11.3 Global Environmental Justice Issues
3 min read•july 23, 2024
Environmental justice issues span the globe, affecting vulnerable communities disproportionately. Climate change, , and pollution hit developing countries and marginalized groups hardest, worsening existing inequalities and creating new challenges.
Trade agreements often prioritize profits over people and the planet. Meanwhile, international efforts like the UN's Sustainable Development Goals and grassroots activism aim to address these injustices, but face significant hurdles in creating meaningful change.
Global Environmental Justice Issues
Global environmental justice issues
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- Climate change
- Disproportionately impacts developing countries and marginalized communities with limited resources to adapt
- Rising sea levels threaten low-lying coastal areas and island nations (Maldives, Tuvalu)
- Increases frequency and intensity of extreme weather events (hurricanes, droughts)
- Poses significant threats to food security and water availability in vulnerable regions (sub-Saharan Africa)
- Resource extraction
- Multinational corporations exploit natural resources in developing countries with weak environmental regulations (Nigeria, Ecuador)
- Displaces indigenous communities due to mining, logging, and oil drilling activities ()
- Causes severe environmental degradation and pollution, affecting local ecosystems and public health
- Often lacks adequate compensation and benefits for affected communities, perpetuating poverty and inequality
Distribution of environmental impacts
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- Polluting industries and waste disposal sites are disproportionately concentrated in low-income and minority communities (Flint, Michigan)
- Disadvantaged areas often lack access to clean air, water, and green spaces, leading to health disparities
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- Developed nations have historically exploited and continue to exploit natural resources in developing countries (colonial era, present-day extractive industries)
- Global North consumes a disproportionate share of resources and has a larger carbon footprint compared to the Global South
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- Environmental degradation, natural disasters, and climate change impacts force communities to relocate (coastal Bangladesh, Pacific islands)
- Displaced populations often have limited resources and support, exacerbating existing vulnerabilities
Trade agreements and environmental justice
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- Prioritize economic growth over environmental protection and social welfare, leading to environmental degradation
- Encourage relaxation of environmental regulations to attract foreign investment (maquiladoras in Mexico)
- Enable exploitation of natural resources and cheap labor in developing countries by multinational corporations
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- Large-scale infrastructure projects (dams, highways) displace communities and disrupt local ecosystems (Three Gorges Dam in China)
- Often lack adequate consultation and compensation for affected populations, violating their rights
- Benefits are unequally distributed, with profits flowing to foreign investors and local elites while communities bear the costs
International environmental justice efforts
- (SDGs)
- 17 goals aimed at addressing global challenges, including environmental justice issues (clean water, affordable clean energy)
- Progress is hindered by insufficient funding, lack of political will, and weak accountability mechanisms
- on climate change
- International treaty aims to limit global temperature rise and support climate adaptation efforts in vulnerable countries
- Criticized for insufficient emission reduction targets and lack of binding commitments from major emitters
- Environmental justice movements and activism
- Grassroots campaigns and protests draw attention to environmental injustices and demand action ( against Dakota Access Pipeline)
- Activists face challenges such as limited resources, political opposition, and threats to their safety (murder of Honduran activist )
- Role of international organizations and NGOs
- Provide advocacy, research, and support for affected communities (Greenpeace, Environmental Defense Fund)
- Limited by dependence on donor funding and need for greater coordination and collaboration among organizations
Key Terms to Review (15)
Amazon Rainforest: The Amazon Rainforest is the largest tropical rainforest in the world, spanning across nine countries in South America and covering approximately 5.5 million square kilometers. This vast ecosystem plays a crucial role in regulating the global climate, supporting biodiversity, and sustaining indigenous communities, making it a significant focus in discussions about global environmental justice issues.
Berta cáceres: Berta Cáceres was a prominent Honduran environmental activist and indigenous leader, known for her work in defending land rights and environmental protection, particularly against the impacts of mining and hydroelectric projects. Her advocacy focused on the rights of the Lenca people and highlighted global environmental justice issues, as she fought for sustainable practices and the protection of natural resources from exploitation.
Climate displacement: Climate displacement refers to the forced movement of individuals or communities due to the adverse impacts of climate change, such as rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and changing environmental conditions. This phenomenon is increasingly recognized as a pressing global issue that intersects with human rights, social justice, and environmental policies.
Climate justice movement: The climate justice movement is a social and political initiative that seeks to address the disproportionate impacts of climate change on marginalized communities while promoting equitable solutions. It emphasizes that climate change is not just an environmental issue but also a matter of human rights, social equity, and justice. The movement advocates for policies that recognize the interconnectedness of ecological sustainability and social justice, pushing for the voices of affected communities to be heard in climate action discussions.
Ecological Debt: Ecological debt refers to the concept that certain countries or regions have incurred a 'debt' to the environment due to their over-exploitation of natural resources and failure to restore ecosystems. This term highlights the imbalance between the ecological footprints of different nations, especially where wealthier countries disproportionately consume resources, leading to environmental degradation in poorer nations. Ecological debt emphasizes the need for accountability and reparative measures to address these environmental injustices.
Environmental Racism: Environmental racism refers to the disproportionate impact of environmental hazards on communities of color and low-income populations, often resulting from systemic inequalities in environmental policy and decision-making. This term highlights how marginalized groups are frequently located near hazardous waste sites, industrial facilities, and areas with poor air and water quality, raising important questions about justice and equity in environmental governance.
Environmental Refugees: Environmental refugees are individuals or groups who are forced to leave their homes due to sudden or gradual environmental changes that adversely affect their living conditions. These changes can include natural disasters like floods and hurricanes, as well as long-term issues such as droughts, desertification, and rising sea levels. The phenomenon highlights the intersection of environmental issues and human rights, raising critical questions about justice and support for those displaced by factors beyond their control.
Flint Water Crisis: The Flint Water Crisis refers to a public health emergency that began in 2014 when the drinking water supply for Flint, Michigan was contaminated with lead and other toxins after the city switched its water source to the Flint River. This crisis highlights significant issues related to environmental justice, governance, and the impact of socio-economic factors on public health and safety.
Free trade agreements: Free trade agreements (FTAs) are treaties between two or more countries that aim to reduce or eliminate trade barriers, such as tariffs and import quotas, to promote international trade. These agreements can significantly impact economic relationships and environmental policies, influencing how countries manage their resources and environmental regulations.
Indigenous land rights movement: The indigenous land rights movement is a social and political initiative aimed at recognizing and protecting the rights of indigenous peoples to their ancestral lands and resources. This movement addresses historical injustices, promotes self-determination, and seeks to ensure that indigenous communities have control over their traditional territories, which is essential for preserving their cultures and sustaining their livelihoods.
Mega-development projects: Mega-development projects refer to large-scale infrastructure initiatives that aim to significantly transform urban, economic, or environmental landscapes. These projects often involve substantial financial investment and can encompass a range of activities including transportation networks, energy production facilities, and urban redevelopment. While they promise economic growth and modernization, they frequently raise significant concerns regarding social equity and environmental justice.
Paris Agreement: The Paris Agreement is a landmark international accord adopted in 2015 to combat climate change and limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, aiming for 1.5 degrees Celsius. It brings together nearly all nations in a unified effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, enhance resilience to climate impacts, and support developing countries in their climate action efforts.
Resource extraction: Resource extraction refers to the process of retrieving natural resources from the environment for economic use. This process often leads to significant environmental changes and impacts, shaping landscapes and ecosystems while affecting social structures and economies.
Standing Rock Protests: The Standing Rock protests were a series of demonstrations that took place from 2016 to 2017 in North Dakota against the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline. These protests highlighted issues of environmental justice, Indigenous rights, and the broader implications of fossil fuel extraction on water sources and sacred lands, drawing global attention to the struggles of Native American communities.
United Nations Sustainable Development Goals: The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a universal call to action aimed at ending poverty, protecting the planet, and ensuring prosperity for all by 2030. These 17 interconnected goals provide a framework for addressing global challenges such as inequality, climate change, and environmental degradation, emphasizing the importance of sustainability in achieving justice and equity across different regions and communities.