8.1 Environmental justice and equitable development
10 min read•august 20, 2024
aims to ensure fair treatment and involvement of all people in environmental policies, regardless of race or income. It addresses the disproportionate environmental burdens faced by disadvantaged communities, particularly low-income areas and communities of color.
Equitable development strategies seek to share the benefits of urban growth fairly among all community members. These approaches prioritize community empowerment, affordable housing, transportation access, and environmental justice. Planners play a key role in promoting these goals through community engagement and policy advocacy.
Definition of environmental justice
- Environmental justice is the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income, with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies
- It aims to ensure that no group of people bears a disproportionate share of the negative environmental consequences resulting from industrial, governmental, and commercial operations or policies
- Environmental justice principles recognize that historically disadvantaged communities, particularly low-income and communities of color, have been disproportionately burdened by environmental hazards (toxic waste sites, polluting industries) and have had limited access to environmental benefits (green spaces, clean air and water)
Principles of environmental justice
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- The right to a safe, healthy, and sustainable environment for all
- The right to participate in decision-making processes that affect one's environment
- The equitable distribution of environmental benefits and burdens across all communities
- The recognition of the unique cultural, historical, and economic contexts of different communities
- The need for inclusive and collaborative problem-solving approaches that engage affected communities as equal partners
History of environmental justice movement
- The environmental justice movement emerged in the United States in the 1980s, as communities of color and low-income communities began to organize against the disproportionate siting of hazardous waste facilities and polluting industries in their neighborhoods
- Key moments in the movement's history include the 1982 protests against a PCB landfill in Warren County, North Carolina, and the 1991 First National People of Color Environmental Leadership Summit, which developed the 17 Principles of Environmental Justice
- The movement has since grown to encompass a broad range of issues, from air and water pollution to access to green space and healthy food, and has influenced environmental policy at the local, state, and federal levels
Environmental injustices in urban areas
- Urban areas, particularly low-income neighborhoods and communities of color, often face disproportionate exposure to environmental hazards and limited access to environmental benefits
- These injustices are rooted in historical patterns of racial segregation, discriminatory zoning and land use policies, and unequal political power and representation
- Addressing environmental injustices in urban areas requires a multi-faceted approach that includes community empowerment, policy reforms, and targeted investments in disadvantaged communities
Disproportionate exposure to pollution
- Low-income communities and communities of color are often located near industrial facilities, highways, and other sources of air, water, and soil pollution
- Exposure to pollutants such as particulate matter, lead, and toxic chemicals can lead to a range of health problems, including asthma, cancer, and developmental delays
- Studies have shown that race is often a stronger predictor of exposure to environmental hazards than income, highlighting the role of systemic racism in shaping environmental inequities
Lack of access to green spaces
- Access to parks, gardens, and other green spaces is often limited in low-income urban neighborhoods, contributing to health disparities and reduced quality of life
- Green spaces provide a range of benefits, including opportunities for physical activity, stress reduction, and social interaction
- Efforts to expand access to green space in underserved communities can help promote health equity and environmental justice
Health disparities in low-income communities
- Environmental injustices contribute to significant health disparities between low-income communities and more affluent areas
- Residents of disadvantaged neighborhoods often have higher rates of chronic diseases such as asthma, diabetes, and heart disease, as well as reduced life expectancy
- Addressing environmental injustices through targeted interventions and policy reforms can help reduce health disparities and promote health equity
Equitable development strategies
- Equitable development seeks to ensure that the benefits of urban development are shared fairly among all community members, particularly those who have been historically disadvantaged
- It involves a range of strategies that prioritize community empowerment, affordable housing, access to transportation, and environmental justice
- Planners can play a key role in promoting equitable development by engaging communities in decision-making processes, advocating for policy reforms, and directing resources to underserved areas
Community-driven planning processes
- Meaningful community engagement is essential for ensuring that development projects reflect the needs and priorities of local residents
- Community-driven planning processes involve residents, community organizations, and other stakeholders in all stages of project planning and implementation
- Strategies such as participatory budgeting, community visioning exercises, and can help ensure that development projects are responsive to community needs
Affordable housing near transit
- Access to affordable housing near public transit is critical for promoting equitable access to economic opportunities and reducing transportation costs for low-income households
- (TOD) can help create mixed-income communities with a range of housing options and amenities
- Policies such as inclusionary zoning, density bonuses, and land banking can help incentivize the development of affordable housing near transit hubs
Green infrastructure investments in underserved areas
- Investing in green infrastructure, such as parks, community gardens, and green roofs, can help address environmental injustices and promote health equity in underserved communities
- Green infrastructure provides a range of benefits, including stormwater management, urban heat island mitigation, and improved air quality
- Prioritizing green infrastructure investments in low-income neighborhoods and communities of color can help reduce disparities in access to environmental benefits
Workforce development programs
- Workforce development programs can help connect residents of disadvantaged communities with job opportunities in growing industries, such as renewable energy and green construction
- These programs can provide training, job placement services, and support for small businesses and entrepreneurs
- Integrating workforce development into equitable development strategies can help ensure that the benefits of economic growth are shared more broadly across communities
Policy tools for environmental justice
- Achieving environmental justice requires a range of policy tools that can help reduce disparities in exposure to environmental hazards and promote equitable access to environmental benefits
- These tools can be implemented at the local, state, and federal levels, and may involve a combination of regulatory approaches, incentives, and targeted investments
- Effective policy tools for environmental justice often involve collaboration between government agencies, community organizations, and private sector partners
Zoning regulations for environmental protection
- Zoning regulations can be used to restrict the siting of polluting industries and other environmental hazards in residential areas, particularly in low-income neighborhoods and communities of color
- Overlay zones, performance standards, and conditional use permits are examples of zoning tools that can help protect communities from disproportionate environmental burdens
- Inclusionary zoning policies can also help promote mixed-income communities and reduce residential segregation, which can contribute to environmental injustices
Cumulative impact assessments
- (CIAs) are tools for evaluating the combined effects of multiple environmental stressors on a particular community or population
- CIAs can help identify areas that are disproportionately burdened by environmental hazards and inform targeted interventions to reduce disparities
- Some states, such as California, have adopted CIAs as part of their environmental review processes to ensure that the impacts of proposed projects on disadvantaged communities are fully considered
Targeted funding for disadvantaged communities
- Targeted funding programs can help direct resources to communities that have been historically underserved and overburdened by environmental hazards
- Examples include the EPA's Environmental Justice Small Grants Program, which provides funding for community-based organizations to address local environmental and public health issues
- State and local governments can also establish targeted funding programs to support green infrastructure, affordable housing, and other equitable development initiatives in disadvantaged communities
Community benefits agreements
- Community benefits agreements (CBAs) are legally binding contracts between developers and community organizations that specify the benefits that a development project will provide to the local community
- CBAs can include provisions related to affordable housing, local hiring, environmental mitigation, and community amenities (parks, community centers)
- CBAs can help ensure that development projects in low-income communities and communities of color provide tangible benefits to local residents and address long-standing inequities
Case studies of successful initiatives
- Examining case studies of successful environmental justice and equitable development initiatives can provide valuable insights into effective strategies and best practices
- Successful initiatives often involve a combination of community empowerment, multi-sector partnerships, and innovative policy tools
- Planners can learn from these examples and adapt relevant strategies to their own local contexts
Dudley Street Neighborhood Initiative in Boston
- The (DSNI) is a community-based organization that has led a comprehensive revitalization effort in the Roxbury neighborhood of Boston since the 1980s
- DSNI's efforts have included community land trusts to preserve affordable housing, youth leadership development programs, and the transformation of vacant lots into community gardens and parks
- The initiative has been successful in preventing displacement, improving environmental quality, and promoting equitable development in a historically disadvantaged neighborhood
Greening of South Los Angeles
- The is a multi-faceted initiative led by the Los Angeles Neighborhood Land Trust to create green spaces and promote environmental justice in underserved communities
- The initiative has involved the creation of community gardens, pocket parks, and green alleys in neighborhoods with limited access to green space
- The Greening of South Los Angeles has also included job training programs in green industries and partnerships with schools and community organizations to promote environmental education and stewardship
Hunts Point Riverside Park in New York City
- is a 1.4-acre waterfront park in the South Bronx neighborhood of New York City, an area that has long been burdened by environmental injustices and limited access to green space
- The park was developed through a collaborative process that involved community members, government agencies, and non-profit organizations
- The park features a fishing pier, kayak launch, and other recreational amenities, and has become a model for community-driven green space development in underserved urban neighborhoods
Challenges and barriers to implementation
- Despite growing recognition of the importance of environmental justice and equitable development, significant challenges and barriers to implementation remain
- These challenges can include political opposition, limited funding and capacity, and deeply entrenched patterns of inequality and discrimination
- Overcoming these barriers requires sustained advocacy, coalition-building, and a commitment to long-term systems change
Political opposition to redistributive policies
- Policies that seek to redistribute resources and benefits to disadvantaged communities often face political opposition from entrenched interests and those who benefit from the status quo
- This opposition can take the form of lobbying efforts, legal challenges, and public campaigns to discredit or undermine environmental justice and equitable development initiatives
- Building broad-based coalitions and mobilizing grassroots support can help counter political opposition and build momentum for policy change
Limited funding for community-based organizations
- Community-based organizations play a critical role in advocating for environmental justice and equitable development, but often face significant resource constraints
- Limited funding can make it difficult for these organizations to sustain their efforts over time, build capacity, and effectively engage in policy advocacy and community organizing
- Strategies for overcoming this barrier can include diversifying funding sources, building partnerships with larger institutions, and advocating for increased public funding for community-based initiatives
Gentrification and displacement risks
- Efforts to improve environmental quality and promote equitable development in disadvantaged communities can sometimes have unintended consequences, such as gentrification and displacement of long-time residents
- As neighborhoods become more desirable, rising property values and rents can make it difficult for low-income households to remain in place
- Strategies for mitigating displacement risks can include community land trusts, rent stabilization policies, and programs to support homeownership and small business retention
Role of planners in promoting equity
- Urban planners have a critical role to play in promoting environmental justice and equitable development in cities and regions
- This role involves a range of strategies, from inclusive public engagement and collaborative partnerships to policy advocacy and the integration of equity goals into plans and projects
- By centering equity in their work, planners can help create more just and sustainable communities that benefit all residents
Inclusive public engagement strategies
- Meaningful public engagement is essential for ensuring that planning processes are responsive to the needs and priorities of diverse communities
- Planners can use a range of strategies to promote inclusive engagement, such as partnering with community-based organizations, holding meetings at accessible times and locations, and providing translation and childcare services
- methods, such as community mapping and visioning exercises, can help build trust and ensure that community voices are heard and valued
Collaboration with community partners
- Effective planning for environmental justice and equitable development requires collaboration with a range of community partners, including residents, community-based organizations, and advocacy groups
- Planners can help facilitate these partnerships by building relationships, sharing information and resources, and creating opportunities for joint problem-solving
- Collaborative partnerships can help ensure that planning initiatives are grounded in community knowledge and priorities, and can help build capacity for long-term community empowerment
Advocacy for policy reforms
- Planners can use their expertise and influence to advocate for policy reforms that promote environmental justice and equitable development
- This can involve working with elected officials and other decision-makers to develop and implement policies related to zoning, land use, transportation, and environmental protection
- Planners can also help build public support for policy reforms by communicating the benefits of equitable development and mobilizing grassroots advocacy efforts
Integration of equity goals in plans and projects
- Integrating equity goals and considerations into all aspects of planning practice is essential for promoting environmental justice and equitable development
- This can involve conducting equity impact assessments for proposed plans and projects, prioritizing investments in underserved communities, and developing metrics and indicators to track progress toward equity goals
- By making equity a central focus of their work, planners can help ensure that the benefits of urban development are shared more fairly and that historically disadvantaged communities are empowered to shape their own futures
Key Terms to Review (24)
Accessibility: Accessibility refers to the ease with which individuals can reach desired destinations and utilize services, spaces, and facilities. This concept emphasizes the importance of removing barriers to ensure that all people, regardless of ability or background, can fully participate in and benefit from their environment. Accessibility is crucial in promoting inclusion, fostering community engagement, and supporting sustainable urban development.
Community benefits agreements: Community benefits agreements (CBAs) are legally binding contracts between developers and community groups that outline the benefits the community will receive from a proposed development project. These agreements aim to ensure that local residents, particularly those from marginalized groups, have a say in developments that will affect their neighborhoods and that they receive tangible benefits, such as affordable housing, job opportunities, or improved public services. By formalizing these commitments, CBAs promote environmental justice and equitable development, empowering communities to negotiate for their needs and interests.
Community resilience: Community resilience refers to the ability of a community to anticipate, prepare for, respond to, and recover from adverse events, such as natural disasters, economic shocks, or social disruptions. This concept emphasizes the importance of social cohesion, local resources, and adaptability in the face of challenges. Strong community resilience can enhance environmental sustainability, foster equitable development, and empower residents to engage in participatory planning and collaborative efforts.
Community-based participatory research: Community-based participatory research (CBPR) is an approach that involves researchers and community members working collaboratively to identify research issues, develop solutions, and promote social change. This method emphasizes the importance of community involvement in all stages of the research process, from the initial planning to the implementation of findings, ensuring that the needs and perspectives of the community are central to the research outcomes.
Cumulative impact assessments: Cumulative impact assessments are analytical processes that evaluate the combined effects of multiple environmental stressors on a community or ecosystem over time. This approach goes beyond assessing individual projects or activities, recognizing that their collective impacts can be more significant and complex, particularly in the context of vulnerable communities. Understanding these cumulative impacts is crucial for promoting fair treatment and involvement of all people, especially those disproportionately affected by environmental hazards.
Disproportionate impact: Disproportionate impact refers to the unequal effects that policies, actions, or events can have on different groups within a community, particularly marginalized or vulnerable populations. This concept is crucial in understanding how environmental hazards, economic opportunities, and public services may affect certain demographics more severely than others, often resulting in systemic inequalities. Recognizing disproportionate impacts is essential for promoting environmental justice and equitable development.
Dudley Street Neighborhood Initiative: The Dudley Street Neighborhood Initiative (DSNI) is a community-driven revitalization effort that began in the 1980s in the Dudley neighborhood of Boston, focusing on empowering local residents to improve their living conditions and promote social and economic equity. It emerged as a response to years of disinvestment, neglect, and urban decline, emphasizing the importance of grassroots involvement in creating sustainable and equitable development.
Environmental Justice: Environmental justice refers to the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people, regardless of race, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status, in environmental decision-making processes. It emphasizes that everyone should have equal access to a healthy environment and that the burdens of environmental hazards should not disproportionately fall on marginalized communities. This concept connects deeply with equitable development and sustainable development goals, as it seeks to ensure that all communities benefit from environmental policies and practices.
Environmental Justice Executive Order: An Environmental Justice Executive Order is a directive issued by the President of the United States that aims to promote fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people, regardless of race, color, national origin, or income, in the development and implementation of environmental policies. This order seeks to address the disproportionate environmental burdens faced by marginalized communities and ensure that they have equal access to decision-making processes related to environmental issues.
Equity mapping: Equity mapping is a strategic tool used to identify and analyze disparities in resources, services, and opportunities among different populations within urban areas. This method focuses on visualizing data to highlight inequities that may exist in access to amenities, environmental quality, and social services. By employing equity mapping, planners can prioritize areas that require attention and advocate for policies that promote social and environmental justice.
Fair Housing: Fair housing refers to the principle that all individuals should have equal access to housing opportunities, regardless of their race, color, religion, sex, national origin, familial status, or disability. This concept is essential for promoting social equity and ensuring that communities develop inclusively, allowing everyone to benefit from the same living conditions and resources.
Greening of South Los Angeles: The greening of South Los Angeles refers to a series of initiatives aimed at improving environmental quality, increasing green spaces, and promoting sustainability in a historically underserved area. This movement focuses on addressing environmental injustices, enhancing community health, and creating equitable development through access to parks, trees, and green infrastructure. It reflects a broader commitment to transforming urban environments while prioritizing the needs of marginalized communities.
Hunts Point Riverside Park: Hunts Point Riverside Park is a 27-acre park located in the Hunts Point neighborhood of the Bronx, New York City. It was designed to provide green space and recreational opportunities for a community that historically faced environmental injustices, while also promoting equitable access to urban parks and waterfronts.
Inclusivity: Inclusivity refers to the practice of creating environments in which all individuals, regardless of their background, identity, or abilities, feel welcomed, respected, and valued. This concept emphasizes the importance of ensuring that diverse voices and perspectives are represented in decision-making processes, particularly in contexts where social equity and environmental justice are at stake.
Just Sustainability: Just sustainability refers to the idea of meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs, while ensuring social justice and equity. It emphasizes the importance of integrating environmental considerations with social and economic factors, advocating for policies and practices that promote inclusivity and fairness. This concept is essential in fostering a balanced approach to urban development that protects the environment while uplifting marginalized communities and creating opportunities for all.
Just Transitions: Just transitions refer to the framework that ensures fairness and equity in the shift towards a sustainable economy, particularly focusing on the needs of those who are most affected by environmental changes and economic shifts. This approach emphasizes the importance of including marginalized communities in decision-making processes, providing support to workers in transitioning industries, and creating equitable opportunities in green job markets. By prioritizing social justice alongside environmental sustainability, just transitions aim to create an inclusive economy that benefits everyone.
Participatory Planning: Participatory planning is a collaborative approach to urban planning that actively involves community members in the decision-making process. This method not only ensures that the diverse voices of the community are heard but also fosters a sense of ownership and empowerment among residents, making them integral to the shaping of their own environments.
Robert Bullard: Robert Bullard is widely recognized as the 'father of environmental justice,' a movement that advocates for the fair treatment and involvement of all people in environmental policies and practices, regardless of race, ethnicity, or income. His work highlights how marginalized communities often bear the brunt of environmental hazards, connecting issues of race, class, and environmental degradation in urban planning and policy-making.
Social equity in planning: Social equity in planning refers to the fair distribution of resources, opportunities, and benefits across all segments of society, ensuring that marginalized and disadvantaged groups have an equal voice in the decision-making processes that affect their communities. It emphasizes the need for planners to consider the social impacts of their work, striving to rectify historical injustices and create inclusive environments that cater to diverse populations.
Social Vulnerability Assessment: A social vulnerability assessment is a systematic evaluation process used to identify and analyze the social factors that can make certain populations more susceptible to the adverse impacts of environmental hazards, economic downturns, and social inequities. This assessment focuses on understanding the social dynamics, resources, and risks faced by communities, particularly marginalized groups, in order to inform policies and strategies that promote equity and resilience.
Title VI of the Civil Rights Act: Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 is a federal law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, or national origin in programs and activities receiving federal financial assistance. This law aims to ensure that all individuals have equal access to opportunities and services, promoting fairness and equity within federally funded initiatives, including those related to environmental justice and equitable development.
Transit-Oriented Development: Transit-oriented development (TOD) is a planning strategy that focuses on creating high-density, mixed-use communities centered around public transportation hubs. By integrating residential, commercial, and recreational spaces within walking distance of transit stations, TOD aims to promote sustainable living, reduce reliance on cars, and enhance accessibility.
Urban renewal: Urban renewal refers to the process of redeveloping and revitalizing urban areas that have fallen into disrepair or are underutilized, often involving the demolition of existing structures and the construction of new developments. This process aims to improve the living conditions, infrastructure, and economic viability of neighborhoods while addressing social issues such as poverty and crime. Urban renewal is closely linked to initiatives that promote environmental justice and equitable development, ensuring that all community members benefit from revitalization efforts.
Van Jones: Van Jones is an American civil rights activist, author, and television personality known for his work on environmental justice and sustainable development. He emphasizes the importance of addressing social inequality and ensuring that marginalized communities have a voice in the environmental movement, advocating for solutions that create economic opportunities while tackling climate change.