Environmentalism

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materials

This week’s topic is on environmentalism and its effect on EDI and Higher Education.

Environmentalism is largely viewed as a good thing that encourages sustainable practices and eco-friendly consumerism. However, there are some barriers for marginalised groups. What does visible environmentalism achieve? Who is it for? How do we stop cynicism acting as a call to inaction?

Conscious Consumerism Is A Lie. Here’s A Better Way To Help Save The World. – Alden Wicker, qz.com [article, 9 mins]
I May Destroy You: Lessons For Environmentalism – Christine Ochefu, itsfreezinginla.co.uk [article, 7 mins]
- The TV episode on which this is based is from Michaela Coel’s amazing series I May Destroy You. It’s well worth watching in full but be aware there are scenes of sexual violence and implied sexual violence. The episode in question is available on iPlayer. [video, 29 mins]
Students Accuse Cambridge University Of ‘Greenwashing’ Ties With Oil Firms – Damien Gayle and Anugraha Sundaravelu, The Guardian [article, 4 mins]
Net Zero – Time To Tighten The Net – Oxfam [article, 5 mins]
Could Universities Be Doing More To Address Climate Change? – Sharuna Segaren, Study International [article, 5 mins]
‘Greta Thunberg Effect’ Belies Challenges For Autistic Community In Going Green – Andy Dunne, EurekAlert [article, 4 mins]
Banning Straws Hurts People // The Last Straw! – Jessica Kellgren-Fozard [video, 12 mins]
Who’s Really Responsible For Climate Change? – Elliot Hyman, Harvard Political Review [article, 10 mins]
Climate Change Inequality: The Unequal Impact Of Extreme Weather – ClientEarth [article, 10 mins]

Facilitation Notes

Discussion Questions

In what ways do climate movements exclude certain groups?
How can climate movements be made more accessible?
Are the environmental efforts of universities enough or are they simply greenwashing?
Does environmental responsibility lie more with individuals or institutions?
Do the effects of climate change exacerbate inequalities?

Resource Personalisation

You could include some resources about your own university’s ties with environmentalism. This could include:

Your university’s environmental policy
Find out if your university has ties with/investments in any companies that are detrimental to the environment
Activism/opinions on environmentalism in your university community, such as the local University newspaper

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