Environmental Justice

Definition

Environmental justice is the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people in environmental decision-making processes, regardless of race, color, national origin, or income. It emphasizes the need to address the disproportionate impact of environmental hazards on marginalized communities and advocates for sustainable practices that protect both people and the planet. This concept intertwines social equity with ecological health, making it crucial in discussions about traditional knowledge, resource management, and contemporary activism.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Environmental justice emerged in the United States during the 1980s as communities began to advocate against toxic waste facilities being placed in low-income neighborhoods and areas inhabited by people of color.
2. The movement highlights that marginalized groups are often the most affected by environmental issues such as pollution, climate change, and resource depletion.
3. Key legislation supporting environmental justice includes the Environmental Justice Executive Order 12898 signed in 1994, which requires federal agencies to address environmental effects on minority and low-income populations.
4. Grassroots organizations have been vital in advancing environmental justice by empowering local communities to advocate for their rights and seek equitable policies.
5. There is a growing recognition of traditional ecological knowledge as a valuable resource for sustainable practices and decision-making that respect both nature and community well-being.

Review Questions

• How does environmental justice connect to traditional ecological knowledge, and why is this relationship significant?
  • Environmental justice connects to traditional ecological knowledge because both prioritize the inclusion of Indigenous perspectives and practices in environmental decision-making. Traditional ecological knowledge offers insights into sustainable resource management that align with environmental justice principles. By incorporating these perspectives, communities can develop practices that not only protect ecosystems but also promote social equity, ensuring that all voices are heard in shaping environmental policies.
• Discuss the role of grassroots movements in advocating for environmental justice and how they influence policy changes.
  • Grassroots movements play a crucial role in advocating for environmental justice by mobilizing communities affected by environmental hazards. These movements raise awareness about issues like pollution and resource exploitation that disproportionately impact marginalized groups. By organizing protests, campaigns, and educational initiatives, grassroots organizations influence policymakers to consider the needs of vulnerable populations, leading to more equitable legislation and improved environmental protections.
• Evaluate the impact of environmental racism on marginalized communities and how addressing this issue relates to broader social justice goals.
  • Environmental racism has a profound impact on marginalized communities, leading to increased health risks from exposure to pollutants and inadequate access to clean resources. Addressing this issue is essential for achieving broader social justice goals as it seeks to rectify systemic inequalities rooted in race and class. By challenging policies that perpetuate environmental harm in these communities, advocates aim to create a more equitable society where all individuals have the right to a healthy environment, thereby advancing both social and environmental justice.

Related terms

Environmental Racism:

The practice of placing hazardous waste facilities, landfills, and other environmental hazards predominantly in communities of color, resulting in negative health impacts on those populations.

Sustainable Development: Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs, balancing economic growth with environmental protection.

Indigenous Rights: The recognition and protection of the rights of Indigenous peoples to their land, culture, and resources, often intersecting with environmental justice efforts.