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We’ve previously celebrated Black History Month by highlighting the extraordinary work of Black environmentalists throughout history. This year, we wanted to platform Einass Bakhiet – independent climate advisor and certification officer at The Carbon Literacy Project – and her personal journey to becoming an environmentalist.

My personal journey to environmental advocacy

My journey into environmental advocacy is rooted deeply in my family’s story and the legacy of conflict in Sudan, where my parents fled war to build a life in the UK. The conflict they escaped is intrinsically tied to the violent struggle over natural resources—a reality that persists today. This isn’t a story of the past but an ever-present reality that shapes how I understand justice and survival in a world increasingly defined by environmental crises. Friends, family, and others with similar experiences of conflict in their home country confront their own battles – over land, housing, health, and dignity – each a reflection of environmental inequity.

In Sudan, a connection to the land and environment is woven into everyday life—caring for the earth is less an “environmental” act and more an unspoken duty, rooted in community, sustenance, and mutual responsibility. Time spent in nature is an inherent part of culture, an ordinary necessity rather than a conscious choice. For many who migrated to the UK, adjusting to a life where nature is commoditised and limited was a disorienting shift. In Sudan, access to nature is not something one seeks out or has to justify. Embracing a future where people and planet are prioritised is a testament to our shared humanity.

I pursued a degree in politics and philosophy to explore the roots of inequality, shaped by my observations of the contrasting lives of my family in Sudan. My studies revealed how European colonialism was fundamentally rooted in the exploitation of both people and nature, with fossil fuels driving the Industrial Revolution and minerals fuelling technological advancements. This exploitation not only generated significant economic growth but also transformed landscapes and cultures in the process. Consequently, it has entrenched global inequalities, particularly in resource-rich regions like Sudan, which endure the severe environmental and social costs of extraction and exploitation.

This led me to pursue a master’s in environmental governance at Oxford, where I immersed myself in understanding the intricate connections between society and the environment, examining how policies and systems impact both the natural world and communities. My journey continued in the insurance sector, where I focused on climate and sustainability. Today, I am contracted to advise organisations on enhancing their sustainability efforts, ensuring these initiatives reflect the experiences of affected communities and prioritise equity, inclusivity, and empowerment.

Black communities have a fundamental role to play in climate action

People from ethnic minority backgrounds in the UK are four times more likely to live in areas most vulnerable to heat compared to their white counterparts. They also disproportionately inhabit urban environments with poor air quality, as their communities are often sacrificed for roads, airports, and polluting industries. Tragically, the world’s first recorded death attributed to air pollution was that of a Black girl from Lewisham—nine-year-old Ella Kissi-Debrah, who suffered a fatal asthma attack in 2013.

When envisioning nature in Britain, many picture the idyllic countryside, royal parks, and sprawling estates—spaces regarded as safe havens for escapism, yet they can also be exclusionary. Addressing the ecological crisis requires an intersectional approach, recognising the interconnectedness of our identities, well-being, and community relationships. Our respect for the world and its inhabitants is reflected in how we care for our environment. Neglecting the planet also means neglecting our relationships and commitments to each other. Nature can be a powerful source of renewal, as time spent in natural settings reduces stress, enhances mood, improves cognitive function, and boosts our immune systems. It is not merely a luxury; nature is essential to our livelihoods, health, and existence.

This year, I am honoured to be a Churchill Fellow for Climate Change. My mission is clear: to engage more people of colour in outdoor spaces and the environmental sector, raising awareness within Black communities about their crucial role in creating a liveable planet.

It is essential for Black communities to forge meaningful pathways for leadership and advocate for environmental justice that directly addresses their unique challenges. By cultivating a collective commitment to a sustainable future that empowers everyone, we ensure that sustainable solutions authentically reflect the realities of those most affected by environmental issues and embody their visions for the future. Each of us have a stake in protecting the planet and it’s time for Black communities to be at the forefront of decision-making processes.

Black History Month at The Carbon Literacy Project

Last week, I had the privilege of leading a session for The Carbon Literacy Project team with my colleague Ella, where we explored the origins of Black History Month and its unique significance in the UK compared to the USA. We emphasised the importance of recognising different movements, as their contexts vary greatly.

Our discussion also highlighted how Black communities are disproportionately affected by environmental issues, particularly air pollution, which impacts marginalised areas in the UK. Organisations like Ella Law and Choked Up are working tirelessly to address these challenges.

We shared insights into the barriers ethnic minorities face in accessing green spaces and celebrated initiatives like Flock Together, Black Girl Hike, and Wanderers of Colour that promote inclusion. Our personal journeys in environmental work, shaped by our families in the Global South, have also influenced our views on nature and environmental justice.

After sharing our insights, we engaged in meaningful discussions about how to integrate these findings into our work. We highlighted the importance of applying a racial equity lens to climate education, ensuring that the stories of Black communities are woven into our materials and educational efforts on climate change. This approach goes beyond tokenism; it’s about fundamentally transforming our practices to embed principles of equality and justice at every level. By doing so, we can contribute positively to the societal issues affecting these communities and foster genuine change and inclusivity.

As part of this initiative, we launched the Carbon Literacy Black Network, aimed at empowering a vibrant community of Black colleagues.

As an organisation, The Carbon Literacy Project is committed to improving representation and inclusivity in our team and the wider environmental sector.

Our upcoming Community Pot funding round, opening on 1st November 2024, will improve access to Carbon Literacy among UK-based Black, Asian, & Ethnic Minority communities. The theme of this year’s Carbon Literacy Action Day, coming up on 14th November 2024, is Climate Inclusion.

Find out more about our involvement with the latest RACE Report, which we continue to be part of this year. If you are Black, Asian, or belong to an ethnic minority group in the UK, we encourage you to explore opportunities to Work With Us.