We all inhabit the same planet, but we have gone too long ignoring the fact that our actions can have a profound impact on communities around the world.

As one of the biggest producers and consumers of fossil fuels, Canada has contributed significantly to the degradation of the environment. The current Conservative government, led by Prime Minister Harper, has also been particularly adamant about ignoring scientific evidence for climate change at the expense of our environment, wildlife, and livelihoods.

However, the negative effects of this carelessness do not impact everyone equally, as the piece on climate justice explores. Climate change, and environmental degradation in general, disproportionately impacts Indigenous communities, who are on the front lines of resistance around the world. Our silence on these disparities is shameful; they should be front and centre in discussions.

The issue of environment is one that is insurmountable: there are a myriad of dimensions that could not all be covered in this special issue. We have tried to tackle a few of these, like forward-thinking research, pipelines that run through Montreal, and Indigenous activism in Canada and worldwide.

It is time to take a stand against climate change by educating ourselves, influencing policy-makers, and making changes to our daily lives. We hope that this issue and our microsite will help you realize the great impact our actions have had, and the urgency of the current situation on our future.