environmental impact. The flames tragically illuminate a persistent and often overlooked issue: the disproportionate impact of the climate crisis on marginalized communities, despite their minimal contribution to its creation. This injustice manifests itself in forms of environmental racism. The current wildfires raging across Canada serve as a stark reminder of the urgent need to address and rectify this burning injustice.
Environmental racism refers to the disproportionate exposure of marginalized communities, predominantly low-income communities and people of colour, to environmental hazards and pollutants. This systemic form of discrimination perpetuates social and economic inequalities, leaving vulnerable populations to bear the brunt of ecological disasters.
Climate change acts as a catalyst for the intensification and frequency of wildfires. It is crucial to acknowledge that the communities that contribute the least to the rising emissions are made vulnerable to the most severe harms of the crisis. The historical and ongoing colonization of lands, coupled with unsustainable resource extraction practices, have contributed to the degradation of ecosystems. These factors have disrupted natural fire cycles and exacerbated the conditions conducive to large-scale wildfires.
The consequences are severe and far-reaching. Displacement, loss of homes, disruption of traditional livelihoods, and adverse health effects from smoke inhalation all take a toll on affected communities. The emotional and psychological trauma of witnessing the destruction of ancestral lands adds an immeasurable weight to the already burdensome impacts.
In 2022, the United Nations recognized the right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment as a human right. A historic move that reminds the world of the close and complex connections between the environment, human rights and how the right to live cannot be guaranteed without the protection of the lands and waters that sustain us. The convergence of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution presents a multitude of challenges, particularly for marginalized communities. Among those most vulnerable are Black, Indigenous, and racialized communities, women, youth, 2SLGBTQQIA+ individuals, and people with disabilities. These interconnected crises intensify the risk of marginalization and harm faced by these groups. The wildfires will have a long-lasting impact on people’s homes, livelihoods, connection to culture and the land, health, and the rights of people to live and breathe in a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment. Failing to recognize and address the harms caused by environmental destruction and the impacts of climate change, including wildfires, constitutes a violation of human rights. It is a deliberate decision to sacrifice the lives and rights of communities affected by the climate crisis.
Addressing the intersection of environmental racism and wildfires in Canada demands immediate action and long-term systemic changes. Here are a few crucial steps that can be taken:
Canada’s current wildfires serve as a potent reminder of the intersection between environmental racism and ecological disasters. It is imperative that we recognize and address this systemic injustice, as failing to do so perpetuates a cycle of inequality and marginalization. By centring Indigenous voices, enacting environmental justice legislation, investing in community resilience, and prioritizing climate action, we can pave the way for a more equitable and climate-resilient future where wildfires no longer disproportionately burden marginalized communities. Only by fighting this burning injustice can we hope to heal the scars left by the flames and build a truly just and inclusive society.
Johannah Brockie and Soomin Han serve as Ambassadors of the Ocean Bridge program. This program, an initiative by Ocean Wise, aims to involve youth from coast to coast to coast in experiential learning activities centred around the well-being of oceans and waterways.
People & Culture
Waldron spoke with Canadian Geographic about representation for women and racialized communities
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