BINDURA UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE EDUCATION
FACULTY OF SCIENCE EDUCATION
MODULE: MCS 501 CONCEPTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE
& SD
TYPE: BLOCK RELEASE: FEBRUARY TO JUNE
2024
LECTURER: DR. NJILA
STUDENT NAME: SAMULO MUTALE
SEMESTER/LEVEL: 1.2
REG. NUMBER: B232084B
PROGRAMME: MCS 501
ASSIGNMENT TOPIC:
Analyse the concept of intersectionality in the context of climate change and social justice.
Crenshaw (1991) first introduced the concept of intersectionality, which denotes the
interrelated nature of different social identities which is often experienced differently across
multiple social identities multiple social identities such as race, gender, class, and other forms
of identity (Mcanena, 2019). Intersectionality refers to a theoretical and analytical approach
that recognizes the interlocking nature of different social identities such as race, gender, class,
sexuality, ability, and age (Crenshaw, 1989). This concept identifies the unique experiences of
multiple forms of oppression and privileges that people face as a result of having overlapping
or multiple social identities.
Race intersects with climate change through environmental racism, which refers to the
disproportionate impact of environmental hazards on minority communities. Environmental
racism occurs when disadvantaged communities, such as people of a certain race, live in areas
with a higher exposure to environmental risks. They to live near industrial areas that produce
more greenhouse gases and pollutant particles due to low-income status. More often, low-
income communities are exposed to air and water pollution (EPA, 2021). The exposure to
pollution makes them more vulnerable to the extreme temperature weather as a result of change
(Mikati et al., 2018). For instance, the impact of climate change on racial minorities is evident
in the unequal distribution of health effects.
Historical contexts contribute to intersectionality. The legacies of colonialism, imperialism, and
enslavement have shaped systems of power and oppression around the world. For example, the
enduring legacy of racism and slavery in America continues to produce systemic inequalities
that disproportionately affect low-income people of color. Similarly, the legacy of colonialism
in many Zimbabwe, South Africa, Mali, Niger, and Senegal has created hierarchies of power
and oppression based on race, ethnicity, and nationality. Indigenous communities in Nepal such
as the Tharus, Dalits, and other marginalized groups in Zimbabwe, have been disadvantaged
by historic land-use policies, which have led to the dispossession of their land and resources.
This has resulted in the displacement of the communities, forcing them to settle in
geographically unfavourable areas, which are more prone to floods, landslides, and other
climate-related disasters. Moreover, indigenous communities often practice subsistence
agriculture, which can be severely impacted by extreme weather events such as lightning,
cyclones, hailstorm, floods and drought. Unfortunately, the indigenous communities have
limited access to resources and decision-making processes related to climate change adaptation
and are disproportionately affected by its impacts (Shrestha, Bhattarai, & Shrestha, 2019).
The intersection of race and class result in individuals experiencing exposure to toxins and
other environmental pollutants due to their place of residence, as they are close to industrial
sites and dumping sites. The low social class occupy dangerous places while the those with
money, the high class occupy better places, less vulnerable to the impact of climate change. In
addition, low-income households, vulnerable communities, and marginalized groups often
have limited resources and institutional power to address the impacts of climate change
effectively. Moreover, the struggle to support themselves on a daily basis may leave little
energy and time to fight for more significant environmental challenges like climate change.
Additionally, low-income communities are disproportionately vulnerable to climate change
impacts due to their reliance on subsistence activities, such as fishing and hunting, which are
sensitive to the impact of changing climate (Yeh, 2019). Climate change can disrupt livelihoods
that depend on rainfed agriculture. According to Chanza, (2019), McLeod & Ebersohn, (2016)
indigenous communities in the Sub-Saharan Africa and Arctic regions are facing displacement
and food insecurity due to melting ice and drought caused by climate change.
Aging may also pose challenges for people in adapting to a changing environment, such as
reduced mobility and vulnerability to extreme weather events. Young people are more mobile
than elderly people who can be limited by age to migrate to other countries to look for greener
pastures. For example, in the Pacific Islander nations, the elderly population faces a higher risk
of heat-related illness due to their physical limitations, decreased mobility, and lack of access
to air conditioning (Smith, M., 2020). On the contrary, the younger population in the
developing nations such as Zimbabwe, Zambia, Mozambique, are more vulnerable to climate
change, particularly due to high unemployment rate among youth expose them to brunt of
climate.
Climate change impacts are not evenly distributed across the world. Some regions experience
adverse impact of climate change and experience varying levels of vulnerability and capacity
to adapt. According to Smit and Wandel (2006), "vulnerability to the impacts of climate change
is determined by the intersection of exposure to climate-related stressors and the sensitivity and
adaptive capacity of a system" (p. 417). Thus, geographical location and climate play a critical
role in determining people's social identity and their ability to cope with the impacts of climate
change. For example, people living in low-lying coastal areas are more vulnerable to sea-level
rise and intense storms. Pacific Islands areas are often inhabited by marginalized communities,
such as indigenous peoples and poor fishing communities who depend on these ecosystems for
their livelihoods. Inhabitants experience saltwater intrusion, loss of land, and disruption of their
traditional lifestyle. In addition, the indigenous peoples of the Arctic regions are affected by
changes in sea ice which makes their traditional hunting practices and means of transportation
increasingly challenging.
Developed countries are better able to adapt, procure resources, and implement mitigation
effects of climate change. Kelman, Petkova and West (2019) argue that developing countries
that are most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. For instance, developed countries
such as the United States, Japan, Great Britain, and China are the highest emitters of greenhouse
gases, whereas developing countries such as Pakistan, Zimbabwe, Haiti, El Salvador, and
Afghanistan are highly vulnerable to climate impacts. These disparities are deepened by the
scarcity of resources for adapting to climate change and reducing emissions of greenhouse
gases by the latter.
Religion and religious beliefs are also cultural contexts that contribute to intersectionality. For
example, religious beliefs have been used to justify discrimination against women, LGBTQ+
people, and other marginalized groups. Patriarchal norms and expectations informed by
religious beliefs contribute to the marginalization of women and non-binary individuals.
Women and girls are often more vulnerable to the impacts of climate change due to systemic
gender inequalities, discrimination, and poverty. For example, women in rural areas in
developing countries; Ghana, Zimbabwe and Zambia are heavily dependent on natural
resources such as water and fuel, and often bear the burden of collecting them. As climate
change exacerbates water scarcity and affects the availability of wood and other resources,
women may have to travel longer distances, face health risks and impact their work
productivity, education, and income-generating activities (Denton, 2002). Women are also
more likely to suffer from health impacts such as malnutrition, respiratory diseases and
exposure to vector-borne diseases due to climate change (Sachs & Baillie Smith, 2013).
Furthermore, patriarchal attitudes and gender norms also limit the ability of women to
participate in decision-making processes related to climate change adaptation (Ofori-Danson
& Anim-Somuah, 2019).
In coastal communities in Bangladesh, power dynamics between men and women can limit
women's access to information such as early warning system, technology and resources on
climate change adaptation (Akter et al., 2021). As a result, women are more vulnerable to
climate change impacts, such as flooding and cyclones, which can affect their livelihoods and
health.
Moreover, gender dynamics play a significant role in how climate responses are developed and
implemented. Women are often marginalized from decision making processes, which limits
their input in climate-related policies and action plans. This perpetuates gender norms and roles
that reinforce women's subservient positions to men. Women often have a limited formal
education and less access to information, resources, and networks that would allow them to
participate in climate action and decision-making (Alston & Whittenbury, 2016).
In Zimbabwe, gender roles serve as a source of resilience, as women often have innovative and
adaptable coping strategies to manage climate risks and reduce vulnerabilities. Different gender
roles and responsibilities, for instance, can provide complementary skills and knowledge to
create more effective climate change adaptation and mitigation efforts. Women are into self-
help projects, cross boarder vending etc.
Power dynamics exacerbate vulnerabilities rural marginalised communities to climate change
in several ways. For example, dominant groups, such as politicians, wealthy, and male elites,
often hold more power and influence in decision-making processes related to climate change
policies and resource allocation (Bullard et al., 2011). For instance, the politicians authorise
projects which benefits them. Sometimes resources are used to develop infrastructure in urban
areas at the expense of rural people. This leads to further marginalization of rural communities
in developing countries.
Additionally, institutional structures, such as policies, laws, and regulations, create or
perpetuate vulnerabilities for marginalized communities in relation to climate change. For
example, restrictive, top-down policies that prioritize economic growth and industry interests
over environmental concerns can contribute to environmental degradation and climate change,
disproportionately impacting marginalized communities (Adger et al., 2001). Moreover,
institutionalized racism, sexism, and classism in many societies limit opportunities, resources,
and access to decision-making processes and technologies, making marginalized communities
more vulnerable to the impacts of climate change (Schlosberg, 2013).
Institutional structures also contribute to vulnerability of women, girls and children to climate
change. For instance, Burton et al. (2018) argues that institutional structures that prioritize
economic growth over environmental protection can limit communities' ability to adapt to
climate change impacts. In Maldives, for example, the institutional structures prioritized
tourism development have led to unsustainable fishing practices, which have reduced resilience
and adaptive capacity in the face of climate change impacts such as coral bleaching and sea-
level rise.
Poor communities, particularly in low-lying coastal areas and developing countries, are at risk
of experiencing extreme weather events, sea-level rise, food and water scarcity which results
in disease and death. For example, in the Philippines, typhoon Haiyan caused massive
destruction in 2013, killing thousands, displacing millions and destroying homes and
infrastructure. This implies that rural poor farmers, as well as the urban poor who reside in
informal settlements, are also susceptible to climate-related events such as droughts, floods or
wildfires that ruin their crops, homes and livelihood.
The rich people, however, have the financial resources and adaptability to cope with and
mitigate the impacts of climate change. They have the privilege of living in areas that have
adequate infrastructure, access to resources, and technology to protect themselves against
climate-related hazards or have the resources to relocate and live in more habitable locations.
They can also invest in alternative clean technologies and sustainable consumption patterns.
Therefore, the rich people have luxury, whereas the poor people have no choice but to live in
vulnerable locations, whose climate impacts usually exacerbate their poverty.
Wolbring and Ghosh (2018) highlighted that disability is often situated at the intersection of
poverty, gender, race, and age. As a result, people who belong to certain identity groups (e.g.
people with disabilities, women, and children may experience disproportionate impacts due to
climate change. For instance, people with mobility disabilities may face problems to escape
quickly in a disaster scenario, access safe shelter, or obtain adequate food and water during an
extreme weather event.
The root causes of racial vulnerabilities to climate change impacts are multifaceted. One is the
economic and political systems that perpetuate environmental injustices. Low-income and
minority communities are disproportionately affected by environmental hazards because they
lack the political power and resources to challenge environmental racism (Pulido, 2019). This
lack of power and resources makes it more difficult for these communities to access
information and resources related to climate change adaptation and mitigation, resulting in a
lack of preparedness to cope with the impacts of climate change.
Another root cause is historical and ongoing racism and discrimination that have led to the
placement of marginalized communities in areas with increased vulnerability to climate
change. For example, redlining, a discriminatory practice in which banks denied mortgages
and loans to people living in areas deemed “high-risk”, led to the concentration of low-income
communities of in areas that are more susceptible to flooding and extreme temperatures
(Jasanoff et al., 2021). This economic marginalization and disparity in resources create a
negative feedback loop whereby marginalized communities become more vulnerable to climate
change impacts over time.
Social justice, on the other hand, refers to promoting fairness and equality in society. This
includes addressing issues of inequality, discrimination, and marginalization that arise from
factors such as social class, race, gender, ethnicity, age, ability, and sexual orientation (Bullard
& Johnson, 2021). Social justice aims to ensure that all individuals have equal opportunities to
participate in society, access resources and services, and enjoy fundamental human rights.
To address intersectional vulnerabilities to climate change, the government and civil
organisations must take into account the root causes that perpetuate racial disparities in
environmental hazards. One solution is to prioritize the voices and experiences of marginalized
communities in decision-making in matters related to climate change adaptation and
mitigation. Inclusive policies that involve vulnerable groups and marginalized communities
directly affected by the impact of climate change can help to ensure that diverse voices are
heard and that policies are more reflective of social justice considerations. By doing this, the
solutions will be culturally appropriate, and the needs of these communities will be considered.
Another solution is to address the root causes of economic inequality, such as redlining and
discriminatory practices that limit access to resources and political power. This includes
deliberate involvement of women parliamentarians, public access to affordable housing,
education, and job training programs in urban areas and redistribution of land to the landless
in rural areas. Additionally, environmental racism, such as the enforcement of environmental
regulations on polluters, should be enforced by government through the local authorities or
urban councils (Pulido, 2019).
The government through civil organisations can empower communities and vulnerable groups
to play a more active role in climate action initiatives. Community initiatives that increase
engagement, and build resilience to climate change can help equip them to respond better to
the impacts of climate change. Another solution involves advocating for sustainable livelihoods
such as promoting clean energy access, supporting nature-based solutions, and enabling low-
carbon economic development that prioritizes social justice considerations. These approaches
help reduce the environmental and social impacts of climate change on vulnerable
communities. Tackling environmental racism and discrimination can be addressed by
promoting environmental justice, through ensuring equitable access to resources, services, and
opportunities. This can help address the disproportionate exposure of vulnerable communities
to environmental risks and toxins, which are often associated with structural inequities.
Intersectionality allows us to understand how the intersection of multiple marginalized
identities shapes the unique vulnerabilities and opportunities of people and communities in the
context of climate change. Understanding intersectionality helps us to develop solutions that
address the complex challenges posed by climate change by acknowledging the intersections
of social identities and addressing the underlying structural inequalities that contribute to the
disproportionate impact of climate change on vulnerable communities. This can be done by
examining the root causes of vulnerability the structural and systemic factors that create and
reinforce vulnerabilities to climate change, such as poverty, discrimination, and unequal power
dynamics.
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