True Diversity feat. Climate Reframe

In this chat with Sara Telahoun, we discuss Climate Reframe and the pressing need for Diversity and Inclusion in the climate sector, where ethnic minorities make up just 4.8% of the UK workforce. Climate Reframe, launched in 2019, aims to change this by amplifying the voices of diverse environmental advocates, providing media training, and dismantling systemic barriers within the movement.

This blog explores Climate Reframe’s mission to amplify diverse voices in the climate movement and drive equity, inclusion, and systemic change within the environmental sector.

Let’s start with the need for Diversity and Inclusion, what’s your take – why is it so important?

We wouldn’t be where we are today if it wasn’t for diverse perspectives and voices. Not only does having diverse voices foster innovation, promote justice, improve organisational performance, and strengthen social cohesion, but it also creates safe spaces for people to truly be themselves and feel supported. It enhances creativity and problem-solving. It also helps address systemic inequalities, ensuring fairer access to opportunities. In workplaces and movements like climate advocacy, inclusion ensures that all voices, especially those from marginalised groups, are heard, leading to more just and effective outcomes.

This is especially needed in the environmental sector in the UK, which is the second least ethnically diverse sector, with employees identifying as ethnic minorities representing only 4.8% of the workforce in 2021. There is much work to be done to amplify the voices of Indigenous global majority climate advocates, activists, and experts who have been excluded from the media and wider public conversation for a long time.

Can you share a little bit more about what you do? What’s the purpose and mission of your initiative/programme/organisation?

The climate and environment movement is predominantly white, and its lack of diversity hampers climate action. To help redress this imbalance, Climate Reframe was launched in 2019 as a list of 100 UK-based environmental and climate justice activists, experts, and advocates from racialised minority backgrounds. The list was intended to make it easier for the media and those working in the climate and environment movement to find climate experts from diverse backgrounds. Since its launch, many Reframers have benefitted from more local, national, and international media exposure, and Reframe itself has provided media training opportunities and support for its members.

Climate Reframe’s ongoing work is important in dismantling the bias and institutional racism that has resulted in a climate movement that is skewed and imbalanced. We are committed to working with allies and collaborators to challenge media and funding opportunities that continue to go mainly to male- and white-led organisations.

Climate Reframe is about challenging and changing this reality, but it is also about so much more. Climate Reframe is committed to supporting the climate and environment movement in its transformation towards greater justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI). Climate Reframe models a more intersectional, intergenerational, and equity-focused movement.

What do you consider are the potential consequences of a lack of Diversity and Inclusion and what do you see as the main benefits of an inclusive workforce?

Climate change is one of the most complex and important issues affecting the world. We need diverse voices and perspectives to bring healthy challenges and ideas to the table, along with varied expertise. We already know that global majority populations are on the front lines of climate impact, experiencing the worst of extreme weather changes. We must centre Indigenous communities, who have been stewards of vast ecosystems, resisting extractivism and educating the global community on the climate crisis. We also know that having singular perspectives will mean marginalised communities are further distanced from the climate movement, and we need communities from all walks of life to understand and feel empowered to create change.

We believe that BIPOC communities are not only on the front lines of the impacts of the climate crisis; they are also leading with the solutions and analyses that are critically needed for a just future.

How can businesses and potential employers get involved with your initiative/ programme/ organisation?

Use, share and distribute the Climate Reframe directory when looking for speakers or experts on climate and sustainability issues.

Get in touch with us directly via our website to discuss opportunities and potential collaborations.

Follow @Climatereframe on social media to stay updated with our community activity, updates, and events.

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter—the #ReframeRoundUp.

If you are a part of an initiative, brand or company that proactively champions diversity and would like to be featured as part of the “True Diversity” series please get in touch with Tony.

View True Diversity blog collection and EDI directory.