Why we focus on diversity?
Sometimes diversity is misinterpreted as randomly including people from different backgrounds. However, it has a deeper meaning.
This module will explain why diversity matters as a social justice issue: some groups are systematically excluded because of social inequalities. In the specific case of climate justice, these inequalities mean that some groups will be disproportionally affected by erratic weather behaviour.
Participatory action research aims to be an expression of the society we want, where everyone’s opinion is important and a variety of responses to the same question can shed light on how people perceive climate action.
Video –
Join Yolanda in exploring the importance of considering diversity within research.
Topics that will be considered
- Understanding privilege and oppression: why some groups are absent of the dialogue on climate action?
- What groups are underrepresented in the dialogue on climate action and what can we do to level the ground for everyone?
- What can be done to ensure safe spaces for discussion on climate action?
- What groups are rarely mentioned in texts related to participatory action research and inclusive practices?
Resources
There are several articles and blogs on participatory action research and diversity. However, they are not all open to the public. Look for them in your school library and add your findings to your learning process. Pay attention to the way that diversity is defined and be critical about how some researchers understand the process.
Davis, Allison. (2019). Why the Environmental Justice Movement Must Include Persons With Disabilities. Global GreenGrants Fund. https://www.greengrants.org/meettheactivists/disabilities_and_environment/
Gardiner, Beth. (2020). Unequal Impact: The Deep Links Between Racism and Climate Change. An Interview with Activist Elizabeth Yeampierre. Yale Environment 360. https://e360.yale.edu/features/unequal-impact-the-deep-links-between-inequality-and-climate-change
Jaglom, Wendy & Pfeiffer, Logan. (2019). How Can Climate Action Be Inclusive? Climate Links. https://www.climatelinks.org/blog/how-can-climate-action-be-inclusive
Root, Rebecca. (2020). Responses to climate disasters must be LGBTQ-inclusive, experts say. Devex. https://www.devex.com/news/responses-to-climate-disasters-must-be-lgbtq-inclusive-experts-say-98062
UN OHCHR. (2020). Analytical study on the rights of persons with disabilities in the context of climate change. United Nations Human Rights Office of the High Commissioner. https://www.ohchr.org/EN/Issues/HRAndClimateChange/Pages/PersonsWithDisabilities.aspx. (Easy-to-read version available in the same link)
UN OHCHR. (2015). Understanding Human Rights and Climate Change. United Nations Human Rights Office of the High Commissioner. https://www.ohchr.org/Documents/Issues/ClimateChange/COP21.pdf
