Climate Revolution
Before Wanjiku “Wawa” Gatheru embraced the label of “environmentalist” at the age of 19, she spent her formative years knee-deep in soil, tending to gardens alongside her mother and grandmother in Connecticut’s Quiet Corner. As the daughter of Kenyan immigrants, her familial roots include generations of farmers, reflecting a long-standing connection to the land.
Even with such a rich upbringing that fostered a strong bond to the environment, Gatheru, the founder of the national nonprofit Black Girl Environmentalist (BGE), found it challenging to navigate the environmental movement.
“I believed being an environmentalist was reserved for those with wealth, who engaged in activities like hiking and wore brands like Patagonia—things my family couldn’t afford or activities we didn’t partake in,” Gatheru recounts, noting that she didn’t initially see her gardening and outdoor experiences as part of environmental advocacy.
A pivotal moment in her journey came during a high school environmental science class, which she initially approached with indifference. Learning about environmental justice made these concepts resonate on a personal level.
“That class shifted my perspective on environmental issues, illustrating how climate change affects us directly,” she explains. “I gained insight into how the climate crisis not only creates new challenges but also exacerbates existing social inequities. I recognized that if I aimed to create social impact, tackling climate issues had to be a priority.”
Climate Injustice within Black Communities
The unequal impacts of climate change are well-documented, yet those who suffer the most often remain marginalized in environmental discussions. Research supports these disparities.
A study published in the American Journal of Public Health in 2018 indicates that Black individuals face a 1.54 times greater risk of exposure to harmful particulate matter than the general American population.
Though Black Americans represent just 13.6 percent of the U.S. population, they are disproportionately situated near coal-fired power plants, oil refineries, and other industrial sites where environmental problems affect their quality of life.
These inequities result in significant health consequences, with higher mortality rates from diseases tied to environmental issues among Black individuals. Moreover, Black women and girls experience heightened vulnerability to adverse health effects due to the intersecting factors of racial and gender discrimination.
“Women generally bear the brunt of the climate crisis and environmental injustice, as patriarchal systems encroach on our fundamental rights,” Gatheru points out.
“For women of color, especially Black and Indigenous women, systemic racism, colonialism, and imperialism amplify how we face environmental hazards and shape our political agency.”
Moreover, environmental sciences remain one of the least diverse sectors in STEM. In 2021, only 138 Black women graduated with degrees in environmental science, in stark contrast to 2,945 White women and 2,248 White men.
This lack of diversity is exemplified by what experts term “the green ceiling.” Despite making up nearly 40 percent of the U.S. population, people of color account for fewer than 16 percent of workers in environmental organizations.
Experiencing this inequity during her teenage years left Gatheru feeling overwhelmed. The discovery of environmental justice felt serendipitous, yet she saw a lack of engagement on what she deemed “the most pressing issue in the world.” Determined to effect change, she resolved to take action.
The Environmental Movement’s Narrative Challenge
Upon joining the environmental movement at just 15 years old, Gatheru quickly realized she was often the youngest participant, typically by at least two decades, and often the only Black face in the room. She frequently encountered surprise that someone like her cared about these issues.
Gatheru felt a duty to not only remain engaged with the movement—recognizing the need for diverse voices—but also to inspire others to participate. This commitment led to the creation of BGE.
“If you Googled ‘environmentalist,’ you wouldn’t find someone who looks like me,” she observes. “That’s not to say it’s a negative reflection; rather, it illustrates what an environmentalist can look like. However, we want to promote a broader narrative that showcases a diverse representation of environmentalists.”
BGE aims to address this narrative issue by creating pathways for Black girls, women, and gender-expansive individuals to engage with the climate movement, encouraging them to remain involved. The organization has three primary approaches:
1. Green workforce development: Engaging in recruitment strategies that establish a pathway into the climate sector.
2. Community empowerment: Facilitating virtual and in-person events where participants can connect and find camaraderie, motivating further involvement in the movement.
3. Diversity and inclusion through narrative change: Inspiring future activists to envision themselves as part of the environmental movement.
“With BGE, my mission is to ensure that the broader environmental community acknowledges the crucial role Black women and women of color have played in this work,” she states. “This organization serves as a platform for nurturing the next generation of environmental leaders—individuals who, unfortunately, have been undervalued as key stakeholders.”
Fostering the Next Wave of Climate Leaders
BGE offers various programs, including the Hazel M. Johnson Fellowship, a 10-week paid internship focused on climate action, and the HUB program, which holds community-building events across twelve U.S. cities.
The underlying theme in these initiatives is the drive to create opportunities for connections among individuals passionate about environmental issues. Additionally, these gatherings serve as a resource for young people grappling with eco-anxiety stemming from climate change.
At HUB events, Gatheru notes that participants with eco-anxiety discover they are not alone. Building community around shared concerns can be transformative.
“One of the most effective ways to address climate anxiety is to acknowledge it and cultivate community through action,” she advises. “When we unite and harness our collective strength, we can effect meaningful change within our communities, positively impacting our world’s future.”
This article was first published in the September-October 2024 issue of Daitrl magazine (U.S. edition).
