Environmental Justice

Definition

Environmental justice is a social movement and a field of study that seeks to address the disproportionate impact of environmental hazards on marginalized communities, ensuring fair treatment and involvement in environmental decision-making. This concept is tied to broader issues of social equity, recognizing that low-income and minority groups often bear the brunt of pollution and environmental degradation, while lacking access to the same resources for advocacy and recovery.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The environmental justice movement gained significant momentum in the United States during the 1980s, particularly after the 1982 protests against a hazardous waste landfill in Warren County, North Carolina.
2. Environmental justice advocates argue that access to a clean environment is a fundamental human right that should be afforded to all individuals, regardless of race or socioeconomic status.
3. The U.S. government has established policies, such as Executive Order 12898, which directs federal agencies to identify and address disproportionately high environmental impacts on minority and low-income populations.
4. Research shows that communities with higher concentrations of low-income residents and people of color are often located near industrial sites, landfills, and other environmental hazards.
5. The concept of environmental justice has expanded globally, influencing international movements focused on sustainable practices, climate change, and human rights.

Review Questions

• How does environmental justice address the disparities faced by marginalized communities in relation to environmental hazards?
  • Environmental justice highlights the unequal distribution of environmental risks, emphasizing how marginalized communities often face greater exposure to pollutants and hazards. It seeks to ensure these communities are treated fairly in decision-making processes concerning environmental issues. By advocating for equitable policies, it aims to correct historical injustices where low-income and minority groups have been disproportionately affected by environmental degradation.
• What role does public participation play in advancing the goals of the environmental justice movement?
  • Public participation is crucial for advancing environmental justice because it empowers affected communities to have a voice in decisions that impact their health and environment. By involving citizens in planning and policy-making processes, advocates can ensure that the concerns of marginalized groups are recognized. Effective public engagement helps build coalitions for change and promotes transparency in environmental governance.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of government responses to the environmental justice movement and their impact on policy changes at local and national levels.
  • Government responses to the environmental justice movement have had mixed effectiveness. Initiatives like Executive Order 12898 signify recognition of environmental inequalities; however, implementation often falls short. While some policies have resulted in greater attention to marginalized communities, critics argue that enforcement remains weak, leading to continued disparities. Assessing their impact requires analyzing specific case studies where policies led to tangible improvements in community health outcomes versus instances where lack of action perpetuated existing injustices.

Related terms

Environmental Racism: A term that describes the systemic placement of hazardous waste sites and polluting industries in communities predominantly inhabited by people of color.

Sustainable Development: An approach to growth that seeks to balance economic development with environmental protection and social equity.

Public Participation: The involvement of citizens in decision-making processes regarding environmental policies and practices that affect their lives and communities.