Global Climate Crisis Seeking Environmental Justice and Climate Equality
Chapter 4
Sexism and Sustainability: Women, Feminism, and the Response to the Climate Crisis
Tiffani Betts Razavi
This chapter delves into the intersection of gender and environmental issues, emphasizing how feminist perspectives should be considered and can inform and enhance responses to climate change.
Razavi delves into the concept of intersectionality, highlighting how overlapping identities such as gender, race, and socioeconomic status can amount to disadvantages in the face of environmental challenges. She posits that understanding these intersections is necessary for creating equitable and effective climate policies.
The chapter introduces the idea of the “ethics of care" framework, (common identity, and shared responsibility for humanity and the planet) and the need to push past sexist barriers that have been created. Razavi suggests that incorporating this framework into environmental discourse can lead to a more inclusive discussion when it comes to climate change action.
Razavi uses feminist environmental research, literature and activism to advocate for an inclusive response to climate change. A response that addresses and considers the contributions of women and marginalized groups in the context of the climate crisis.
About the Author
Nina is the Research Intern for The Bahá’í Chair for World Peace. She is a junior at The University of Maryland on the Pre-Law track pursuing a dual major in Psychology and Theatre.
