This dissertation explores the emerging concept of climate justice. I conducted interviews with 12 grassroots climate activists to explore climate justice as an approach to sociopolitical change. All participants are feminist figures of color who were identified by their own communities as leaders in the climate justice movement.Personal stories illuminate important nuance, context, and complexity in the climate justice discourse and highlight the role of underrepresented actors in affecting place-based change. An emergent thematic analysis of these conversations surfaces persistent and damaging impacts of U.S. political and economic systems on marginalized communities and the shared belief that in order to be effective, climate solutions need to acknowledge the interwoven nature of environmental justice, gender equity, and Indigenous resilience. Participants argue for the pressing urgency of both collective action and political resolve to confront the complex challenges of climate change and social inequality. Their experiences on the frontline provide insight into effective actions toward just and sustainable change.
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