Cripping Environmental Communication: A Review of Eco-Ableism, Eco-Normativity, and Climate Justice Futurities

Abstract

The field of environmental communication has yet to integrate disability or ableism as a primary area of research or intersectional investment. The ableist silences and disability slights are notable, however. This review essay provides a working definition of eco-ableism, including a summary of disability imagined through medical and social models. Then, the authors reflect on the role of voice as a method. Next, the essay synthesizes existing interdisciplinary literature to establish three broad trajectories of environmental communication research: (1) ecoableism in wilderness and outdoor recreation; (2) eco-normativities in public health discourses; and (3) climate justice futurism as public advocacy. While not exhaustive, the authors hope this review essay will help prompt the overdue cripping of environmental communication.