‘Not a man-hater’: Dia Mirza on backlash over remarks linking patriarchy to climate change

Dia Mirza, the actor and environmental advocate, has addressed the backlash she received after linking patriarchy to the climate crisis. She clarified that her comments were not about blaming all men, but rather referring to patriarchy and its exploitative and consumption-driven approach. The controversy started in June when Dia appeared on Soha Ali Khan's podcast, stating that "it is the men in this world... who have driven climate change, and they are totally responsible for the chaos" and that "patriarchy is the cause for climate change."

Critics accused her of reducing the complex global crisis to a gender issue and reducing her to a "man-hater." Dia explained that her comments were twisted to fit a narrative that she was disliking men. She emphasized that talking about patriarchy in the context of climate change is not an argument against men. Patriarchy, according to her, is a mindset that does not prioritize equality, care, or responsible use of resources, and it leads to exploitative and destructive behavior towards the environment.

Dia questioned why these practices have become normalized and who benefits from them, pointing out that it is a patriarchal mindset that has plundered our planet. She also addressed the personal nature of the backlash, expressing her disapproval of the disrespectful language used against her online, yet reaffirming her respect for everyone.

Dia Mirza, who is associated with the United Nations Environment Programme, has consistently spoken about sustainability, pollution, climate action, and environmental protection.