Environmental justice

Definition

Environmental justice is the fair treatment and involvement of all people, regardless of race, color, national origin, or income, in the development and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies. It seeks to address the disproportionate impact of environmental hazards on marginalized communities while promoting equitable access to resources and environmental benefits. This concept is deeply tied to the foundational principles of ecocriticism and environmental literary studies, as it emphasizes the relationship between social justice and environmental sustainability.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Environmental justice emerged as a movement in the United States during the late 20th century, advocating for equal protection from environmental harms for all communities.
2. The concept highlights that low-income and minority communities often face higher exposure to pollutants and environmental hazards due to systemic inequalities.
3. Legislation like the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) has been influenced by environmental justice principles, requiring federal agencies to consider environmental impacts on marginalized communities.
4. Environmental literature often explores themes of social equity, illustrating how environmental degradation affects vulnerable populations disproportionately.
5. Activists argue that achieving environmental justice involves not only addressing pollution but also ensuring access to green spaces and sustainable resources for all communities.

Review Questions

• How does environmental justice intersect with the principles of ecocriticism?
  • Environmental justice aligns with ecocriticism by emphasizing the connections between social equity and environmental issues. Both fields advocate for the recognition of how marginalized communities are disproportionately affected by environmental degradation. Ecocritics often explore literary works that reflect these injustices, aiming to raise awareness about the need for fair treatment in environmental policies and practices.
• In what ways does environmental literature contribute to discussions on environmental justice?
  • Environmental literature plays a crucial role in discussions of environmental justice by highlighting stories of those impacted by ecological degradation. These narratives can amplify voices from marginalized communities who face the brunt of environmental hazards. By bringing attention to these experiences, such literature fosters greater empathy and understanding among readers, potentially influencing public perception and policy changes related to environmental equity.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of current policies aimed at promoting environmental justice in addressing historical inequalities faced by marginalized communities.
  • Current policies aimed at promoting environmental justice show varying degrees of effectiveness in addressing historical inequalities. While some regulations have been implemented to protect vulnerable populations from environmental harms, systemic barriers remain entrenched. Comprehensive evaluation reveals that despite progress, many marginalized communities continue to face disproportionate impacts from pollution and resource exploitation. To be truly effective, policies must not only address existing inequalities but also empower these communities in decision-making processes related to their environments.

Related terms

Ecocriticism:

A critical approach that examines the relationship between literature and the environment, focusing on how cultural texts shape and reflect environmental values and concerns.

Sustainability: The ability to meet present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs, often involving social equity and environmental health.

Environmental Racism:

The placement of hazardous waste sites, landfills, and polluting industries predominantly in communities inhabited by people of color and low-income individuals, reflecting systemic inequality.