Actor and environmental advocate Dia Mirza has defended her recent remarks linking patriarchy to climate change, saying her comments were misunderstood and reiterating that she was referring to patriarchal systems rather than blaming individual men.

In a video shared on Instagram, Mirza clarified her position after facing criticism over comments she made during a recent podcast appearance. She said climate change should not only be viewed as an environmental challenge but also as a crisis rooted in inequality.

 

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A post shared by Dia Mirza Rekhi (@diamirzaofficial)

Dia Mirza Explains Her Statement

Addressing the controversy, Mirza said she stood by her statement that patriarchy has contributed to the climate crisis.

According to the actor, patriarchal structures have historically concentrated power and prioritised extraction and exploitation over care and protection, leading to environmental degradation.

She argued that both natural resources and vulnerable communities have often been treated as commodities under such systems.

Comparison Between Nature and Women

Mirza drew parallels between the exploitation of ecosystems and the treatment of women in patriarchal societies.

She said forests, rivers, oceans and ecosystems have long been viewed as resources to be exploited, adding that women have similarly faced objectification and marginalisation.

The consequences of this approach, she said, have become increasingly evident as climate-related challenges intensify around the world.

Remarks Sparked Debate Online

The controversy began after Mirza appeared on actor Soha Ali Khan’s podcast, where she said that men had driven climate change and were responsible for the chaos and suffering being witnessed globally.

Her comments quickly triggered debate on social media, with some users criticising the remarks and questioning the broader argument linking patriarchy to environmental degradation.

The actor subsequently released a clarification to explain that her criticism was directed at systems of power rather than individuals.

Discussion Rooted in Environmental Research

Mirza said the issue had also been discussed with environmental journalist Arati Kumar-Rao during an episode of the programme All About Her.

According to the actor, they examined how extractive and dominance-based systems largely controlled by men had shaped economic structures that contribute to climate change.

She further argued that the same systems also seek to undermine voices advocating environmental conservation and women’s rights.

Women Bear Disproportionate Impact of Climate Change

Mirza highlighted that women and girls, particularly those belonging to vulnerable communities, are often among the first to experience the effects of climate change.

She pointed to challenges such as water scarcity, food insecurity, displacement and loss of livelihoods, while noting that women remain under-represented in environmental decision-making processes.

The actor argued that these realities underscore the need for a more inclusive and equitable approach to climate policy.

Climate Action Must Focus on Justice, Says Mirza

Calling for a broader understanding of climate action, Mirza said the conversation should extend beyond carbon emissions and include issues of justice and equity.

She argued that sustainable development requires moving away from systems that reward excessive extraction and consumption and towards values centred on care, cooperation and stewardship.

Despite the criticism surrounding her remarks, Mirza maintained that her comments were intended to highlight the role of patriarchal systems in driving environmental degradation and reiterated that she stands by her original statement. Also Read | Dia Mirza Says Storytelling Can Encourage Climate Action and Change

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