5 MEN LEADING THE CHARGE FOR CLIMATE JUSTICE

By Ellen Salter, Megan Light
February 2021

We originally published this article on International Men's Day - a celebration of the positive contribution of men to the natural environment, society, and communities all around the world. The celebration takes place on the 19th November each year with participation from more than 60 countries.

Some argue that each and every day is International Men's Day, particularly in the Climate Justice debate. For instance, as the IUCN writes, ‘women and men are experiencing climate change differently, as gender inequalities persist around the world, affecting the ability of individuals and communities to adapt.’ Globally, evidence suggests that women around the world are facing higher risks and greater burdens of climate change.

But climate justice isn't about one particular group in society. Climate justice recognises the burdens and challenges faced by marginalised groups and the cross-sectionality of different groups within society. Beyond gender, factors such as race, religion, sexual orientation, class, and dis/ability each play a role(s) in the experience of climate change.

We believe that climate justice can only be achieved when we work together in support of one another. We believe in inclusive and equitable action for all.

This month, in our publication focusing on gender, we draw attention to the positive contributions for climate change by men and boys from across the world. Here’s 5 inspirational male activists who leading the charge for climate justice:

Chief Seattle

Chief Seattle (c. 1786 - 1866) was a Native American Chief. He is is now considered a great leader of the environmental movement owing to the letter that he is attributed to having sent to Franklin Pierce, President of the United States (c. 1854). In the letter, among other things, Seattle highlighted the importance of taking care of our natural environment and its resources writing "whatever befalls the Earth, befalls the sons of the Earth.” Find out more here.

Pope Francis

In June 2019, Pope Francis declared a Global Climate Emergency. He warned Global Leaders of the dangers of failing to act urgently to reduce greenhouse gases. Inaction, he stated, would be ‘a brutal act of injustice toward the poor and future generations’. Find out more here.

Ioane Teitiota

A man from the Pacific Nation of Kiribati who, in 2016, brought a case against the government of New Zealand at the UN Human Rights Commitments (UNHRC) after being denied his claim of asylum as a ‘climate refugee’. He won the appeal triggering a landmark decision to take into account human rights violations caused by the climate crisis. Find out more here.

Paul Ruzycki

A Climate Activist jailed in Russia in 2013 for trying to halt oil drilling in the Arctic. Following this, he became disillusioned however, inspired by Greta Thunberg, he returned as an Ice Navigator on board a Greenpeace Ship in the Arctic. Find out more here.

Thom Yorke

The Frontman for the rock band Radiohead. Thom was an instrumental spokesperson for Friends of the Earth’s Big Ask Campaign. The Big Ask Campaign was an instrumental movement in promoting the UK’s Climate Change Act (2008). Find out more here.

You May Also Be Interested In: 5 Women Leading The Charge For Climate Justice