May 14, 2020

Seven Scales for an Ecofeminist Reading of the Pandemic

By Marta Catalan Eraso (martacatalaneraso@gmail.com, website)
The University of Hong Kong

The author will give this presentation at the Pandemic Urbanism Symposium in a session titled “Peripheries and Centers,” from 3:15 – 4:15 PM on May 29, 2020.

Drawing from ecofeminist theories, this paper reflects upon the impact of the current coronavirus emergency in our built environment. From the critique of patriarchal science combined with a concern of the environment, ecofeminists have contributed to cast light into how global processes are biased gendered and unequal. Around the world, multiple initiatives have emerged to tackle the effects of the virus and prompted critical questions about the oppression of women and nature amidst this health crisis. Following, the text examines 7 planetary scales to illustrate the inherent inequalities existing in our current world and argue for a more environmentally sustainable approach that respects our biodiversity.