Actor and environmental advocate Dia Mirza has responded to criticism surrounding her recent remarks linking patriarchy to climate change, asserting that her comments were misunderstood and reiterating that she stands by her views.The actor took to Instagram to share a detailed note explaining that she was referring to patriarchal systems and power structures rather than blaming individual men for the climate crisis.
‘I stand by my statement’
Addressing the debate sparked by her comments, Dia wrote, “Since so many of you are debating this, it is timely to explain as simply as one can. I stand by my statement, ‘Patriarchy caused the climate crises.'”She argued that climate change should not be viewed solely as an environmental issue but also as a crisis rooted in inequality.“Climate change is often spoken about as an environmental crisis. But it is also a crisis of inequality,” she wrote.According to Dia, patriarchal systems have historically concentrated power and prioritised extraction over care, leading to environmental degradation and social inequities.
‘Nature and vulnerable communities have been treated as resources’
Elaborating on her point, the actor said that for centuries, systems driven by patriarchal values have treated both nature and vulnerable communities as resources to be exploited.“For centuries, patriarchal systems have concentrated power, prioritised extraction over care, and treated both nature and vulnerable communities as resources to be exploited rather than protected. Much like women and girls are treated in patriarchal societies,” she wrote.Dia further argued that forests, rivers, oceans and ecosystems have often been viewed as commodities, drawing parallels with the way women have historically been treated in unequal societies.“The consequences of this thinking are now impossible to ignore,” she added.
Climate change and gender inequality are interconnected, says Dia
Referring to an episode of All About Her featuring environmental journalist Arati Kumar-Rao, Dia said they had discussed how economic structures built on extraction and domination contribute to climate change.She also claimed that the same systems often attempt to discredit voices advocating for environmental protection and women’s rights.Highlighting the disproportionate impact of climate change on women, Dia wrote, “Women and girls, particularly in vulnerable communities, are often the first to experience the impacts of climate change — through water scarcity, food insecurity, displacement, and loss of livelihoods. Yet they remain underrepresented in almost all of the spaces where environmental decisions are made.”
‘The climate crisis is not only about carbon’
The actor concluded by stressing that meaningful climate action must include conversations around justice, equity and social structures.“When we talk about climate action, we must also talk about justice. We must question the systems that reward endless extraction and consumption while undervaluing care, cooperation, and stewardship,” she wrote.Dia added that the climate crisis extends beyond environmental concerns and reflects broader questions about humanity’s relationship with nature and one another.“The climate crisis is not only about carbon. It is about how we choose to relate to each other and to the natural world. Building a sustainable future requires us to move away from systems of domination and towards systems rooted in equity, compassion, and respect for all life.” Her clarification comes amid ongoing discussions on social media, where her original remarks drew both support and criticism, sparking a wider debate on the intersection of environmental issues, social justice and gender equality.
