Design for Climate Justice Zine Project

Climate Justice Zine Project

JUSTICE CHANGE EMPATHY PERSPECTIVE

1 Introductions and Interrelationships

2 Ecological Literacy and Climate Change Science

3 Climate Change Science Continued

4 History and Intersections of Environmental, Social, and Climate Justice Movements

5 Intersections of Justice: Community Building for Climate Justice & Inner Development Skill-Building

6 Real World Client Project/ Intersections of Justice: Community Building and Design Thinking for Climate Justice Cont.

7 Introduction and Chapter 1 of Climate Justice in the Majority World

8 Climate Justice in the Majority World Chapter 2 & 3.

10 Climate Justice in the Majority World Chapter 4 & 5.

11 Climate Justice in the Majority World Chapter 6, 7 & 8.

12 Climate Justice in the Majority World Chapter 9, 10 & 11.

14 Climate Justice in the Majority World Chapter 12 & Conclusion.

15 Inspirational resources & reflection.

Lesson Class topics

Soina, A. (n.d.). The Green War. Anita Soina: The Green War | TED Talk. https://www.ted.com/talks/anita_soina_the_green_war

Advisory, S. H. (2023, July 4). Design thinking for climate innovation: A human-centered approach in a Changing World. LinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/design-thinking-climate-innovation-human-centered-approach/

Dellinger, D. (2017, December 22). Dr. King’s Interconnected World. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2017/12/22/opinion/martin-luther-king-christmas.html

References

Week 1

Introductions and Interrelationships

SD-7640-21-W24 / 1.3 Journal Reflection

Opinion | Dr. King’s Interconnected World - The New York Times

Martin Luther King, Jr., Christmas Sermon

Design Thinking for Climate Innovation: A human-centered approach in a changing world The Green War | Anita Soina | TEDxParklands

Interrelationships, the combination of two words "Inter" + "relationships". Inter meaning between and relationsip meaning being connected. Most of our lives we spend thinking about ourselves, and that is good when you do self-care, self-knowledge and self-esteem exercises, I consider that the actions we take and what we talk about come from a place within us. We cannot give what we do not have inside us and we cannot accept what we do not believe we deserve to receive. Thus, the "self" is important because from there we derive how we relate to others. But that doesn't mean we don't need others. Interrelationships is the understanding that collectively we are better, based on our skills, disciplines and set of experiences. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. mentions in his Christmas speech several important points and phrases that went directly to my heart, but among them the famous phrase "It really boils down to this: that all life is interrelated." and this one “our separate struggles are really one.” Empathy is the key to understanding that our problems are “ours”, we are a group of people innovating, creating, designing day by day better or worse processes in this global system.

The truth is that all of us who sign up for this program want to bring sustainability to our areas of interest, but how? Design Thinking is a good start. Design thinking offers a holistic, human-centered approach to problem-solving, addressing climate change by understanding its impact on people and communities. Through systems thinking, it addresses the fundamental causes, not the ones we personally think of but the objective and root causes, exploring the interaction between various factors. By fostering a culture of ideation and collaboration, it emphasizes rapid prototyping, iterative testing, and co-creation with diverse stakeholders. This approach ensures that proposed solutions are feasible, adaptable, and aligned with policy frameworks, ultimately driving innovation towards a sustainable and equitable future.

Lastly I would like to highlight that people usually do not feel prepared when hearing the word "sustainability", and that creates a gap between change and stagnation. Anita Soina highlights "believe that the only qualification you need to conserve the environment is the fact that you live on this planet." empowering and encouraging us to be part of the movement because we are all part of this home called Earth.

Original Image: “Hero for All: Martin Luther King, Jr.” n.d. National Geographic Kids. Accessed January 21, 2024. https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/history/article/martin-luther-king-jr. Edited by Rita Caceros, January 2024.

Climate change, unlike what many believe, is not only based on the visual and climatic evidence that we have in real life, but is based primarily on science. The IPCC Report is a summary of scientific results that amplifies for the reader the global consequences and upcoming ecological impacts. This week we were able to read and delve into the UN's Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change 2023 and how the graphics designed by Arlene Birt along with 60 other people were able to illustrate climate impacts in scenarios that we are very likely to witness in a couple of decades to make it more digestible for the reader.

Arlene in “The Future of the Creative Process Is Increased collaboration” mentions that intentional collaboration can help in problem solving on complex ecological issues. Birt also gives three key strategies for successful collaboration that include accepting input as part of the process, designing collaboratively by making adjustments to recurring themes, and preparing to question decisions over and over again to ensure an optimal result.

A common theme that I can see in both Arlene's article and the IPCC report is that they both try to bring the reader closer to important complex issues in an attractive way and with digestible language so that the topic becomes personal and encompasses everyone. everyone, because it is a problem that involves all individuals. As I mentioned previously this document is an example of a larger scale collaboration between people of different disciplines, personalities, opinions, status, nationalities, but they all have something in common as well; They want this information to be useful for prevention and help with the climate emergency. They all care about the planet, they all worked for a common good, they all put the pieces together to spread the message. And that makes me question myself, is collaboration the key to being able to make my message heard?

They say that designers are egocentric, envious and secretive. I don't necessarily agree, although I understand why they say it, in the world of design everyone wants to be the next Milton Glaser or the future Paula Scher, but it is time for individualism to be put aside to be able to cover more complex topics and infiltrate organizations that want to raise their voices and don't know how. It is time that design, beyond being pretty, is useful.

Lesson

Week 2 Ecological Literacy and Climate Change Science

SD-7640-21-W24 / 2.2 Journal Reflection

Class topics

The Future of the Creative Process Is Increased Collaboration, Arlene Birt. IPCC Summary Report. Making Climate ScienceVisual – Background Stories. The Gift of Criticism: How to EffectivelyCritique Design Work - Mark Lassoff.

https://backgroundstories.com/portfolio1/making-climate-science-visual/.

Creativity thrives when diverse perspectives are considered, ideas are shared, and assumptions are challenged.

References Making climate science visual. Background Stories. (2023, September 8).

https://backgroundstories.com/portfolio1/making-climate-science-visual/

Birt, A. (2023, September 6). The future of the creative process is increased collaboration. Nightingale.

https://nightingaledvs.com/ipcc-report-design-collaboration/

Intergovernmental panel on climate change. (n.d.). Climate change 2023 synthesis report - IPCC. IPCC.

https://www.ipcc.ch/report/ar6/syr/downloads/report/IPCC_AR6_SYR_Lo ngerReport.pdf

Original Image: Making climate science visual. Background Stories. (2023, September 8).

Edited by Rita Caceros, January 2024.

Arlene Birt.

References “Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation.” NASA, July 18, 2022.

https://climate.nasa.gov/solutions/adaptation-mitigation/.

CLIMATE CHANGE KEY STRATEGIES

Image by “NASA’s OSIRIS-Rex Snaps Pictures of Earth and the Moon.” NASA, August 21, 2023.

https://www.nasa.gov/missions/nasas-osiris-rex-snaps-pictures-of-earth-and-the-moon/.

This week we took the NASA “Test your knowledge of global temperature change and its impact on Earth’s climate”, first of all, I hadn't really thought about how scientists collect evidence about the climate, I had the idea that through satellites in space they predicted weather changes and climate forecasts. But how did they obtain this data from pre-modern years where technology did not exist? Well, today I learned that through “proxy” methods and groundbased measurements, scientists can reconstruct scenarios and records from before the rise of modern instruments, technology continues to surprise me.

So can better data visualization help create more action on climate change? Yes, we can understand complex topics through data visualization, especially when it is aimed at people who are not in the field of science, technology, mathematics or other not so common topics. It helps create more awareness and empathy towards the actual situation of the Earth and therefore helps create more action on climate change. There is a lot of data that I would still like to learn. Thanks to technology we can clarify that climate problems have been present for thousands of years. We are in the 21st century where we have more technology and knowledge than thousands of years ago and yet the problem persists, which shows me that the root of the problem is humans and therein lies the solution. I do not leave aside that technology is powerful, but we can use it for what really matters, to take care of our planet and not destroy it.

Addressing climate change involves two key strategies: mitigation and adaptation. Mitigation aims to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases, while adaptation focuses on adjusting to current and future climate changes. The goal is to stabilize greenhouse gas levels, protect ecosystems, ensure food security, and promote sustainable development. Local communities are at the forefront of adaptation efforts, implementing measures like flood defenses and heat wave planning. Governments should also be incorporating climate considerations into development plans, addressing issues such as extreme disasters, coastal protection, and innovative crop development. We all have a part in this changes, from small to large changes it all adds up to a better environment.

Week 3

Climate Change Science Continued SD-7640-21-W24 / 3.2 Journal reflection

Mitigation and adaptation in climate change Test your knowledge of global temperature change and its impact on Earth’s climate - NASA Interactives | Explore – Climate Change: Vital Signs of the Planet - NASA NASA climate change website

Edited by Rita Caceros. February 2024.

Lesson

Class topics

Week 4

History and Intersections of Environmental, Social, and Climate Justice Movements

SD-7640-21-W24 / 4.1 Journal Reflection

History and Intersections of Environmental, Social, and Climate Justice Movements. About Dr. Robert D. Bullard & Bullard Center for Environmental and Climate Justice. Introduction: Environmental Justice—Once A Footnote, Now A Headline by Dr. Robert D. Bullard. Webinar | Bullard Center for Environmental and Climate Justice. Climate Crisis timelines.

Environmental justice embraces the principle that all people and communities are entitled to equal protection of environmental, energy, health, employment, education, housing, transportation, and civil rights laws and regulation.

Let's start this week by answering the question: How does climate justice intersect with environmental justice and other areas of justice? We must understand what we have been learning since week one, that everything is interrelated. Interrelations means that if we cause something in one area of justice, another area will suffer the consequences of it. The phrase above highlights some areas that people have the right to and all these areas are connected, if one fails the others also fall into decline, so climate justice I would say advocates for the other areas of justice and ensures that are fulfilled by taking care of people and the planet. Much progress has been made possible by the role Bullard has played in climate justice movements, from spreading climate knowledge through his eighteen books to advising the Biden-Harris cabinet on decision-making and legislation. His vocation for communities of color that have been victims of climate racism has allowed many to raise their voices and have the courage to demonstrate and achieve change in their immediate environment.

Timelines serve to chronologically explain the impacts on the environment and population. They often highlight IPCC reports, summarizing the progression from climate change to crisis. The ZEP timeline focuses on events since 2013, aimed at teachers and students exploring choices in the climate crisis. Meanwhile, the BBC timeline covers scientific, technical, and political updates, and the NewScientist timeline showcases global political agreements. Human decisions are clearly the cause of the climate crisis, necessitating urgent environmental justice action. While small steps matter, we must avoid using them as an excuse to avoid significant change. Immediate action is crucial to prevent worsening future outcomes.

Original Image: “Our Founder: Bullard Center for Environmental and Climate Justice.” LinkedIn. Accessed February

Edited by Rita Caceros, February 2024.

Dr. Robert D. Bullard

Lesson

Week 5

Intersections of Justice: Community Building for Climate Justice & Inner Development Skill-Building

SD-7640-21-W24 / 5.3 Journal Reflection

Class topics

Privilege Exercises Action Steps Handout Inner Development Goals

For this journal entry I really wanted to understand what my privileges are, how to handle them in society and how to deal with different points of view while generating my own empathetic criteria. The Mirriam-Webster Dictionary defines privilege as a "right or immunity granted as a peculiar benefit, advantage, or favor". Lately there has been a negative connotation around this word, creating discussions of who has more privilege, who has less and who is right. Understanding our privilege makes us understand where we come from and who has struggled before us to have it. It makes us empathize with our past and with the past of others. It makes us more tolerable people and focus our attention not on who is right but what we can do about it.

The privilege exercises made me realize that I have more privileges than I thought, it made me reflect on the struggle my ancestors made so that I could have those privileges today. It made me feel grateful but also frustrated to think that many people in my close environment do not have the same privileges as me, starting with being able to study a master's degree for example, or live in a safe residential area like the one I live in, have an education, a job or the color of my skin. But “Guilt is a useless emotion.” as de the document stated. Honestly being from a Latina from a third world country has brought its challenges, but I have not had such great social and cultural difficulties, for that I’m grateful and I recognize my privilege. Now that I have the knowledge and tools I would like to take action to assist others or work to change systemic discrimination which is very visible in my country towards indigenous people or people of color.

https://unsplash.com/es/fotos/un-grupo-de-chicas-sentadas-en-la-cima-de-una-playa-de-are na-mjnqGnYRJOQ.

In this era of increasing selfishness, I believe that empathy and compassion is a very important pillar. Being empathetic towards others' struggles makes them mutual. Having empathy infers aknowledge my privileges and understand yours or the lack of them to create space for dialogue and to draw a common goal.

The IDG's highlight the importance of having an inclusive mindset and intercultural competence but we cannot have these social skills without having empathy and compassion, having these attitudes facilitates collaboration and diversity. We are not all equal, we do not all have the same privileges and that has been reflected in climate change where the less privileged must bear the consequences generated by the more privileged. It is time for that to change, get involved, to be more inclusive and less judgy. It is time to help and not to point fingers.

Willingness and competence to embrace diversity and include people and collectives with different views and backgrounds.

4. Collaborating – Social Skills – inclusive mindset and Intercultural competence / Inner Development Goals.

Original Image: Ave Calvar. Unsplash. (2023, February 28).

Edited by Rita Caceros, February 2024.

In recent decades, and I dare say that in the last few years, we’ve been able to realize that the Earth is crying out for climate action from us humans. Its symptoms, of this serious chronic disease called climate crisis, have emerged before our eyes: pollution in every corner of the planet, volcanic activity, high tides, forest fires, soil erosion, water scarcity in rivers and lakes, and extinction of species to mention a few. SDG 13 aims to alleviate some of these symptoms through human action that will help us have a more sustainable future. It’s about empowering individuals, communities, organizations, and nations to make informed decisions advising future climate impacts. In this week's lesson, I could see that SDG 13 cannot be achieved without the other SDGs. We can realize that everything is connected, and interrelated in a larger system. Any step we take and help we provide to a specific SDG will be one more step towards climate action.

Sometimes it feels overwhelming to try to be the person who is part of the "change" when those changes should be on a larger scale, but having a circle around you that gives you the confidence to open up and vent about everything that frustrates you can be a huge help. Change Narrative with the SOME program is an invitation to bring out any feeling we have inside without prejudice and with empathy. It is a project that, through storytelling and talkative spaces, brings together people from communities to have a relationship with the Earth. While I was watching the assigned videos I kept wondering what would happen if we made these groups where we could vent our emotions and have spaces of silence to connect with the Earth? If bookclubs exist, Earthclubs could easily exist and thus promote respect for nature and expand sustainable knowledge.

Something I am excited about in the coming weeks is being able to help an organization that is dedicated to bringing communities, families and individuals together in a fun and generous way. NEAC is in need of swag (promotional products) for its summer program which is attended by everyone from children to adults. This is really something important, with these materials NEAC can let others know about the Community Connection Initiative and bring more communities together. It will be interesting to combine our skills with other students to create functional, well-designed materials that have a social impact beyond aesthetics without leaving aside the sustainable side.

Climate action and design are inherently intertwined within organizational contexts, as sustainable design can serve as a powerful tool to mitigate a company's environmental impact encouraging eco-conscious lifestyles. Design becomes a vehicle for promoting climate action within the organization while contributing to the construction of a more sustainable future. For this week I hope to contribute ideas for swag products and specify as a group which ones we’ll design, what they will be used for, and provide the client with options of various price ranges.

Original Image: Austin Kehmeier. Unsplash. (2020, January 6).

Rita Caceros, February

Ben Weaver, Buffalo Weavers & Change Narrative.

Lesson Class topics

Crawford, Neil J.W, Kavya Michael, and Michael Mikulewicz. Climate justice in the majority world: Vulnerability, resistance, and diverse knowledges. London: Routledge, Taylor & Francis Group, 2024.

References Environment, Faculty of. “Amplifying Marginalised Voices on the Climate Crisis.” Faculty of Environment | University of Leeds, August 30, 2023. https://environment.leeds.ac.uk/faculty/news/article/5680/amplifying-marginalised-voices-on-the-climate-crisis.

Week 7

Climate Justice in the Majority World SD-7640-21-W24 / 7.1 Journal Reflection

Amplifying marginalized voices on the climate crisis: A review of your textbook. Introduction and Chapter 1 of Climate Justice in the Majority World: Vulnerability, Resistance, and Diverse Knowledge. Build your global connections: (r)Evolutionaries & Projects 2023-2024 — Design Science Studio

FOR SOME FOR OTHERS

I’m born and raised in Guatemala, a country that has always been mentioned internationally as a third world country. Psychologically this has created an inferior sense in every way, economically, socially, politically and environmentally. It's a mindset where you think that other countries are better than yours, that they have access to more opportunities and access to resources to solve certain needs. Being in a country that’s part of the Majority World is challenging individually and collectively. Guatemala faces complex challenges every day, from climate challenges to political and educational challenges that imply structural and ideological changes. I actually like the term Majority World better, since literally the majority of the world is the least privileged and growing.

In Guatemala, half of the population lives in poverty, and the other half lives with a medium socioeconomic status, and less than 2% of the population actually has a socioeconomic stratum considered high. This leads mostly indigenous people to be at high risk of climatic, cultural, health and educational consequences. In this week's reading I was able to identify with certain excerpts, since in my country we have experienced similar realities. The conflict in India in chapter one reminded me of the mining conflict in El Estor, Izabal. A Russian-Swiss company in alliance with the Guatemalan Nickel Company (CGN) set up nickel mining operations ilegally, deforesting hectares of forest and extracting this valuable mineral to be used in various international products. The idea was attractive to the population since it provided employment and economic income to the Estor community. Over the years citizens seeing the deterioration of the land and human deaths due to the toxicity of the environment, mobilized and manifested their concerns achieving the cessation of operations in 2023. Not everything was easy, it was a fight against the government, the police, the community and environmentalists. It was a challenge that was postponed for years due to the political situation of the country and its “third worldism.”

This I consider, was another example of activism for climate justice, drawing the attention of international and national media to the climate injustice that the community was experiencing. Climate justice requires people with a different skill sets and backgrounds coming together to achieve drastic actions.

Original Image: Unsplas. Dion Beetson. Accessed February 28, 2024. https://unsplash.com/es/fotos/una-vista-aerea-de-una-cantera-con-una-piscina-azul-oF7hh97lVqAr.

Edited by Rita Caceros, February 2024.

Lesson

Week 8

Climate Justice in the Majority World

SD-7640-21-W24 / 8.6 Journal Reflection

Class topics

Climate Justice in the Majority World Chapter 2 & 3.

References

Crawford, Neil J.W, Kavya Michael, and Michael Mikulewicz. Climate justice in the majority world: Vulnerability, resistance, and diverse knowledges. London: Routledge, Taylor & Francis Group, 2024.

Climate justice action addresses the intersectionality of climate change and social inequality, emphasizing the disproportionate impact of environmental degradation. It advocates for equitable solutions that mitigate climate change while promoting fairness, inclusivity, and collaboration in decision-making. However, government-funded projects often fall short of achieving long-term climate awareness and community development. Deep-rooted issues such as access to electricity, poverty, and poor forest management persist. Organizations like JA! have been instrumental in highlighting these impacts, but limited media coverage hampers public awareness, particularly in vulnerable regions like Mozambique. Prioritizing spaces for vulnerable communities to voice their needs is crucial for promoting climate justice, necessitating increased participation in designing climate policies and regulations.

Climate justice action encompasses various forms of activism, including grassroots movements, policy advocacy, and community organizing, all aimed at fostering a sustainable and just future for all. From reading chapter three I can highlight the strenght of Puerto Rico’s agroecology community and leaders for taking climate justice action further with the Hurricane María devastation. Community resilience becomes a key factor for facing upcoming climate disasters, this resilience builds up by getting the community closer and paying caerful attention to their needs and voices. Puerto Rico’s agroecology is a great example of producers who work towards the future of their country ensuring a sustainable outcome not only for the planet but for the people. Agroecology incorporates agriculture designed for the future through a well-thought-out food system that takes into account region and context. It’s important for them because through an agroecology practice and during the process they ensure a circular and non-linear economy, it has deeper colonial roots in social injustices and the political economic lens. For them agroecology is about being self-sufficient and not depending on the United States.

One sentence that stood out to me was the one written below. Colonialism strongly impacted America and left traces in each country of enduring

Climate justice in the majority world: Vulnerability, resistance, and diverse knowledges. Chapter 3: The Intersection of Climate Justice and Agroecology in Puerto Rico Post-Hurricane Maria: Voices from the Ground. Section 8: Why Is Agroecology So Important to Agroecological Promoters and Producers in Puerto Rico?.

Chapter Four examines the consequences of Cyclone Amphan in southwestern Bangladesh in 2020. It explains the need to understand both short- and long-term impacts and response strategies, particularly for vulnerable communities. It emphasizes the importance of adequate disaster response and recovery, noting how disasters exacerbate existing vulnerabilities and pose gender- and age-specific risks, specifically for women and older people. Despite the efforts of NGOs, challenges such as poor governance, insufficient funding, and voluntary and involuntary displacement persist. Without a doubt, this chapter has tested my level of understanding of the consequences of natural disasters and the help that the population receives without understanding the long-term challenges that people have to go through when they are left with nothing because of it.

That is why chapter five made me understand and delve into the critical role of climate finance in global climate action, particularly in the majority world, which faces disproportionate impacts of climate change. Once again suffering the climatic consequences of the first world. Terms like zemiology, green criminology, and social harm theory enriched my vocabulary. The chapter examines how climate finance institutions like the Green Climate Fund suggest and perpetuate superficial solutions and fail to challenge the structural causes of climate change. The roots of the systems and institutions are very complex but if the root is not attacked the problem will continue to grow without being sustainable. By emphasizing the need for effective mitigation and adaptation plans, it highlights the policy implications in institutional design and resource allocation for climate justice. Additionally, it advocates for interdisciplinary approaches (interrelationships, once again) and meaningful participation of vulnerable populations in decision-making processes.

Certainly this reading was a bit dense and complex to understand, however, I consider it to be a good summary of the topics we have seen in recent weeks. It takes us into concrete examples and systematic solutions designed not only for the well-being of the population but also for the strengthening of processes, structures, financing and institutions. Me being from one of the countries that make up the majority world, I’ve seen that institutions and NGOs market their good acts, but the reasons behind them have always been political and economic, without financing these entities would not exist, without natural disasters and population underdevelopment either. would exist. It makes me question whether the loss of natural resources and underdevelopment are really intentional to continue fueling this business.

Week 10

Climate Justice in the Majority World

Chapters 4 & 5

SD-7640-21-W24 / 10.3 Journal Reflection

Class topics

Climate Justice in the Majority World Chapters 4 and 5.

Original Image: Msbahul Aulia. Unsplash. (2021, April 3). https://unsplash.com/es/fotos/personas-que-caminan-por-la-calle-durante-el-dia-38CTbydRZXI. Edited by Rita Caceros, March 2024.

References

Martin Luther King, Jr. Crawford, Neil J.W, Kavya Michael, and Michael Mikulewicz. Climate justice in the majority world: Vulnerability, resistance, and diverse knowledges. London: Routledge, Taylor & Francis Group, 2024.

Gamarro, Urias. “Guatemala Se Encuentra Entre Los Países Con Peor Calidad de Aire de América Latina, Revela Informe.” Prensa Libre, March 20, 2023. https://www.prensalibre.com/guatemala/comunitario/guatema - la-se-encuentra-entre-los-paises-con-peor-calidad-de-aire-de-america-latina-revela-informe/.

We’ll sure walk towards

References Crawford, Neil J.W.; Michael, Kavya; Mikulewicz, Michael. Climate Justice in the Majority World: Vulnerability, Resistance, and Diverse Knowledges (Routledge Advances in Climate Change Research) (English Edition). Taylor and Francis. Kindle Edition.

Climate justice in Latin America is a critical and crucial issue that must be addressed from a historical perspective. Since colonization, Latin America has had to resurface and challenge colonial ideas that promoted everything from classism, inequality to land appropriation. Latin American countries suffer the consequences of the past and present actions of industrialized powers that are years ahead of them.

As we see in chapter 7, social movements and activism raise people's awareness of the importance of climate justice. Social movements and NGOs demand and make visible concrete actions that address causes for the protection of climate change and the well-being of the inhabitants. This requires national and international cooperation that exchanges knowledge, technologies and economic resources to go further. However, when this type of help is not available, in these times the most accessible tool is digital platforms and social networks where movements raise their voices and followers increase by raising their voices and achieving the same goal. Uniting the community and reducing social or economic gaps. It is vital today to highlight the actions that are being taken and motivate individuals to join the fight for climate justice.

Coming from a Latin American country, I have been able to observe how the vulnerability of the less privileged fuels inequality. Native, indigenous and rural communities are often the most affected, as they depend directly on natural resources for their subsistence and often lack access to basic services and resources to adapt. And the solutions presented, although they seem the best, are not sustainable in the long term, they simply mask a deeper problem.

"Guatemala is among the countries with the worst air quality in Latin America," The news caused a stir among the population, however this title is not new, it has been increasing for years, but now the layer of pollution is more visible and the air quality is worse. The newspaper describes "Exposure to air pollution causes and aggravates several health conditions including, but not limited to, asthma, cancer, lung diseases, heart disease and premature mortality. Air pollution most severely affects already vulnerable populations. More than 90% of pollution-related deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries. Children under 18 years of age, pregnant women, and older adults are at increased risk of developing or worsening health conditions due to exposure to air pollution." (Prensa Libre, 2023) This is just one example of many that threaten the less fortunate, who live in rural areas, women, the elderly and children. It’s time to question whether the solutions we put on the table benefit this group of people, if they are sustainable in the long term and how these people can improve their quality of life with these solutions.

Image by Scott Umstattd. Unsplash, November 17, 2018.https://unsplash.com/es/fotos/mujer-que-lleva-flores-trYLgKiDsR8. Edited by Rita Caceros. April 2024.

From this week's readings I was able to conclude that politics and climate difficulties go hand in hand. The relationship between the two is complex and crucial to addressing the challenges of climate change. Vulnerable areas, such as coastal regions, arid zones and low-income communities, are hardest hit by the impacts of climate change, such as sea level rise, droughts, floods and extreme weather events. Policy plays a fundamental role in mitigating and adapting to climate change in these areas. One way politics can influence climate difficulties is by creating mitigation and adaptation policies. South Africa's edict of 'conservation' is an example worth highlighting where national and natural heritage can be connected and declared as a right to a healthy, protected environment, conserved not only for existing but also for future generations.

As we have seen previously, community participation is a very important factor in ecological policy. Effective policies must involve local communities in decision-making and the implementation of climate measures. Community engagement can help identify the specific needs and priorities of each community and ensure that solutions are culturally appropriate and socially just. It is crucial that policies are inclusive, equitable and science-based to ensure a sustainable future for all people and the planet.

Another important factor is transparency in the media and objectivity. Climate news usually comes with a feeling of negativity, dispair and sadness. These roles and responsibilities of journalism, digital and printed media in climate justice are very important since they inform and open discussion on topics such as climate justice, climate change or policies. In places where the only medium consumed by the masses is the newspaper or television, it is vital that these issues are present in the content they transmit so that the population understands more fully the crisis in which we live, although it may also bring negative feelings. motivate, inspire, encourage and change daily habits of people, companies and government institutions.

The same threats that we suffer here in Guatemala are also threats in Bangladesh, Pakistan or South Africa. This means that the actions we take from anywhere also influence the other side of the world, because we are all passengers on this Planet, and we have to take care of our ship.

Lesson

Week 12

Climate Justice in the Majority World Chapters 9, 10, & 11

SD-7640-21-W24 / 12.2 Journal Reflection

Class topics

Climate Justice in the Majority World Chapters 9, 10 & 11.

“There are no passengers on Spaceship Earth. We are all crew.”

Image by Qingbao Meng. Unsplash,August 4, 2017.

Edited by Rita Caceros. April 2024.

Marshall McLuhan.

References

Crawford, Neil J.W, Kavya Michael, and Michael Mikulewicz. Climate justice in the majority world: Vulnerability, resistance, and diverse knowledges. London: Routledge, Taylor & Francis Group, 2024.

Lesson Class topics

Week 14

Climate Justice in the Majority World Chapters 12 & Conclusion

SD-7640-21-W24 / 14.2

Journal Reflection

Climate Justice in the Majority World Chapters 12 & Conclusion.

We can think of the future as ‘ours to make’ and invent it the way we want, as opposed to preparing for a future the experts tell us to expect.

WORK TOGETHER

https://unsplash.com/es/fotos/barco-blanco-4F4OtnNjpmc.

Chapter 12 of the textbook emphasizes the possibilities of climate migration, but above all the opinion of the inhabitants regarding the risk of floods and environmental challenges. It is very easy to provide solutions with an external lens, however those interviewed had another perspective and a clear desire to save the future of the island without abandoning it. What I can rescue from this chapter was the inspiration it left in me to rethink the meaning of adaptation and resilience. Climate displacement and migration has a much stronger psychological effect if it is an involuntary and unconsidered migration, not only is the sense of belonging lost but the sense of hope is also stripped away. Once again the importance of working together was highlighted, not as a value of teamwork, but as a responsibility to care for the land to which one belongs. It is our responsibility after all to leave it better than we found it, not only for current generations but for those to come.

This was the first textbook I read about climate justice, and I feel privileged to have an opportunity that many people in the majority world do not have. As mentioned in the conclusion, the majority world faces several challenges, mainly in education, creation of spaces and literary resources such as the textbook, and correctly identifying climate problems. This book left me thinking about the complexity of the system in which we live and in which each of us in our community is immersed. All is not lost, I want to believe like those interviewed in the Maldives; that the future visions of the place where I live can be impacted by 'everyday' changes without the need to wait for someone else to rescue us.

References Crawford, Neil J.W.; Michael, Kavya; Mikulewicz, Michael. Climate Justice in the Majority World: Vulnerability, Resistance, and Diverse Knowledges (Routledge Advances in Climate Change Research) (English Edition).

Baldwin, A. (2014). Pluralising climate change and migration: An argument in favour of open futures. Geography Compass, 8(8), 516–528.

https://doi.org/10.1111/gec3.12145.

Image by Rayyu Maldives. Unsplash, November 19, 2019.

Edited by Rita Caceros. April 2024.

Baldwin, A. (2014)

Reflection

Class topics

Week 15

Final Class Reflection

SD-7640-21-W24 / 15.2 Final Class Reflection

Inspirational resources & reflection

And when you quit relying on hope, and instead begin to protect the people, things, and places you love, you become very dangerous indeed to those in power.

In this course we have seen how climate change, climate justice and the majority world are fully connected. Awareness and greater education about climate change is needed, this awareness often leads to a call for climate justice, which is the fair treatment of all people and communities in the face of the impacts of climate change. This awareness can generate hope by galvanizing individuals and communities to take action to mitigate climate change and advocate for equitable solutions. Climate change affects everyone, but its impacts are not distributed equally. Vulnerable communities, often those least responsible for greenhouse gas emissions, are hardest hit by their consequences. Climate justice seeks to address these inequalities by advocating for policies and actions that prioritize the needs and rights of marginalized groups. By recognizing and addressing these disparities, there is hope for a more equitable and sustainable future for all.

Throughout this journal I expressed my ideas and opinion about social problems, climate injustices and ecological crimes related to the textbook Climate Justice in the Majority World: Vulnerability, Resistance, and Diverse Knowledge by Neil J.W. Crawford, Kavya Michael, Michael Mikulewicz, and other resources such as articles, readings, and videos provided throughout the course. Writing weekly in this journal has helped me vent my ideas, emotions and thoughts towards national and international conflicts, it has left me with a feeling of empathy and hope. However, as Jensen (2022) mentions, hope is a longing for a future condition over which you have no agency; it means you are essentially powerless (...) but, when hope dies, action begins. I couldn't agree more with Jensen, hoping that things will change at some point in the future makes us unable to recognize the actions we could take in the present. The reality is that things are bad everywhere in the world, mainly in the countries that make up the Majority World, and altough every day we find news about people, activists, institutions and brands that are doing good for the planet and for communities we can’t rely that other’s do good for us, instead that we do good for ourselves.

This type of thinking leads to having not only hope, but active hope. Active Hope is about finding, and offering, our best response when facing concerns about our world situation, Active Hope. (2024). Hope becomes merely a future wish if it does not go hand in hand with any action. When we begin to offer our actions to change a current situation, hoping to build a better future, that is when things really begin to happen and hope becomes a seed that over time we are certain will become a plant as big as an oak. But we need to start moving, to translate our ideas into actions, to gather together and fight for the present we want. So then comes the question what actions are most fitting when confronted with concerns about our global predicament? I believe that the most immediate action we can take is any action we can take with our own capabilities, privileges, and tools. These actions may not be perfect, they may not meet our expectations, but they’re a good start. The most appropriate action is one that involves action without judgment, with empathy, with knowledge and with love towards others and towards the planet. Climate change and climate justice are rooted in collective action. Addressing the root causes of climate change and achieving climate justice requires collaboration across borders, sectors and generations. When people come together to demand change, advocate for political reforms, and implement sustainable solutions, hope for a better future is maintained.

How can we participate in a collective shift towards a society that fosters the thriving of all life? What personal transformations are necessary to effectively contribute to this monumental transition? Practicing empathy and compassion is a good start, cultivating empathy towards all beings, human and non-human. Recognizing the inherent value and dignity of each individual and striving to understand their perspectives and experiences strengthens human networks and the integrity of the planet. I'd like to motivate and inspire everyone who took the time to read this journal to take action from wherever they are, taking steps with empathy, awareness and above all understanding that on Earth we are not passengers, we are the crew and each one with their skills and strengths can help redesign, regenerate and rethink earth-centered systems where future generations can thrive in harmony with nature.

References Crawford, Neil J.W, Kavya Michael, and Michael Mikulewicz. Climate justice in the majority world: Vulnerability, resistance, and diverse knowledges. London: Routledge, Taylor & Francis Group, 2024.

Jensen, D. (2022, September 12). Beyond hope. Orion Magazine. https://orionmagazine.org/article/beyond-hope/

Active hope. Active Hope. (2024). https://www.activehope.info/ Image by

https://unsplash.com/es/fotos/un-campo-lleno-de-flores-rosas-y-azules-SvrlzbefjiU.

Edited by Rita Caceros.

Derrick Jensen, Orion Magazine: Beyond Hope

ID# 1270694

RITA CACEROS Student

SD-7640-21-W24

Layout and graphic design Rita Caceros Reflections and photography edits Rita Caceros rcaceros@mcad.edu

Zine created for Design For Climate Justice class, Spring 2024. MCAD.