Intersectional Environmentalist

Our work is rooted in intersectional environmentalism, an inclusive approach to environmentalism that advocates for the protection of both people + the planet. Through this framework, we believe social + environmental justice are intertwined and environmental advocacy that disregards this connection is harmful and incomplete. IE focuses on achieving climate justice, amplifying historically excluded voices + approaching environmental education, policy, and activism with equity, inclusion and restorative justice in mind. Intersectional environmentalism incorporates intersectional theory, created by Kimberlé Crenshaw, and is inspired by The 17 principles of environmental justice. The term ‘Intersectional environmentalism’ was coined by our founder Leah Thomas in 2020 with the intersectional environmentalist pledge that reached over 1 million people. This pledge led to the creation of Intersectional Environmentalist as an organization. We hope to empower + instill joy in people of color and historically excluded communities by amplifying the incredible legacies of diverse people in the environmental space throughout history and in the present - because we believe with representation, and an understanding that they have always been part of environmental history, we’ll empower a new generation of environmentalists and reshape the future of environmentalism to one that is rooted in equity and inclusion. We seek to bridge the understanding gap and provide accessible educational resources for those who want to learn and guidance and direction for organizations looking to shift their narrative. We are also movement connectors, leading people to initiatives and organizations they can support in their local community.