Environmental Justice

Definition

Environmental justice is the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people in environmental decision-making processes, ensuring that no group of people, particularly marginalized communities, bears a disproportionate share of negative environmental impacts. This concept emphasizes the intersection of social justice and environmental issues, advocating for equitable distribution of environmental benefits and burdens.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Environmental justice emerged as a movement in the 1980s, responding to the growing awareness of how low-income and minority communities were often located near hazardous waste sites.
2. The concept encourages policies that address not only environmental issues but also social inequalities, making it crucial for sustainable development efforts.
3. Incorporating local knowledge and community perspectives in environmental decision-making is a key principle of environmental justice.
4. The United States has established various laws and executive orders, such as the Executive Order 12898, aimed at ensuring federal agencies consider environmental justice in their activities.
5. Internationally, environmental justice has gained attention through global movements advocating for the rights of indigenous peoples and communities affected by climate change.

Review Questions

• How does environmental justice connect with social justice issues in marginalized communities?
  • Environmental justice is deeply intertwined with social justice because it addresses how marginalized communities often face greater environmental hazards due to systemic inequalities. For instance, these communities may live closer to polluting industries or lack access to clean air and water. By advocating for fair treatment and inclusion in decision-making processes, environmental justice seeks to rectify these disparities, ensuring that all voices are heard and respected.
• Discuss the role of grassroots movements in advancing the principles of environmental justice.
  • Grassroots movements play a crucial role in advancing environmental justice by mobilizing affected communities to advocate for their rights. These movements often raise awareness about local environmental issues, organize protests, and push for policy changes at local, state, and national levels. By empowering individuals to engage in the political process and speak out against injustices, grassroots efforts help highlight the urgent need for equitable treatment and representation in environmental decision-making.
• Evaluate the impact of federal policies on promoting or hindering environmental justice initiatives across different communities.
  • Federal policies significantly impact environmental justice initiatives by either promoting equitable practices or perpetuating existing inequalities. For example, policies that prioritize community input in planning hazardous waste sites can enhance environmental justice by giving marginalized groups a voice. Conversely, if federal agencies fail to consider the needs of vulnerable populations in their decisions, this can lead to increased exposure to pollution and neglect of community concerns. Evaluating these outcomes helps identify areas where reforms are needed to better support environmental justice goals.

Related terms

Ecological Equity: The principle that all communities should have equal access to a healthy environment and the resources necessary for sustainable living.

Environmental Racism:

The practice where communities of color and low-income groups are disproportionately exposed to environmental hazards and lack access to environmental benefits.

Sustainable Development: Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs, often linked with equitable resource distribution.