The Right to Know: Environmental Epistemic Justice

Sor Juana insisted on the fundamental right to knowledge and learning, challenging those who would deny education to women and lower classes. Epistemic justice in climate contexts means communities most affected by environmental degradation must access scientific information, participate in research, and shape climate policies affecting their lands. Indigenous communities often possess irreplaceable ecological knowledge suppressed by colonial and corporate interests; climate justice requires centering their voices and intellectual contributions. Environmental racism systematically deprives communities of color from information about toxic facilities, pollution, and health risks near their homes. Following Sor Juana's insistence on intellectual dignity, climate movements must actively dismantle barriers preventing marginalized groups from understanding environmental threats and contributing expertise. This includes funding community science, supporting Indigenous-led research, and designing policies through genuine participation rather than top-down mandates. The right to know—and be heard—is foundational to global climate responsibility.