Submitted by: Protégete—Conservation Colorado | Presented in English with Spanish interpretation

There are prevailing public misperceptions that BIPOC communities are less concerned about climate change. Yet, in the United States, statistics show that people of color express concerns equal to or greater than whites. The lack of representation of low-income, BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, disabled and other oppressed voices has resulted in a form of environmentalism that doesn’t prioritize justice for all people and the planet. Dominant narratives about the environmental movement come from White, cis-male institutions and individuals, and relying on these dominant narratives erases the lived experiences of BIPOC communities, including their relationships to the environment and their uniquely informed solutions. Leadership and intersectionality of folks with marginalized identities are crucial to solving the climate crisis. To achieve this, we must address the barriers to engagement, including the mental health burden placed on those disproportionately impacted. We will discuss how the Climate Justice Leadership Academy is nurturing this expertise to lead the way forward in the environmental movement.

Presenters: 

•  Patricia Ferrero, Leadership Development Manager, Protégete—Conservation Colorado
•  Selena Leon, Fellow, Protégete—Conservation Colorado
•  Rebeca Medrano, Strategic Partnership Manager, Protégete—Conservation Colorado

Objectives:

• Understand the importance of intersectional narratives in promoting mental health/well-being and environmental justice.
• Discuss how storytelling and creating counternarratives can be used as a valuable tool for creating change.
• Explore strategies for building a sustainable environmental movement by equitably sharing the responsibilities of climate leadership.