The Intersectional Environmentalist: How to Dismantle Systems of Oppression to Protect People + Planet

Climate change is the great equaliser. Or is it? In The Intersectional Environmentalist, activist and environmental scientist Leah Thomas shows how Black, Indigenous and People of Colour are unequally and unjustly impacted by climate change and environmental degradation - and argues that the fight for the planet lies in tandem with the fight for civil rights. In fact, one cannot exist without the other. This book provides an accessible foundation in the theory, exploring everything from the birth of the environmental movement to Kimberle William Crenshaw's concept of intersectionality, 'mainstream feminism' to ecofeminism. It helps readers frame their experiences and those of their community, question concepts of privilege and ownership, and better understand how climate change impacts the most marginalised and how to help amplify their voices. The Intersectional Environmentalist is a call to action, a guide to instigating change for all, and essential reading about the issue - and the movement - that will define a generation.

About the Author :
Leah Thomas is an eco-communicator (an environmentalist with a love for writing and creativity), based in California. She's passionate about advocating for and exploring the relationship between social justice and environmentalism. She first wrote about Intersectional Environmentalism in 2019, but gained international following after her post 'Environmentalists for Black Lives Matter' in 2020. She has written for Vogue and Elle, among other places, and has been featured in Harper's Bazaar, W Magazine, Domino, Glamour, Teen Vogue, and on numerous podcasts. She studied environmental science, and worked for the US National Park Service and Patagonia before becoming a full-time activist. This is her first book.

Review :
An overarching yet detailed introduction to intersectional environmentalism ...Thomas's work is essential brain food An essential read, this book gives voice to a movement that will define a generation A guide and call to action for those longing for empowerment and better treatment of all in society and nature As much a manifesto as a guide Environmentalism is as much about protecting people as it is about protecting the planet [and] Thomas - a vocal advocate and author on topics of environmental justice, race, and sustainability - has shown that these two goals are intertwined Read this book and save the planet Vital Leah Thomas has been leading the push for environmental justice since [the] resurgence of the Black Lives Matter movement - after her call for change in the predominantly white climate sector went viral The founder of Intersectional Environmentalist is building toward a greener, more equitable future by advocating for both sustainability and social justice while spotlighting communities that have been underrepresented in the space ... She's aiming to set the movement on the right path with her new book, The Intersectional Environmentalist Leah Thomas popularized the idea of 'intersectional environmentalism' [and has] helped everyone from the public to major brands rethink their approaches to sustainability ... building a coalition of educators and activists to further raise awareness-and uplift solutions Magnificent, unapologetically questioning ... helps readers frame their experiences and those of their community, question concepts of privilege and ownership, and better understand how climate change impacts the most marginalised Too often, environmentalist proposals and platforms appear willing to sacrifice people - usually the most vulnerable - in exchange for saving the planet. Leah Thomas' The Intersectional Environmentalist aims to fix this problem, offering philosophical defenses for protecting those affected most by climate change, as well as strategies young activists can use to turn theory into practice Leah's urgent work has caused a sea-change in how we talk about the climate crisis online, her timely book expands on that essential work. I'm so grateful that it exists. It not only breathes the much-needed life that youth bring into the movement, but also honors the wisdom of those who paved the way for Intersectional Environmentalism. We need more voices like Leah's - and the many included in the book - in every space. A livable and just future for all of us depends on it [The Intersectional Environmentalist] shares data in an accessible, compelling, and engaging manner, and explores a variety of topics, including ableism, veganism, green energy, representation and more. It's dense, but not overwhelming, and it also provides a "tool kit" and a supplementary reading list, to help you expand your knowledge once you finish this book. The Intersectional Environmentalist is at once a call to action, a guide to galvanize change, and a way to empower all people towards the betterment of the planet The Intersectional Environmentalist is a useful start for anyone looking to get involved with or understand more about environmental justice, and who wants to learn about it through a framework that ensures the most vulnerable are centered Significant and impactful ... The Intersectional Environmentalist is helpful not only for people who work within this field but also for those who are looking to learn more or enter it and become the next generation of activists ... a necessary read Environmental activist Leah Thomas is making it known that even in our search for sustainable materials, vegan foods, and renewable energy, anti-racism still matters. Leah Thomas coined the term 'intersectional environmentalism', and founded a climate justice collective that offers educational resources to raise awareness of the importance of environmental justice, [with] The Intersectional Environmentalist chosen for UCLA's first-year common experience program for the 2022-23 academic year I'm incredibly impressed by her work and the community she has built ... now more than ever, we must prioritise the building of an inclusive, equitable movement that centres frontline communities in the need for climate justice. We can't have climate justice without racial justice - these movements are inextricably linked. An ode to people and planet ... this accessible book will equip and inspire a movement, and makes it clear that there is no intersectional environmentalism without collectivism, or community accountability. Offering a toolkit to action that disrupts, challenges and transforms the world - this is your guide to making a splash