Climate change is not only an environmental problem; it is a social issue. Climate Justice recognizes that different communities feel the effects of climate change differently; however, the impacts of climate change are not felt equally. Low-income communities, Indigenous communities, people of colour, people with disabilities, seniors, women and children can all be susceptible to the risks caused by climate change. Climate justice is about equality so that everyone has equal access to basic needs such as clean air, food, shelter and clean water. Fighting climate change and its adverse impacts on our social, economic, and health is urgent, which is why teaching students about climate justice is so important.
As climate change is only becoming more of an issue over time, educators need to introduce both the topics of climate change and climate justice into their classrooms. By teaching students about climate justice, educators are giving them the information they need on social issues to make informed decisions regarding climate change in the future.