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Polarization – A Growing Challenge to Intersectionality

by Seanne Stickley

Cooperation is needed from local to global levels to enact meaningful efforts in addressing climate change. Expanding with this movement is the ideological divide witnessed in the political landscape. The increasing polarization of politics threatens intersectionality, especially as it pertains to environmental issues. This direct threat can be broken down into the fragmentation and oversimplification of environmental movements, policy gridlock, divided narratives on victimhood and stigmatization of intersectionality, and reduced solidarity across movements. These conditions are demonstrated in the United States (U.S.), where the Republican and Democratic parties demonstrate vastly different approaches, followership, and priorities when it comes to climate action.

Intersectionality is a framework that seeks to understand overlapping identities, experiences, and perspectives relevant to a given issue. This framework is an approach to examining issues to evaluate how characteristics such as race, age, gender, and geography “intersect with each other and interact with power structures to create and reinforce power, privilege, disadvantage, and discrimination” (Jackson & Humphrey, 2022, para. 1).

Intersectional analysis originates from Black feminist perspectives on how social identities and or subjectivities intersect and diverge to re-create unique forms of oppression

This topic within the sphere of environmentalism has been explored extensively as it pertains to inequitable ecological effects experienced by marginalized communities. This has since expanded to consider environmental justice alongside gender-environment relationships to deepen the socioecological model more broadly in sustainability (Ergas et al., 2021).

Figure 1: Components Considered in Intersectionality


Source: https://www.londonenvironment.net/environmentalism_in_action_environmental_justice_and_intersectionality

The exclusion of marginalized groups from larger discussions is reflective of problematic power dynamics that lend to inequitable climate impacts that have disproportionately affect such groups (Jackson & Humphrey, 2022). From local to global engagement and across all sectors, an inclusive approach can lend to increased “legitimacy of decision-making, transparency, and accountability” (Kapilashrami et al., 2023, p. 1). An intersectional approach is critical in climate action and inclusive environmental policy design as these topics affect all citizens in varying degrees with varying results.

Fragmentation and Oversimplification Across Environmental Movements

Within a polarized context, the identification of the most pressing issues in environmental movements is occurring increasingly over ideological lines.

Regardless of one’s belief in the need for environmental action, their partisanship can affect what aspects of the issue are most deserving of attention, the policy tools they favour, and the overlapping issues they identify.

For instance, progressive environmental activist groups may have diverging priorities from a conservative environmental group. A progressive environmental group may emphasize projects such as communal housing and access to green space centred on social justice and calling on systemic changes to address social issues alongside ecological resilience. Whereas a conservative environmental group may focus on approaches such as the advancement of liquid natural gas (LNG) for large vessels that continue to benefit economic growth or seek to advance technology and innovation while addressing ecological issues. The previous takes a targeted approach to environmental sustainability while failing to consider the social context of the issue.

Policy Gridlock and Lack of Cooperation

Policy gridlock occurs different parties or groups prioritize ideological purity over collaboration. In this context, stakeholders that share common goals, even in regard to climate action, may refuse to work together on the basis of a difference of beliefs. This makes the formation of robust, consentient, and lasting environmental policy difficult. Compromises are often made which has traditionally resulted in the social justice and the consideration of vulnerable groups, integral to intersectionality, getting lost in the process in order to reach some form of movement (Monbiot, 2012).

Overall, gridlock both slows the momentum in enacting policy and impedes the creation of sustained and impactful policy.

 

Figure 2: Gridlock Cycle

Source: https://theconversation.com/the-world-is-in-economic-political-and-environmental-gridlock-heres-why-85641

 

Differing Definitions of Victimhood and Stigmatization of Intersectionality

Within ideological differences exists divisive narratives on victimhood and those seen as deserving of attention and resources. As clearly stated within its definition, intersectionality seeks to shed light on and uplift marginalized groups that suffer disproportionate impacts within the greater discussion of environmental policy. A challenge to this is more conservative agendas that diminish and or deny the previous impacts thus failing to acknowledge how structural inequalities contribute to climate change at large (Hefti, 2024). 

This threatens progress through the upholding of stereotypes and can result in stigmatization of intersectionality as a broader topic. This is proven as the dismissal of topics of justice often results in the labelling of intersectionality as overly concentrated on identity politics (Lopez, 2017). This label leads to this topic being seen as overly radical or partisan (Heninger, 2024).

These perceptions of the framework work to reduce its acceptability within more conservative groups and reinforce opposing and stigmatized understandings.

 

Figure 3: Underlying Factors and Types of Stigmatization

Source: https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.researchgate.net%2Ffigure%2FA-visual-representation-of-stigma-domains-and-their-respective-themes_fig2_317143770&psig=AOvVaw2_QRGL1ByCdam44sx83jjn&ust=1734136352201000&source=images&cd=vfe&opi=89978449&ved=0CBcQjhxqFwoTCLDAnL6_o4oDFQAAAAAdAAAAABAx

 

Reduction in Solidarity

Solidarity is a necessary condition in climate action granted the recognized interconnection of impacts often caused in one region and felt in another. Fragmentation and oversimplification of issues, policy gridlock, and stigmatization all contribute to the overall reduction in solidarity observed in movements with increasing political polarization. This is clear as all previous factors are both resulting from and enhancing the impacts of the ideological divides. The effects of this are increased inter-group solidarity, but overall reductions in cross-party agreement.

Major implications of these obstacles include the diminished ability to: 

  • Center equity as a goal in environmental sustainability;
  • Evaluate inclusion and representation for procedural and distributive equity; and
  • Support policies that invest in protection and promotion of rights and priorities (Barrientos, 2020).

 

U.S. Case Study

The Democratic and Republican political parties exemplify all four of the previous conditions. The summary of how each factor is present in the U.S. context is provided in the table below.

Factor

Example

Explanation

Fragmentation and oversimplification of issues

2/3 Republicans prefer to prioritize economic growth in climate action compared to Democrats more concentrated on environmental protection.

There is representation across both groups for the need for climate action; however, their priorities differ within what aspects should take precedence: environmental protection versus economic growth.

This reduces these topics into silos and impedes the ability for cross-collaboration and expansion to consider more complex layers beyond the argument for conservation versus growth.

Policy gridlock

Democratic government ratification of the Paris Agreement followed by Republican government withdrawal with leadership change and later reinstatement into the agreement under President Biden.

The withdrawal from Paris led to the development of inconsistent, non-robust, and unsuccessful policy in states that attempted to maintain their individual commitment to the goal.

The severity of these changes with every policy cycle makes creating adequate policy difficult and unscalable thus resulting in gridlock.

Definitions of victimhood and stigmatization

Encouragement of extremism and active denial of scientific facts from Republican groups during campaigns to earn votes from targeted groups.  

Active denial of scientific fact is seen increasingly on the part of Republican groups and acts as a weaponization of existing bias to gain votes.

Dismissal of in-depth understandings of social impacts and concerns often occur on the part of Republican groups to simplify the issue and frame intersectionality as an overly complicated process.

Reduction in solidarity

Cross-group violence and growing animosity amongst Republicans and Democrats.

The belief in the need for climate action is growing in opposite directions, despite between represented in both groups. Democrats are increasingly likely to view climate as a serious issue, whereby Republicans are moving the other way.

Political violence has resulted from these divisive ideologies within environment and other spheres that are primarily targeted at women and minorities in the opposing political group.

Figure 4: Growing Gap Between Democrats and Republicans Perspective on Climate Policy

Source: https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nytimes.com%2Finteractive%2F2020%2F02%2F20%2Fclimate%2Fclimate-change-polls.html&psig=AOvVaw2TXlZlQKNH-0m-we8paZ09&ust=1734137369162000&source=images&cd=vfe&opi=89978449&ved=0CBcQjhxqFwoTCIDuyKDDo4oDFQAAAAAdAAAAABAE

 

Overall, increased political polarization creates a range of obstacles for intersectional environmentalism by deepening ideological divides, reducing the willingness to collaborate, and simplifying complex issues into binary, often adversarial, positions. Intersectional environmentalism requires an understanding of how environmental issues and social injustices are interconnected. Polarization, on the other hand, frequently works to ignore or dismiss these complexities. All of the previous contribute to ongoing stigmatization of intersectionality itself and the communities it seeks to uplift thus resulting in decreased likelihood of achieving wholistic policy approaches. To address the challenges posed by polarization, environmental movements must find ways to bridge divides, recognize the interdependence of social and environmental struggles, and advocate for policies that prioritize both justice and sustainability for all communities.

Joint Equity with First Nations creates a Just and Equitable Energy Future

A Call to Industry and Government on Indigenous Community Engagement

 
 
 
 
by Sara Fontaine

It has been an honor to say I am from the Treaty 3 Nation considering their advancements within the Energy Sector. In recent years there has been a Nuclear Waste Management Organization proposal for a Deep Geological Repository (DGR) in Ignace, Ontario. Grand Council Treaty 3, Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission and Canadian Nuclear Laboratories have been taking Reconciliation into consideration as they move forward with their advancements by facilitating community consultations with educational resources to discuss their Nuclear Waste storage and a proposal for a Canadian DGR. 

Community consultations and educational sessions are essential steps for industry and governments, not optional extras. These practices should be mandatory for all developments with significant environmental impacts, ensuring informed and inclusive decision-making. This shouldn’t be required for just Indigenous communities either, it should be mandatory for any developments that have high environmental impacts. When you create relationships and inclusion with the communities you are impacting, it reduces eco-anxiety and creates an opportunity for society to be properly informed on environmental, social, and economic impacts and the benefits of their developments. It creates trust and also encourages innovations and perspectives from people whose voices might not have been considered in the process otherwise, so in turn creating equality.

The Treaty 3 Nation and Hydro One have set a new standard through the Wassigan Transmission Line Joint Equity Agreement, demonstrating the transformative potential of equitable partnerships. They have partnered with 9 First Nations communities on a 50% equity agreement which is going to create business opportunities and indigenous inclusion all while ensuring indigenous advancements and economic growth. All industries should be following this case study and using it as a framework for their development. 

Indigenous Peoples have a deep-rooted connection to land stewardship and sustainability, guided by traditional ecological knowledge that offers valuable insights for sustainable development. Our identities and culture are so ingrained in protecting the Earth that we should be at the forefront of all decision-making when it comes to environmental impacts because we have ancient traditional ecological knowledge on best sustainable practices. Indigenous communities should not just be participants in these conversations but active leaders guiding environmental decision-making.

Indigenous communities are the first communities to suffer the negative impacts of development and climate change and are also often the ones doing the hard advocacy work against hurtful resource extraction and within the mitigation processes.  

A Call to Industry and Government

Indigenous knowledge can and will transcend the energy sector in a good way. In Anishinaabemowin we call this Mino Pimatiziwin; living the good life in a good way. Indigenous Inclusion will bring Mino Pimatiziwin to the Energy Sector, so I challenge industry and government to start building these relationships with Indigenous communities and watch it transcend your work.  

I challenge industries and governments to build meaningful relationships with Indigenous communities whose lands they impact. These collaborations are not only vital for reconciliation but also essential for achieving economic, social, and ecological justice. I would like to challenge all industry, economic developers, and governments to practice and incorporate Indigenous Inclusion. 

I suggest using these frameworks as a starting point for your Reconciliation advancements: the Sustainable Development Goals numbers 8, 10, 12, 16 and 17. The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) also has direct recommendations for industry under Article 3, 5, 11, 17-21, 23, 24, 26-32, 36-41. Article 43 of UNDRIP underscores that ‘The rights recognized herein constitute the minimum standards for the survival, dignity, and well-being of Indigenous Peoples of the world.’ This serves as a foundational guide for industry practices. 

Along with the SDG’s and UNDRIP the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada has published 94 Calls of Action that were developed because of the high missing and murdered indigenous people statistics in Canada which were directly tied to industry developments within Indigenous territories. It is especially more important than ever for industry to adopt these legislations and frameworks to obtain economic, social and ecological justice. 

These Calls to Action are a great start to Canadian industry-based reconciliation: 7, 42, 43, 44, 50, 55, 57, 65, 79, and most importantly Call to Action 92 “We call upon the corporate sector in Canada to adopt the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples as a reconciliation framework and to apply its principles, norms, and standards to corporate policy and core operational activities involving Indigenous peoples and their lands and resources.” 

Building these relationships may seem daunting, but as experts in development, you are well-equipped to initiate meaningful engagement. Indigenous communities across so-called Canada are ready to collaborate—let’s begin this journey together. By integrating Indigenous perspectives and fostering equitable partnerships, industries can transcend traditional practices and achieve sustainable, inclusive growth. The time for action is now—let us work together to build a just and equitable energy future.

Resources on Indigenous Engagement and Indigenous Inclusion:

1. Beyond Conservation: A Toolkit for Respectful Collaboration with Indigenous Peoples

2. Compilation of Resources for Indigenous Consultation

3. First Nation Consultation Framework

4. First Nations Communications Toolkit

Resources on Joint Equity Agreements with First Nations:

1. Sharing the Wealth: First Nation Resource Participation Models – BC First Nations Energy & Mining Council

2. First Nations need equity to help drive a cleaner Canadian economy – Policy Options 

3. Indigenous co-ownership of mining projects: a preliminary framework for the critical examination of equity participation  – Research Paper

Leading Change Asks

We’re excited to introduce ‘Leading Change Asks…’ where we tackle some of the tough questions that our community cares about. In these discussions, we engage with leaders from various sectors to understand their perspectives and hold them, and ourselves, accountable.  

Our first series features Susannah Pierce (President & Country Chair, Shell Canada) in conversation with Jania Husbands-Jackson (ESG & Sustainability Analyst, Colliers), Emily Lau (Program Coordinator, Leading Change Canada), and Laj Kaur (Executive Director, Leading Change Canada).  

While we acknowledge the complexities of engaging with major players in the energy sector, like Shell, we believe that open dialogue is essential for bridging gaps and working together towards a sustainable future. 

Partner Spotlight: Ocean Wise

We asked Nicole Straughan, Vice President of Youth & Education at Ocean Wise a series of questions to delve into her efforts empowering young leaders who are passionate about ocean conservation. 

Nicole offered invaluable insights into the intersection of ocean conservation and climate action, highlighting the pivotal role and opportunities for youth in addressing these urgent issues. Additionally, she shed some light on skill gaps within the industry and outlined diverse pathways for youth who are looking to build capacity and break into this sector. Nicole also dispelled common misconceptions and what she wishes more people knew about ocean conservation!  

 Innovation Leading with Technology: Co-creating a more sustainable future. Interview feat. ABB Canada & the Academy for Sustainable

June 7, 2023 – Watch ABB Canada and the Academy for Sustainable Innovation (ASI) in an interview hosted by Leading Change to explore a future vision of innovation and opportunity for young leaders to leverage technology to build a more sustainable, equitable, and just future. 

Biboye (Bo) Aganaba, Leading Change’s former Executive Director is joined by Taylor Stimpson (Program Manager, Academy for Sustainable Innovation) and Katie Bessette (Country HR Manager, ABB Canada) for an incisive conversation about building capacity, collaboration, courage, curiosity, and care.  

Katie shared how ABB’s core make space for young leaders to challenge the status quo and make a positive change in the world. Taylor also shared how ASI’s work is helping individuals and organizations take action on the multiple crises that young people are facing.  

Leading Change Youth Roundtable: The Circular Economy

October 8, 2021 – After the 2021 World Circular Economy Forum (WCEF), circularity remained a top-of-mind topic for discussion among leaders in sustainability the world over. Building on the role Leading Change played as an official WCEF Studio, post-forum we gathered a group of young sustainability leaders to talk about their perspectives on the circular economy and the future.

This conversation is the first in a new series of roundtables from Leading Change.

Water in Canada: A Vision for 2050

By Alan Shapiro, Director of Foresight Canada’s waterNEXT network and Bo Simango, CEO and Co-Founder of Aquafort

September 8, 2021 – It’s been said that if climate change is the shark, then water is its teeth. From flooding and drought to ocean acidification and coastal erosion, we are already seeing these impacts unfold across Canada and around the world. Inevitably, impacts are never isolated to a single Earth system. The complex web of relationships that defines our water, energy, and food systems–known as the water-energy-food nexus–means that the security of one cannot be achieved without also investing in the other two. The collective health of these systems provides a necessary foundation for community well-being, economic prosperity, and reconciliation.

What does a net-zero 2050 mean for water in Canada? In its simplest form, the future we envision for water is sustainable, secure, and equitable.

A Five-Point Plan for Canada to Reach Net-Zero by 2050 

By Phil De Luna, Green Party of Canada Candidate for Toronto-St. Paul’s

August 11, 2021 – I have spent my entire career developing technologies to help decarbonize Canada. It started with my PhD in Materials Science & Engineering at the University of Toronto, where I discovered new renewable ways to convert carbon dioxide into fuels and chemicals. From there I co-founded a venture, Team CERT, to scale that clean technology out of the lab and became a finalist in the Carbon XPRIZE. I joined the National Research Council of Canada as its youngest-ever Director where I built and led a $57M collaborative R&D program to develop made-in-Canada technologies for decarbonization. Along the way, I have studied, discovered, developed, funded, mentored, and advocated for the development and expansion of cleantech.

At some point on this journey, I had a realization – technology alone is not enough to get us to net-zero.

Canadian Communities Can Apply Now to Host Save Pond Hockey Events

May 26, 2021 – The Climate and Sport Initiative has launched a call for applications for communities to host Save Pond Hockey events featuring top athletes, funded in part by the Government of Canada.

Climate change is threatening the future of Canada’s favourite sports. The Climate and Sport Initiative shines a spotlight on the direct effect of climate change on the sports we love—and on our nation—and empowers us all to get in the game of preserving both.

So You Want to be a Cleantech Entrepreneur? Start Here.

June 30, 2020 – The times they are a-changin’. Millions of people on every continent marched in climate change protests last September. Leaders around the world are mobilizing to limit global warming to 1.5oC. More and more companies are committing to carbon-neutral targets. As we ramp up our climate ambition, innovative clean technology solutions are needed more than ever.

Five Tips on How to Launch your Sustainability Career During a Pandemic

By Megan Poss, Executive Director, Leading Change

May 26, 2020 – Over the last decade, I’ve had hundreds of conversations with students and young professionals seeking advice on how to “break into” the sustainability field. Although the COVID-19 economic and health crisis has placed unprecedented challenges on job seekers, it doesn’t change the fact that there are still many passionate, courageous and visionary people out there who are determined to land their dream sustainability job—or at the very least, take steps to get there.

While there is no single path or secret formula, I’ve learned a few tips and frameworks in my time supporting youth in sustainability that I would love to share with you. I recognize that, as a white, cis-gendered woman with an easy-to-pronounce name, privilege has been on my side in many job-seeking experiences. Knowing this, much of the advice I offer has been informed from listening and learning from young people who inspire me and mentors I admire who hold different identities, backgrounds and experiences from myself. I encourage you to research broadly, test different strategies and apply what works best for you.