Students of colour views on racial equity in environmental sustainability

Tania M. Schusler (), Charlie B. Espedido, Brittany K. Rivera, Melissa Hernández, Amelia M. Howerton, Kailin Sepp, Malcolm D. Engel, Jazlyn Marcos and V. Bala Chaudhary
Additional contact information
Tania M. Schusler: Loyola University Chicago
Charlie B. Espedido: Loyola University Chicago
Brittany K. Rivera: Loyola University Chicago
Melissa Hernández: Loyola University Chicago
Amelia M. Howerton: Loyola University Chicago
Kailin Sepp: Loyola University Chicago
Malcolm D. Engel: DePaul University
Jazlyn Marcos: DePaul University
V. Bala Chaudhary: Dartmouth College

Nature Sustainability, 2021, vol. 4, issue 11, 975-982

Abstract: Abstract Racial and ethnic diversity in environmental sustainability advances social equity and innovation, solving social-ecological crises. Yet, Black, Indigenous and people of colour (BIPOC) remain underrepresented in sustainability fields despite high environmental concern. Universities provide pathways to sustainability careers and help diversify the field by making programmes more equitable and inclusive for racially minoritized students. Toward this end, we interviewed undergraduate BIPOC students in interdisciplinary environmental and sustainability degree programmes about their experiences. Their observations reflect a legacy of systemic racism that persists today within environmentalism. Many described motivations connecting ecological and social well-being but lamented limited interdisciplinary and global perspectives in the curriculum. Experiences of discrimination, lack of relatability and limited discussions of race led to feeling isolated and excluded. Support networks, extracurricular participation and BIPOC-specific opportunities improved student inclusion and belonging. BIPOC students hold knowledge unapparent to non-marginalized groups that illuminates pathways to racial equity in environmental sustainability.

Date: 2021
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DOI: 10.1038/s41893-021-00759-7

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