The African Caribbean Network in Scotland opened up a space for those concerned with racism and/ or climate change – whether the participants conneced the issues or not. People of all backgrounda came together to discuss the inter-locking areas of concern. Why? Because from New Orleans to Sub Saharan African to Newham by London City Airport, Black communities often bear the brunt of the impacts of climate change and environmental problems first and worst. We also know that it is the West and predominantly white executives in organisations like the World Bank, The International Monetary Fund and the finance industry who have perpetuated environmental problems.
Environmental racism is the disproportionate impact of environmental hazards on people of colour.
The common areas of concern arose to be:
Anti Repression: It is both Black communities and climate activists who are targeted, infiltrated and discriminated by the State through various methods of police and state repression
Borders and Migration: Climate Change is perpetuating racism as environmental refugees seek shelter in foreign countries.
Climate Impacts: Locally and globally it is Black communities who are bearing the brunt of the impacts of climate change first. From Africa and Asia where communities are facing rising sea levels to on our doorstep with communities who live by carbon heavy industries or in economically deprived areas to face illegal and high levels of noise and air pollution.
This space was a form of 'collaborative inquiry' – a transformative education method – one of many approaches to trying to 'get the whole system in the room', to help deepen your understanding about your own practice, the issues surrounding life and of those around you in your own setting.
