Environmental Justice

When we talk about sustainability, we need to zoom out to recognize the deep connections we as a people have with our environment. If we only think about practicing sustainability from a traditional environmental perspective, focusing only on ecosystems and conservation, it is easy to lose sight of these connections. Keeping a primarily ecological view such as this one makes it easy to fall into the trap of thinking that nature exists separately from people, and ignoring the perspectives and realities of much of the world. 

UW Net Impact, a Foster School of Business student group focused on sustainabilty, is hosting a discussion around Climate Justice & Business on Tuesday, April 5 at 5 p.m. in the Paccar Building's Deloitte Commons.

This event will include discussions about climate justice in the global, local, and business context, as well as how to apply principles of climate justice as business leaders.

Snacks will be provided, and all are welcome to attend. Contact ramirezi@uw.edu with any questions.

The 2020 Environmental Justice Conference, hosted by the College of the Environment's Diversity, Equity & Inclusion office, works to bring awareness on environmental and climate justice initiatives, as well as to create a space for dialogue across scales, affiliations, and worldviews. This is the third annual version of the conference, and the first to be held entirely online.

The College of the Environment's Diversity, Equity and Inclusion team at University of Washington (UW) will celebrate its Third Environmental Justice Conference on April 7, 2020 in Alder Hall. This conference emerges from an ongoing conversation across UW departments and community leaders regarding how to foster equitable collaborations with local and global communities.

The UW EarthLab will be hosting a three-part quarterly public lecture and workshop series, aimed at starting a much-needed cross-disciplinary conversation on the question of "What does it mean to center equity and justice in environmental work?" This new EarthLab Salon designed to highlight expertise and leadership on this subject in the UW-wide community, especially among students. We hope to build a foundation of shared understanding, values, and language among participants and foster opportunities for a new cross-cutting community to connect and collaborate on shared interests.

Do you know what environmental justice is, or what environmental hazards are in your community? Join the College of the Environment's Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for an Environmental Justice workshop, facilitated by Front and Centered, to examine environmental and health concerns across Washington. Discuss environmental justice and learn what you can do about it at 12 p.m.

The 2019 Environmental Justice Conference, organized by the Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in the UW College of the Environment, will focus on issues of equity and inclusive collaboration to confront climate disruption. The theme is "In-Reach before Outreach." The main goal of this conference is to reflect on our outreach strategies and look into community-based solutions.

The College of the Environment is hosting a conversation on how UW groups can improve our connections with diverse communities on May 18, 1-4 p.m. in HUB 145.

This fall, Jacqueline Patterson, the director of the NAACP Environmental and Climate Justice Program, came to UW to talk about the intersection of climate science and social justice, and how to work to advance equitable preservation of our environment. Kane Hall was at capacity for the event, but you can watch the entire talk below thanks to the Seattle Channel.

SOC 201 C: Sociology and the Environment is open to all students in all majors. This course will explore a series of campus-local, state, national and global environmental problems through the lens of environmental activism and social movements.

In this class, students will: