The 3 Crises Environmental Inequity Some of us feel the affects of climate change much more than others. Inequitable solutions are not solutions. Underserved populations bear the burdens of the environmental crises more than others. In Canada, many of our most underserved communities live in rural areas where they may be more reliant on nature for their livelihoods. They’re also affected by activities like mining and logging, making them more vulnerable to biodiversity loss and climate change. Truly equitable solutions to the environmental crisis will actually be more sustainable in the long-run. Indigenous worldviews take a long-term view of nature, the “7 generations” perspective. And a UBC study found that Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas (IPCAs) have a 30% less decline in biodiversity than areas managed by non-Indigenous groups. Here in Canada, we have a long way to go to battle environmental inequity. But at JGIC, there are reasons for hope. Environmental Inequity: Reasons for Hope Share this video with friends and family to remind them that hope for a better world is in their hands. The Convergence of 3 Crises Here’s how environmental inequity connects with climate change and biodiversity loss. By no fault of their own, marginalized communities are often forced to make decisions that degrade the environment so they can feed and protect their families. For example, swaths of forests in the Chimpscapes of Africa have been cut down to provide fuel and heat to communities that have no other alternatives. And the bushmeat trade, which annihilates threatened animal populations, is sometimes the only avenue to put food on someone’s table or money in their pockets. When we address inequity among our fellow human beings, we are helping to preserve animals and the environment simultaneously. Our community-centred approach addresses this convergence head-on. We prioritize equitable human health and wellness so that everyone can live more sustainable lives in harmony with nature. We have so far to go to realize our human potential for compassion, altruism, and love. Dr. Jane Goodall How We’re Tackling Environmental Inequity Canada Programs Uncovering Common Ground We’re bringing young people of all backgrounds together to learn from each other and implement inclusive solutions for animals, people, and the environment. Learn More Africa Programs Building Community Resilience to Climate Change in Senegal We’re supporting communities in Senegal, particularly women, to implement nature-based solutions to climate change. Learn More News & Updates Champions and Partners Learnings from the Uncovering Common Ground Final Forum By Alison Cuffley, Indigenous Relations Manager for JGI Canada. Photos by Tilaï Ellis-Stairs. I’ve been reflecting on the importance of language lately. I recently learned about the term “iisaak”, which is the highest law of the Nuu-chah-nulth constitution and roughly translated to English means “to observe, appreciate, and act accordingly.” Respect. As an Indigenous person, […] Read More From The Field Tips and Inspiration for Working With Eco-Anxiety *This article is not a substitute for professional help. If you or someone you know is in crisis, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency department. For youth, counsellors at Kids Help Phone are available 24/7 via text, chat or phone. If you want to learn how to support a loved one who may […] Read More News and Updates Our New Strategy Our society is now facing 3 global crises: climate change, biodiversity loss, and environmental inequity. These crises affect and magnify each other. And they are the focus of our new strategic plan. If substantive action to address the issues had begun back when scientific evidence first emerged, we would not be staring them in the […] Read More
