Improving Online Dialogues about Justice and Equity in Climate and Science Policy

Abstract:

Many people in climate and science discussions struggle with justice-related issues, particularly when they see critical perspectives aimed at scientific institutions, prominent scientists, and science celebrities—such as older white men who hold popular leadership positions in our communities—on online platforms. At the same time, social media has made perspectives from justice-based advocates in and outside the scientific community much more accessible to people who may not have had the opportunity to learn about these perspectives earlier in their education or careers. This can create a fraught ground for dialogue. Nevertheless, such dialogues are becoming more common and occurring more frequently, many are coming to terms with the injustices and violence that Black people and other minoritized groups experience as a product of institutionalized racism, as well as misogyny, bigotry, and ableism. Tools that simultaneously enhance the productivity of these discussions while diminishing the harms that marginalized individuals often incur during such conversations are necessary to advance the conversation. We developed a guide that offers brief summaries regarding justice- and equity-based approaches to climate policy, suggestions for improving dialogues and collaborating to advance justice, and resources for further reading and reflection, as well as responses to common questions.