Environmental Justice

Definition

Environmental justice refers to the fair distribution of environmental benefits and burdens, ensuring that all communities, especially marginalized and vulnerable groups, have equal access to a healthy environment and protection from environmental hazards. This concept emphasizes the intersection of social justice and environmental policy, highlighting how systemic inequalities often lead to disproportionate exposure to pollution and other environmental risks among disadvantaged populations.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Environmental justice emerged as a movement in the 1980s, primarily driven by communities of color who were fighting against the placement of hazardous waste sites in their neighborhoods.
2. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) formally recognized the concept of environmental justice in 1994 with Executive Order 12898, which aimed to address disproportionately high and adverse effects of environmental hazards on minority populations.
3. Studies show that low-income and minority communities often live closer to sources of pollution, such as factories or landfills, leading to higher rates of health issues like asthma and other respiratory diseases.
4. Environmental justice advocates not only focus on reducing pollution but also work towards increasing access to green spaces and promoting sustainable practices in disadvantaged communities.
5. The concept challenges traditional regulatory approaches by calling for community involvement in decision-making processes related to environmental policies that affect their lives.

Review Questions

• How does the concept of environmental justice relate to regulatory approaches in addressing pollution disparities?
  • Environmental justice highlights the need for regulatory approaches that are not just reactive but proactive in addressing the root causes of pollution disparities. It calls for regulations that ensure equitable enforcement of environmental laws across all communities, particularly those that have historically faced higher exposure to environmental hazards. By integrating community voices into the regulatory process, policies can be designed to specifically target areas with the greatest need for protection and remediation.
• Discuss how green political theory incorporates elements of environmental justice within its framework.
  • Green political theory emphasizes the interconnectedness of ecological health and social equity. It integrates environmental justice by advocating for a political system that prioritizes sustainability while addressing societal inequalities. The theory argues that true sustainability cannot be achieved without considering how environmental policies impact marginalized communities. This approach encourages a holistic view where social rights and ecological rights are viewed as inseparable.
• Evaluate the role of community activism in shaping environmental justice policies and outcomes in urban settings.
  • Community activism has been crucial in driving environmental justice policies by bringing attention to local issues related to pollution and land use. Activists often mobilize grassroots movements that highlight injustices faced by marginalized groups, pressuring local governments to take action. This grassroots involvement helps ensure that urban planning processes consider the needs of all residents, fostering policies that aim for equitable access to clean air, water, and green spaces. Ultimately, successful activism not only leads to tangible policy changes but also empowers communities by giving them a voice in decisions affecting their environment.

Related terms

Environmental Racism:

A form of discrimination where minority communities are disproportionately burdened with environmental hazards and less access to environmental benefits.

Sustainable Development:

A development approach that seeks to balance economic growth, environmental sustainability, and social equity for present and future generations.

Activism: The efforts by individuals or groups to promote, impede, or direct social, political, economic, or environmental change.