Environmental justice is an intersectional issue.
Chante Davis, youth climate activist, explains how to make the fight more inclusive.
Well+Good: What motivated you to become a climate activist?
Chante Davis:I went to a green elementary school where environmental studies are implemented in everyday learning.
Going through so many climate disasters and seeing the wave ofyouth activistsleading the way pushed me to climate activism.
It was the perfect stormI had a personal stake and saw fearless youth holding power over their future.
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How have you experienced environmental racism firsthand?
CD:I have experienced environmental racism many times in many ways.
Ive lived in food deserts where healthy foods were scarce for miles.
Ive lived near petrochemical plants that polluted our water and air.
left us to starve and freeze to death.
Whats the connection between environmental justice and racial justice?
CD:Ones race determines which environment one will have to endure during their lifetime.
Why must BIPOC voices be brought to the forefront of the climate activism movement?
CD:Black and Brown folx have so much more at stake with the climate crisis.
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While they contribute the least to the crisis, theyre disproportionately affected more than their white counterparts.
What is The Missionary Sex Position?
Why is it important to protect and care for our oceans?
Why do you believe ocean conservation is one of the most pressing climate issues?
CD:Our ocean regulates our climate and it houses a lot of the carbon we emit.
How has being a member of Ocean Heroes online grid helped your work as a climate activist?
Through the internet, I learned how to implement campaign skills and resources to accomplish my goals.
I also worked and learned alongside thousands of youth around the world that cared about similar issues.
Together, we imagined clean seas and constructed tangible solutions to fight climate change.
Congrats on receiving a grant from Ocean Heroes Bootcamp to create the One Oysean campaign!
What can we expect from One Oysean?
One Oysean has five main components that will educate, empower, and support our Earth defenders.
What advice do you have for BIPOC youth who want to get involved in climate activism?
CD:Theres no such thing as perfect activism.
Speak up about issues that affect you and your community, despite the focus of the general public.
Take up space and dont feel guilty about it either!
What keeps you optimistic about the future of our planet?
We have power because of them, and we are unstoppable together.
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