Climate Change is Racist: Race, Privilege and the Struggle for Climate Justice – by Jeremy Williams

An in-depth review

Overall Score: 10/10

Quick Review:

Not simply a ‘click-bait’ title, ‘Climate Change is Racist’ draws you in with a pleasant, near-spoken writing style. Jeremy Williams smoothly interweaves anecdotes and accessible language with deep meta-analysis, contextualised examples, and critical engagement with factual information. This is all executed without assuming one example justifies a single approach or reading of reality. The analysis is measured and consistently justified.

Jeremy Williams’s approach is much-needed in the climate change discourse and builds on the work of many minoritised writers referenced throughout the book. Through skilful presentation, ‘Climate Change is Racist’ does not fall into the trap of ‘making everything about race’ in the minimising way that progressive writers are often accused of. A great example of this is when Jeremy Williams discusses intersectionality through the lens of whiteness and social class. Jeremy navigates the reality of harm caused within communities which have not been addressed, such as the harm caused to the white working class by the white bourgeoisie. The need for communities and identities in power to reflect on the harm they cause other people in their community is refreshing and necessary. This is not simply a binary of white vs ‘other’ but rather a complex reality of capitalism compounded upon racism, sexism, ableism, and more.

Many other powerful concepts are addressed both accessibly and meaningfully, such as:

• Societal hierarchies and the inequity for ‘tenants’ versus the landowners and policy-makers
• The marginalisation of women’s rights and contributions, including their presence in the global agricultural labour force
• Intergenerational injustice and consideration of the challenges we are creating for those not yet born who have no voice in the decisions made today
• An overarching awareness of power, representation, and specific examples to demonstrate the injustices

‘Climate Change is Racist’ does not include direct or detailed activities. However, it consistently points the reader towards considerations and approaches which could inform a more positive engagement with climate change and related information. Working through the book is conversation-starting, surprising, and thought-provoking – what you do with that is at your discretion. Though I feel that a nice summative ‘big takeaway’ at the end would have been useful for many readers, it would actually go against the dialogic nature of the book and may detract from the constructivist approach it takes.

Jeremy Williams has taken a truly refreshing approach to this book and affirmed a critically important approach to climate change. ‘Climate Change is Racist’ will be an enlightening read for many and horizon-broadening for those familiar with the topic, whether through the detailed and varied examples or the framing of the ideas. I would encourage all educators who teach climate science in any form to engage with this book and look forward to how this approach can lead to a positive and equitable change in our engagement with climate change.

Detailed review:

Readability – 8/10

‘Climate Change is Racist’ is printed in a fairly small font and maximises text on the page. This book is not conducive to highlighting or note-taking, but it is not written in a style which demands much of that. I would recommend getting digital versions for ease of reading but recognise the size and style make it an easy book to take as a travel companion. There is minimal assumption of prior knowledge, and the focus on contemporary examples makes the book as useful to people familiar with the concepts and theories as those who are new to them. The book is concise and easy to get through rapidly with minimal repetition.

DEIJ (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice) awareness – 10/10

As a concept central to the originating ideas for the book, the consistent inclusion of identity, language, power, class, positionality, etc, in the presentation of ideas is excellent. Minoritised readers may find solace in the affirmations in this book, and those in the geographical space may enjoy seeing these concepts so well discussed and presented.

Mindfully worded and incredibly validating for minoritised readers, Jeremy Williams manages to position his arguments with strength and justification while never stepping into confrontational or minimising territory. An inclusive and engaging form of writing, even for the naysayers. More books written with this awareness, and understanding that the DEIJ perspective can be centre stage while sharing space with critical context and theories, will benefit all academic writing.

Applicability: Work – 9/10

For predominantly secondary teachers, the insights from this book will directly influence your teaching in climate-related topics and all others as you begin to see the racialised elements of many global experiences. The well-detailed case studies are easy to build into a lesson and, as is age-appropriate, excerpts from the book can be challenging and inspirational for 14yrs+ students who may want to deepen their learning.

Applicability: Life – 9/10

As an unavoidable topic, a deeper understanding of climate change for all people on the planet can actually help to reduce the anxiety caused by it. Recognising and understanding the patterns of climate change impacts can help you make sense of things and make better choices. For individuals in positions of power or influence, whether household decisions or for a company or community, this is a must-read which may change some of your day-to-day choices.

Classroom use – 10/10

As mentioned above, this book and the case studies introduced within are ripe for use in lessons within secondary lessons. It can serve as a springboard for educational opportunities alongside approaching climate change through a different lens. I have used excerpts from this text in class and gifted the book to students who have demonstrated a particular interest in this subject area or perspective.

Reading Speed – Moderate to fast

‘Climate Change is Racist’ is a comfortable read with nice pacing. Information-dense enough to take your time or research further, but it rarely feels like you need to put it down to make sense of things. The main points that may take additional time are specific facts and examples which you may want to triple-check, check their progress, or learn more about.

Reading order – Beginning to end

‘Climate Change is Racist’ is written with a strong narrative voice which is both self-referential and calculated in how ideas and concepts build upon each other. Definitely read from beginning to end to follow Jeremy Williams’s journey and how he validates his ideas.

Uniqueness – Game-changer

‘Climate Change is Racist’ is a fresh take on climate change which, though not completely original – there are a wealth of minoritised academics who have made these points clear who Jeremy Williams acknowledges and references – is approached in a very accessible way and has benefitted from a timely release. Hopefully, ‘Climate Change is Racist’ and this style of writing will lead to more direct and considered books presenting the inequities in global change while making the work accessible to readers.

Have fun reading ‘Climate Change is Racist’; it may have you looking at the world differently.