LibGuides: Environmental Justice: Racial Equity & Justice

Books

Intersectional Environmentalist (2022)
In (very) brief chapters, Leah Thomas overviews foundational terminology, concepts, and moments in environmental justice history. The book contains suggestions and advice from BIPOC environmental justice activists, scholars, and educators from all disiplines. Additionally, Thomas includes group discussion questions and a toolkit with resources for future and current environmental activists.

Invisible No More: Voices from Native America (2023)
A collection of environmental justice stories and frameworks from Indigenous leaders, the majority of whom are women. The authors describe colonial violence, genocide, and the establishment of U.S. public lands through the forced removal of Native peoples. The authors also discuss how traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) can be used for natural resource management, justice, and equity solutions.

Latinx Environmentalisms: Place, Justice, and the Decolonial (2019)
A collection of essays and interviews on Latinx environmental frameworks, perspectives, and decolonial solutions. The works build upon queer studies, disability studies, gender studies, and critical race theory to examine Latinx environmentalisms as they emerge in film, literature, art, and grassroots organizing.

Racial Ecologies (2018)
Essays from scholars and activists of color who examine both environmental injustices and solutions for just futures. All authors center racial equity and interdisciplinary scholarship, art, and activism. Topics include Asian American activism, fossil fuel extraction, and Black-led farming.

The State of Diversity in Environmental Organizations: Mainstream NGOs, Foundations & Government Agencies (2014)
Written by environmental justice scholar Dorceta Taylor for Green 2.0, the groundbreaking report examined racial and ethnic diversity nationally in environmental organizations, and is often cited as a call for restructuring DEI policy and initiatives. Notably, it found that "ethnic minorities occupy less than 12% of the leadership positions in the environmental organizations studied."

Green 2.0
A nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing meaningful representation of BIPOC communities and individuals in the environmental sector. They publish research reports, educate members of Congress, and advocate for diverse voices in shaping environmental policy, foundation, and NGO work.

Feminist Bird Club With chapters across the U.S., the Club is dedicated to increasing queer, BIPOC, and women meaningful involvement and representation in the birding world. They have a Boston chapter.
Justice Outside Advances "racial justice and equity in the outdoor and environmental movement." Justice Outside hosts an annual Outdoor Educators Institute and a Rising Leaders Fellowship. They particularly support programming uplifting BIPOC youth initiatives.
Latino Outdoors Latine-led organization that creates educational programming, activities, and leadership opportunities for Latin@ communities. Their Yo Cuento blog amplifies diverse stories and perspectives in the environmental field.
Outdoor Afro Connects Black people and communities to 'land, water, and wildlife' through recreation and educational programming, including skiing, hiking, gardening, and biking. They also train hundreds of volunteers to lead outdoor initiatives safety and sustainably. Creates programming for Black communities through
Outdoor Asian A network of AAPI chapters that lead outdoor and educational programming. While they have a website, their Instagram chapters are more active with event postings.
Soul Trak Outdoors Connects communities of color to outdoor spaces through their youth, college, and environmental leadership programming. They also organize events (hiking, kayaking, bouldering, etc.).