Climate justice: a major challenge for sustainable development

This blog is written by a student and does not represent the opinions of the Office of Campus Sustainability.

On February 5th, the Climate Café team hosted the Climate Justice uOttawa club (CJCUO). CJCUO is committed to fostering change on both the campus and in the broader community. From campus initiatives to broader environmental campaigns, this dedicated group is at the forefront of the fight for climate justice on campus, proving that change starts at the grassroots level. 

Climate change is one of the greatest challenges of our time. It threatens not only our environment, but also our society, our economy and our well-being. Faced with this challenge, it is important to understand the issues involved in climate justice, a concept that aims to reduce inequalities and promote equity in the fight against global warming.  

What is climate justice?  

Climate justice is based on the idea that climate change does not affect everyone in the same way. Some groups and countries are more vulnerable than others to the impacts of climate change, even though they have contributed less to its origins. For example, indigenous peoples, people of color, individuals from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds, as well as nations that have suffered historical injustices, are more exposed to the risks of drought, flooding, famine, disease, or displacement. These groups are more vulnerable to climate change because they are more dependent on natural resources, live in high-risk areas, have fewer financial and technical resources, and have inherited unequal structures.  

Conversely, climate justice implies that those who have caused and exacerbated climate change, often wealthier nations, and large corporations, take responsibility for their actions.  

This means supporting the countries and communities most affected, so that they can adapt to the effects of climate disruption and reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. Financial institutions and major corporations have a very important role to play in this quest for responsibility, by recognizing their impact on the climate and on human rights and taking concrete steps to remedy it.  

How does climate justice fit into the climate movement?  

Climate justice is not just a theoretical concept. It is also a practice that is embodied in the climate movement, which brings together the various actions and initiatives aimed at combating climate change. This movement is characterized by its diversity and intersectionality, i.e. it considers the links between the different forms of oppression and discrimination affecting the people and groups concerned.  

There are several strategies that can contribute to climate justice, including divestment, which involves withdrawing financial and moral support from the industries responsible for climate change, such as fossil fuels, agribusiness, and armaments. Divestment is an effective way of putting pressure on these players to change their practices and respect human and environmental rights. It is also an accessible and democratic means of engagement, enabling everyone to participate in change.  

Grassroots movements are also essential in the fight for climate justice. These movements, often smaller and self-organized, aim to mobilize citizens around the goal of changing the oppressive structures that underpin climate change.  

They create space for the voices of those most affected by climate change and involve them in decision-making processes. They organize local actions, such as demonstrations, petitions, awareness campaigns or alternative projects, to defend their rights and interests.  

What future for climate justice?  

Climate justice is more than just a concept. It is a vision of a world where the costs and benefits of climate change are distributed fairly, taking into account historical and current greenhouse gas emissions.  

It's also a vision of a world where the people most affected by climate change are included in decision-making, ensuring transparent governance that gives voice to a diversity of voices. By joining forces and committing to concrete actions, we can work together for a future where climate justice is not just an ideal, but a tangible reality for all.  

Act now!

Get involved with the CJCUO. They are currently calling on the university to end their relationship with RBC on campus, which doesn't align with the university’s commitment against climate change and Indigenous reconciliation. You can support CJCUO’s movement for the University of Ottawa to cut ties with RBC (one of the largest fossil fuel funders in the world) by signing their petition.  

~ kelly guelcé, green reps student