Prison Abolition & Climate Justice

Sep 9, 2019

In the United States, many advocates of a Green New Deal have included the call for prison abolition — a vision that would also expand democracy, as inmates are currently prevented from voting. In Canada, however, the connection between a Green New Deal and prison abolition has yet to be made explicit or widespread.

How does ending the carceral system relate to climate justice? Many believe undoing entrenched systems of racism and violence and moving towards a just society begins with reparations, alternatives to policing and the dismantling of the prison industrial complex.

What obligation do climate justice advocates have to include principles of restorative and transformative justice in their work, and what can that look like? How can the climate movement work for prison abolition as a core strategy for shared liberation and a society where all are welcome and safe?

Panelists:

El Jones

Robyn Maynard

Cedar

Watch video here.