As the importance of climate justice grows, UCL Generation One asks the questions: can we address the past for a fairer future? And are historic injustices to blame for today’s climate inequalities? 

In this episode, Mark and Simon discuss the landmark ruling from the International Court of Justice, which declares nations are legally obligated to protect the environment from greenhouse gas emissions. This gives the countries most affected by climate change – many of which are former colonies – the legal right to hold major polluters accountable.

Lawyer and climate activist Farhana Yamin provides context on the ICJ’s decision, explaining the link between climate change and colonialism, and how activism combined with legal action can tackle systematic inequalities.

We then hear from Raffaella Fryer-Moreira (UCL Department of Anthropology), who works with indigenous communities in Brazil. Raffaella reveals how traditional academic practices often enforce historic dynamics, and explores how research projects might include rather than marginalise indigenous knowledge.

Date of episode recording: 23 July 2025

Duration: 00:38:38

Language of episode: English

Presenters: Professor Mark Maslin and Dr Simon Chin-Yee

Guests:

Raffaella Fryer-Moreira (UCL Department of Anthropology)

Farhana Yamin (Climate Justice – Just Transition Donor Collaborative)

Producers: 

Adam Batstone

Caitlin Mullin