Dia Mirza says ‘patriarchy causes climate crisis’: What is ecofeminism and why is the idea so debated?

Actor and environmental advocate Dia Mirza recently sparked a debate after reiterating her view that patriarchy plays a significant role in the climate crisis. The remark, which drew both support and criticism online, has brought renewed attention to a concept that has existed for decades- ecofeminism.

While the idea may sound contemporary, ecofeminism has deep roots in environmental and feminist thought. Supporters argue that the same systems that have historically exploited women have also encouraged the exploitation of nature. Critics, however, contend that the theory can be overly broad and risks simplifying a complex global problem.

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So what exactly is ecofeminism, and why does it continue to divide opinion?

What is ecofeminism?

According to Encyclopaedia Britannica, ecofeminism is a philosophical and social movement that links the oppression of women with the degradation of the natural environment. It argues that both stem from hierarchical systems that place value on domination, control and exploitation.

The term "ecofeminism" was coined in 1974 by French writer and activist Françoise d'Eaubonne in her book Le Féminisme ou la Mort (Feminism or Death). She argued that unchecked patriarchal structures, population growth and environmental destruction were interconnected.

Over the following decades, ecofeminism evolved into a broader intellectual movement, drawing from environmental studies, sociology, philosophy and grassroots activism.

Why does ecofeminism connect patriarchy and climate change?

Ecofeminist thinkers argue that many societies have historically been organised around systems of dominance- over women, indigenous communities, animals and natural resources.

According to the European Institute of the Mediterranean (IEMed), ecofeminism examines how cultural attitudes that value control, competition and extraction can contribute to both gender inequality and environmental degradation.

The argument is not that individual men are responsible for climate change. Rather, ecofeminists focus on broader social, political and economic structures that have traditionally concentrated power in male-dominated institutions and industries.

Supporters point out that communities most affected by climate-related disasters are often women, particularly in developing countries, where they may have less access to resources, land ownership, education and decision-making power.

Why do some people support ecofeminism?

Supporters see ecofeminism as a framework that helps explain why environmental and social justice issues are often interconnected. Research and international reports have repeatedly shown that women are disproportionately affected by climate-related challenges such as droughts, food insecurity, displacement and natural disasters. Advocates argue that climate policies become more effective when they include gender perspectives and local community leadership.

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Ecofeminism has also influenced environmental movements worldwide by encouraging more holistic approaches to sustainability, conservation and development. Many scholars argue that environmental solutions should not focus solely on technology or economics but also on questions of power, equity and social justice.

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Why do critics disagree?

Not everyone accepts the ecofeminist argument. Critics contend that linking environmental destruction too closely with patriarchy can oversimplify the causes of climate change. They argue that industrialisation, consumerism, population growth, geopolitical interests and economic systems are major drivers that cannot be reduced to gender dynamics alone.

Some academics have also criticised earlier strands of ecofeminism for suggesting that women are inherently closer to nature. They argue that such assumptions can unintentionally reinforce traditional gender stereotypes rather than challenge them.

Others maintain that environmental problems affect everyone and should be addressed through evidence-based policies rather than ideological frameworks.

Why is the debate still relevant today?

The discussion around ecofeminism has gained renewed attention as climate change increasingly intersects with issues of inequality, migration, public health and human rights.

Modern ecofeminist scholars tend to focus less on biological differences between men and women and more on how social and economic systems shape environmental outcomes. Their work often overlaps with conversations about climate justice, indigenous rights and sustainable development.

Whether one agrees with the theory or not, ecofeminism has become an influential lens through which many activists, academics and policymakers examine the relationship between society and the environment.

Dia Mirza's comments have once again brought that conversation into the mainstream, highlighting a debate that extends far beyond celebrity headlines. At its core, ecofeminism asks a fundamental question- can humanity solve the climate crisis without also examining the structures that shape how power, resources and responsibility are distributed?