avsharp's review
informative
reflective
fast-paced
3.5
Fantastic introduction to the concept of Intersectional Environmentalism, why it's so necessary, and how we can contribute to the environmental and conservation movement in an intersectional, just, and equitable way.
A useful resource that shares the perspectives of & amplifies diverse voices representing a range of identities and social & environmental justice movements. These experts, activists, organisers and advocates inform the reader on the need for a broader, more inclusive, and less white-centric approach to taking care of the planet and its vital systems. They explain the importance of reversing the damage of a colonial, Global-North led movement that ignores indigenous knowledge and perspectives, and leads to environmental breakdown and impacts which disproportionately harm BIPOC, disabled, low-income, queer, and otherwise marginalised or minoritized identities and communities.
The book's very few drawbacks for me (which should absolutely not put anyone off reading it):
- Slightly US-centric, and occasionally repetitive in places, with whole paragraphs reproduced in the tool kit near the end.
-As an introduction to the concept it struggles to get to profound discussions and explorations of some of the important topics covered. Those of us already working in environmentalism likely already have a good initial grasp of these issues (and if not, we certainly should), so diving into the references for in-depth specifics and context is likely more suitable for readers beyond their first steps in the climate- and eco-justice movements.
However, as a conservation professional in a white, wealthy, colonising nation, working in an environmental movement historically and currently culpable for many of the issues Thomas's book highlights, this was essential reading and I am extremely grateful for the extensive resources highlighted towards the end, which I've now been working through and have started sharing with colleagues.
A useful resource that shares the perspectives of & amplifies diverse voices representing a range of identities and social & environmental justice movements. These experts, activists, organisers and advocates inform the reader on the need for a broader, more inclusive, and less white-centric approach to taking care of the planet and its vital systems. They explain the importance of reversing the damage of a colonial, Global-North led movement that ignores indigenous knowledge and perspectives, and leads to environmental breakdown and impacts which disproportionately harm BIPOC, disabled, low-income, queer, and otherwise marginalised or minoritized identities and communities.
The book's very few drawbacks for me (which should absolutely not put anyone off reading it):
- Slightly US-centric, and occasionally repetitive in places, with whole paragraphs reproduced in the tool kit near the end.
-As an introduction to the concept it struggles to get to profound discussions and explorations of some of the important topics covered. Those of us already working in environmentalism likely already have a good initial grasp of these issues (and if not, we certainly should), so diving into the references for in-depth specifics and context is likely more suitable for readers beyond their first steps in the climate- and eco-justice movements.
However, as a conservation professional in a white, wealthy, colonising nation, working in an environmental movement historically and currently culpable for many of the issues Thomas's book highlights, this was essential reading and I am extremely grateful for the extensive resources highlighted towards the end, which I've now been working through and have started sharing with colleagues.
selbree's review
informative
fast-paced
3.75
expected more but that’s okay! didn’t go in depth with many themes- although it’s a great book for someone who doesn’t know anything about intersectional environmentalism.
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