Actor and environmental advocate Dia Mirza has addressed the backlash over her remarks linking patriarchy to the climate crisis, saying her comments were misrepresented as an attack on men, writes The Indian Express.
Dia clarified that she was referring to patriarchal systems, power structures and exploitative approaches to consumption and natural resources, rather than blaming men as a group.
The controversy began in June when Dia appeared on Soha Ali Khan’s podcast All About Her. During a discussion on climate change, she said, “It is the men in this world.
It is the men who have driven climate change,” and added, “Patriarchy is the cause for climate change.”
Her comments sparked criticism on social media, with some accusing her of reducing a complex environmental crisis to gender politics.
Responding to the criticism, Dia said, “When one says that patriarchy is responsible for climate change, one is not saying it from a place of being a man-hater.”
She explained that by patriarchy, she meant a mindset that does not value equality, empathy, conservation or responsible use of resources.
According to her, such an approach is “exploitative”, “consumptive” and “destructive”.
Dia also criticised the personal abuse she faced online, saying she would not respond to disrespect with disrespect.
The actor has long advocated for environmental protection and has spoken extensively about sustainability, pollution and climate action.
