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Climate Justice �& Advocacy

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Introduction

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Define

    • Environmental Racism & Oppression
    • Climate Justice

Power of Advocacy

    • Analysis, Strategy ▶︎ Action
    • Suggested Actions
    • Climate Justice Advocacy Groups

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Climate Crisis - Same storm, different boats

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Environmental Racism & Oppression Defined

“A form of systemic racism whereby communities of colour are disproportionately burdened with health hazards through policies & practices that force them to live in proximity to sources of toxic waste such as sewage works, mines, landfills, power stations, major roads & emitters of airborne particulate matter. As a result, these communities suffer greater rates of health problems attendant on hazardous pollutants.”

(World Economic Forum, 2020)

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Consider a Climate Justice Framework

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  • A critical systemic analysis of privilege, power & oppression
  • Clear critique of colonial power structures
  • A full critique of capitalism & our economic system
  • A theoretical perspective & actions that advocate for equitable treatment & significant involvement of poor, racialized, & Indigenous communities in making environmental policy & decisions
  • Use an Indigenous perspective that includes an analysis of power dynamics between humans as well as humans and all creatures

(Pinto, 2018, p.8)

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The Power of Advocacy�

Advocacy is a powerful tool that can bring about transformational changes.

�Advocacy means:

  • Taking sides & Rejecting Neutrality
  • Using Power & Privilege
  • Advocacy is Empathy

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The opposite of love is not hate,

it is indifference

- Elie Wiesel

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Intentional Analysis

  • Everything is Political & about Power
  • Conflict is Normal
  • Ethical Principles Matter

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Planning & Selecting Strategy

  • Assessing the opposition
  • Risk
  • Capacity

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Taking Action

  • Low, Medium or High-profile tactics

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“advocates need the ability to withstand criticism from opponents if they want to achieve their goals” (Spindel, 2000)

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Suggested Actions

  • Use the mainstream media & on-line information & communication media
  • Participate in & organize coalitions, networks, social action groups & social movements
  • Use campaigns, newsletters, action research, demonstrations, workshops, petitions, letter writing, public education, political work, lobbying, girl(boy)cotts, civil disobedience, sit-ins, occupations, encampments & blockades
  • Creativity ……

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Climate Justice Advocacy Groups

  • Elders for Climate Sanity 350 Hamilton
  • Seniors for Climate Action Now
  • For Our Kids
  • MacDivest
  • Fridays For Future
  • 350.org
  • Greenpeace
  • STAND.earth
  • David Suzuki Foundation
  • Leadnow.ca
  • Divest Canada Coalition
  • KAIROS

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Thank you and �have a lovey day.

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