The Climate Justice Initiative uses the power of public art to tell stories about the causes, effects, and solutions to the climate crisis in Lenapehoking (the greater Philadelphia region).
We are a collaboration between front-line organizers, activists, and artists, convened by the Environmental Justice Department of Mural Arts Philadelphia.
CJI COLLABORATORS are organizers, activists, and leaders in communities on the front-lines of environmental justice, working to create a more just future. Environmental hazards affect marginalized communities, especially communities of color, the most. For this reason, Mural Arts’ Environmental Justice Department projects are rooted in front-line communities, centering their knowledge, expertise, and vision.
The mural itself is the result of many months of research, collaboration, conversation, and spirited debate among activists, organizers, and artists. The process of creation is just as important as the mural itself! We aspire to model the principles of a more just future in every aspect of our work, including the design and feedback process. To know more more about our process and our principles, read our full project description.
First-hand stories from CJI collaborators drive the design of the mural image.
At the site of the mural, the hub space hosts community conversations, workshops, and events to inform and activate the public.
Creative Disruptions use the power of public art to intervene directly in local climate injustices, supporting the priorities of collaborating organizations and amplifying their messages.
Since 1492, the systems of colonization, extractive industry, and industrial agriculture have led to displacement, dispossession, and climate catastrophe. CJI’s Land Circle collaborators are providing spaces for Black and Indigenous community members to reconnect with the land, tending it for food, healing, and justice. Learn more about the benefits of community agriculture and Indigenous stewardship, and how you can help!
Incinerators, refineries, and fossil fuel power plants all release pollution that leads to severe health hazards, air and water contamination, and climate change. CJI’s Air Circle collaborators are standing up for the right to breathe clean air, especially in poor and working-class communities of color. Learn more about how you can take action in solidarity, no matter where you live!
Every step along the lifespan of a consumer product releases greenhouse gases, from extraction of raw materials, to processing and production, transportation, and finally disposal. CJI’s Trash Circle collaborators are working towards a future of zero waste, in which the concept of trash no longer exists. Learn more about their initiatives and how you can support them!
The Strategy Circle coordinates with all other circles of the project, ensuring that we are working towards the project goals. The Strategy Circle creates, shares, and upholds the project goals and principles to all collaborators.
The Art Circle listens to collaborators’ stories and designs images, colors, and themes to represent each collaborator’s uniqueness, as well as the “big picture” that ties all of us together.
Lesson 1:
You Live on Turtle Island
Lesson Plan
Rubric
Exit Slip
Extension Activity
Worksheet
Mural Scrolling Video
Mural Scroll (no audio)
Lesson 2:
Climate Justice in Lenapehoking
Lesson Plan
Infographic 1
Infographic 2
Infographic 3
Infographic 4
Infographic 5
Infographic 6
Worksheet
Lesson 3:
Our Environment, Our Home
Lesson Plan
Worksheet
Lesson 4:
Getting to the Roots
Lesson Plan
Rubric
Sample Post (Air)
Sample Post (Land)
Worksheet
Lesson 5:
Project Development
Lesson Plan
Lesson 6:
Project Feedback
Lesson Plan
