What is Climate Justice?

Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash

The phrase ‘climate justice’ is used to reflect the climate crisis as an intersectional problem that disproportionately affects marginalised communities. It’s an important lens to understand that responsibility for the climate crisis is not equally distributed across the globe, and the greatest contributors are also some of the least affected. On the other hand, the countries or regions with the lowest carbon footprints are often hit the hardest by environmental crises.

‘Climate justice recognises the climate crisis as a social and political problem, as well as an environmental one. It acknowledges that different communities feel the effects of the climate crisis differently, and that the responsibility for the crisis rests with some countries and companies more than others.’ – Friends of the Earth

Research from 2020 found that the Global North is responsible for 92% of all global emissions, with the Global South contributing just 8% (BBC). Despite this, the Global South are disproportionately affected by the consequences of climate change. The World Economic Forum summarises how these consequences impact certain regions and people:

• Health – global warming could increase the risk of diseases such as malaria, while water shortages would impact water cleanliness and quality.
• Hunger – an increase in crop failures would impact food production and drive prices up.
• Water scarcity – droughts will become more frequent, as well as increased evaporation and changes in rainfall patterns. This will have a particular impact in the sub-tropics.
• Education – families may take their children out of school to save money on fees, or send them to work, due to the economic challenges caused by crop failure or other climate-related challenges.
• Forced migration – the impact of climate change on people’s livelihoods and some areas may no longer be liveable, driving migration.

‘By 2050, 216 million climate refugees will have been displaced in six world regions, with the top three being in sub-Saharan Africa (86 million), East Asia and the Pacific (49 million), South Asia (40 million).’ – World Economic Forum

There is a disproportionate effect on women and girls, who make up the majority of the Global South:

• Families may remove their daughters from school to take on more household duties or to marry early to reduce the strain on their household incomes during times of economic difficulty. This can heighten the risk of gender-based violence.
• Women and girls are more likely to depend on natural resources and the land for their food and income.
• Women and girls are often responsible for securing water, food and fuel for their families.

Visit Action Aid’s website to learn more.

What can I do?

Climate justice is important in understanding why it’s our responsibility to take action against the climate crisis. Whether that’s through individual action, or by making changes in your organisation or workplace, a collective response can make the biggest difference.

Since we launched This Is Not A Rehearsal in April 2024, we have shared a variety of resources and articles to raise awareness around the climate crisis and to provide you with tools to take action. Why not re-visit some of the resources and implement something new this week?

Topics we’ve previously explored include:

• Digital sustainability
• Climate anxiety
• Integrating climate education into music teaching and the curriculum
• The sustainability of instruments
• Creating a Climate Action Plan

You can also get involved with our upcoming events, designed to support those working in the music education sector in making sustainable changes:

• Environmental Finances: Hotspot Analysis and Carbon Footprint Tracking, 11^th March, 2pm – 3.30pm
• Climate Conversations: Climate Justice, 19^th March, 9.30am – 10.30am
• Register your interest in our next bespoke Carbon Literacy Training for Music Educators. Find out more about the course from a previous attendee here.

Don’t forget to visit the This Is Not A Rehearsal webpage to explore more news, training & events, resources and research to support you on your sustainability journey. If you’d like to stay up to date with training and resources related to the climate crisis within the music education sector, click here to sign up for our ‘This Is Not A Rehearsal’ monthly newsletter.