CEC Discussion Paper 2024

Environmental Justice for 2SLGBTQIA+ Communities: Dimensions on Queering Environmental Policy in North America

The discussion paper delineates the specific ramifications experienced by North American 2SLGBTQIA+ communities and proposes potential solutions within the framework established. We integrate concepts of systemic oppression, intersectionality, and Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) to advocate for fair and inclusive environmental and climate policies. To foster positive outcomes, it is imperative to emphasize an intersectional perspective that prioritizes gender-transformative strategies, to ensure intergenerational equity, and to amplify the voices of Indigenous and local communities. Our approach to queering environmentalism offers a dynamic pathway towards achieving a cooperative and equitable future for all stakeholders.

Studied climate and environmental impacts include:

1. Disproportionate exposure to air pollution

2. Discrimination and policing within green spaces

3. Discrimination and bias in disaster response during extreme weather events

4. Higher rates of food insecurity

5. Uncertainty and disinformation on health impacts due to land and water pollution

6. Lack of green finance

7. Violence and criminalization due to environmental activism

Recommendations

are tailored to the CEC and to the North American environmental ministries and other relevant agencies. We divided up the policy recommendations into seven sections:

1. Inclusion

2. Data and Information Infrastructure

3. Communication

4. Capacity Building

5. Finance

6. Multilateral Engagement

7. General recommendations

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