The effects of climate change - floods, hurricanes, fires, drought - are disportionately felt by the poorest and most vulnerable in our world, those who are least responsible for the emissions of greenhouse gases causing climate change and who have the least resources to cope with its effects. This is true internationally, nationally and locally.
On this page we explore the concept of climate justice - and climate injustice; give some international, national, and local examples; explain how climate and racial justice are related; and describe some actions that can be taken to address the fundamental injustice that those worst affected by climate change have done the least to cause it and have the least resources to respond to what they are facing.
What is climate justice?
- The Cambridge Dictionary defines climate justice as “the idea that rich countries of the world must take responsibility for climate change and the damage it causes, and help poorer countries and people because they have not caused most of the problem and are the worst affected”
- Carbon Brief explores the concept of climate justice, explaining that “Climate justice has emerged from the idea that historical responsibility for climate change lies with wealthy and powerful people – and yet it disproportionately impacts the poorest and most vulnerable.”
Why should Christians be concerned about climate justice?
- Tear Fund's Ruth Valerio, author and theologian, explains why she thinks the climate crisis is a justice issue.
- Molly Clarke, from the Young Christian Climate Network, explains why climate justice is so important to her.
Climate justice and Kenya
The Diocese of Chelmsford is linked with five dioceses in Kenya.
Below, the Bishop of the Marsabit Diocese talks to Rev. Sandra Eldridge, then the Chelmsford Diocesan Environmental Officer, about the effects of climate change in his Diocese in 2023.
As climate change has continued to cause serious droughts in Kenya, the effects have become more severe. However, the carbon footprint of the average Kenyan is less than 2 tonnes (the actual figure varies depending on which emissions are included and source of data), whereas the average UK carbon footprint is around 9 tonnes (again the actual figure varies). Many countries in Africa have similarly small per capita emissions but are suffering much more severe effects of climate change than the UK and other western countries.
Climate justice in the UK - a just transition
Climate justice and racial justice
Earthbound reports,
https://www.london.anglican.org/articles/racism-and-climate-change-the-deep-connections-behind-their-unequal-impacts/
Taking action on climate justice
Christian Aid campaigns,
Training
