How do you campaign for climate in times of war?

Without social justice there is no environmental justice

By Natasa Ioannou

Advocating for environmental justice in crucial times of war is always an agonising and painful challenge. The urgency to safeguard our environment remains unwavering, but the turmoil of war clouds our efforts, leaving us questioning the efficacy and ethical implications of our actions. It is a struggle that weighs heavily on one’s conscience and elicits a range of feelings, from empathy and grief for the affected communities and innocent people, rage and horror at war crimes, atrocities, kidnappings and violence. During these times of scary turmoil, how can you find the words and actions to convey any sort of message for climate justice?

The dilemma of whether to continue our environmental campaigning efforts during times of war is not only a philosophical one but also an emotional one deeply rooted in empathy for people who are bearing the heavy effect of the fighting. While there is still a compelling need to bring attention to environmental destruction, human suffering is a more urgent issue that requires our immediate attention. War’s destruction causes scars that last for many generations, displacing communities, destroying livelihoods, and exacerbating the vulnerabilities of the weak and marginalised. It serves as a heartbreaking reminder of the close connection between the fight for human dignity and world peace and the fight for environmental justice.

In these critical moments, silence can seem like complicity, yet speaking out can appear heartless in the face of human tragedy. The dilemma lies in navigating this delicate balance, where advocating for the environment does not diminish the gravity of human suffering but amplifies the urgency for long-term, peaceful solutions that can alleviate the burden on both humanity and the environment. It is a call to action that necessitates a subtle approach, one that acknowledges the interconnectedness of environmental and social justice, emphasising the imperative of addressing the root causes of conflict and environmental degradation simultaneously.

I am not sure if this is “both sides-ism”. Our work is fundamentally motivated by our common humanity and compassion. It is imperative to highlight the troubles of communities affected by war and to showcase that when elephants fight, it is always the grass that suffers. Wars always have repercussions, and we will see the rise of extreme behaviours, actions and far-right narratives on our screens. Can we interconnect or even articulate the nature of challenges and foster a sense of collective responsibility that goes beyond the national borders and ideologies, uniting us in a common cause to protect both human life and the environment? I have yet to answer this in my mind.

The road ahead is filled with uncertainties, but we need to remember that even in the darkest of times, the flame of hope must not be extinguished. By channelling our empathy into action, we can strive to demand actions and solutions that promote peace, restoration of communities and environmental justice. This calls for fostering dialogues that prioritise inclusivity and empathy, cultivating a sense of shared humanity that transcends the animosities of war and fosters a collective commitment to building a more sustainable and equitable future. It calls for actions and campaigning that includes social justice in our narratives as environmental activists. We cannot continue talking on environmental issues singlehandedly without addressing social justice. We need to stop trying to find the environmental hook to rationalise, explain or even defend our demands for peace.

Without social justice there is no environmental justice. We should not abandon one cause for another. We need to speak up and showcase the interdependence and connectivity of environmental and social justice.

As activists, we need to equip ourselves, with the strength to navigate these times with empathy, resilience and unwavering determination. Demanding peace is not far from our work on environmental justice. If we lose sight of a peaceful future for all, if we stop voicing injustices socially and environmentally, then what are we fighting for?

Natasa Ioannou is an environmental biologist working as a project officer for Friends of the Earth Cyprus and the general secretary of Ecological Movement Cyprus. Her focus includes education and public awareness campaigns, as well as activism, community organising and mobilising on environmental justice issues