Environmental Justice

Definition

Environmental justice refers to the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people, regardless of race, ethnicity, or income, in environmental decision-making processes. This concept highlights the need to address the disproportionate environmental burdens faced by marginalized communities and ensures that everyone has access to a clean and healthy environment. Environmental justice emphasizes the intersection of human rights and global inequality, stressing that environmental issues are often tied to social justice concerns.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Environmental justice emerged as a movement in the United States during the 1980s, focusing on the needs and rights of communities facing environmental degradation.
2. Studies show that low-income and minority communities are more likely to live near hazardous waste sites, landfills, and polluting industries, leading to significant health disparities.
3. The concept encompasses not only pollution and waste management but also access to resources like clean air, water, and green spaces.
4. Legislation such as the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) in the U.S. requires federal agencies to consider environmental justice in their decision-making processes.
5. Internationally, environmental justice is linked to broader issues of human rights, as many communities around the world face displacement and other injustices due to climate change and resource extraction.

Review Questions

• How does environmental justice address the challenges faced by marginalized communities in relation to environmental hazards?
  • Environmental justice focuses on ensuring that marginalized communities have a voice in environmental decision-making processes. These communities often face greater exposure to environmental hazards due to systemic inequalities. By advocating for equitable policies and practices, environmental justice aims to mitigate these disparities and ensure that everyone can enjoy a safe and healthy environment.
• In what ways can legislation support the goals of environmental justice at both national and international levels?
  • Legislation such as NEPA can mandate that government agencies assess the impacts of their actions on vulnerable populations, thereby incorporating environmental justice into formal policy. International agreements can also promote human rights related to environmental protection, encouraging countries to adopt practices that protect disadvantaged groups from exploitation and environmental harm.
• Evaluate the implications of climate change on the principles of environmental justice and how it exacerbates existing inequalities.
  • Climate change poses significant threats that disproportionately impact marginalized communities, including increased natural disasters and reduced access to resources. These populations often lack the resources or political power to adapt or recover effectively from climate-related events. This scenario not only deepens existing inequalities but also highlights the urgent need for integrating environmental justice into climate action plans, ensuring that vulnerable groups are prioritized in efforts to combat climate change and its effects.

Related terms

Environmental Racism: A form of discrimination where minority communities are disproportionately affected by environmental hazards and policies, often leading to health risks and reduced quality of life.

Sustainable Development: Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs, emphasizing ecological balance and social equity.

Social Justice: The view that everyone deserves equal economic, political, and social rights and opportunities, which is closely tied to the principles of environmental justice.