11.1 Origins and Principles of Environmental Justice

Environmental justice emerged from the civil rights and environmental movements, addressing inequalities in environmental burdens and benefits. It aims for fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people, regardless of race or income, in environmental decision-making.

Key events like the Warren County PCB protests and influential figures such as Robert Bullard shaped the movement. Environmental justice tackles issues of environmental racism, unequal access to resources, and the link between environmental degradation and social inequality.

Foundations of Environmental Justice

Core principles of environmental justice

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• Environmental justice aims for fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people in environmental decision-making regardless of race, color, national origin, or income
• Equity ensures equal access to clean environment and environmental benefits (green spaces) and protection from environmental hazards (toxic waste)
• Inclusion involves meaningful participation of affected communities in environmental decision-making processes (public hearings, community advisory boards)
• Recognition acknowledges diverse cultures, experiences, and knowledge systems in environmental policy and planning (traditional ecological knowledge)
• Accountability holds polluters and decision-makers responsible for their actions through enforcement of environmental regulations and community oversight

Origins of environmental justice movement

• Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s highlighted social and racial inequalities laying the foundation for addressing environmental disparities (segregation, voting rights)
• Environmental movement of the 1970s focused on conservation and pollution control (Clean Air Act, Endangered Species Act) but often overlooked concerns of marginalized communities
• Low-income and communities of color faced disproportionate environmental burdens
  • Exposure to toxic waste, air pollution, and other environmental hazards (lead paint, pesticides)
  • Lack of access to clean water, green spaces, and other environmental benefits (parks, public transportation)

Key Figures and Events in Environmental Justice

Key figures in environmental justice

• Warren County PCB Landfill Protests, 1982 in North Carolina sparked the environmental justice movement by protesting the dumping of PCB-contaminated soil in a predominantly African American community
• United Church of Christ Commission for Racial Justice published "Toxic Wastes and Race in the United States" report in 1987 documenting the disproportionate placement of hazardous waste sites in communities of color (landfills, incinerators)
• First National People of Color Environmental Leadership Summit in 1991 brought together activists from across the United States and developed the 17 Principles of Environmental Justice
• Robert Bullard, known as the "father of environmental justice," conducted groundbreaking research on environmental racism and inequalities (Houston, Texas)
• Hazel Johnson, founder of People for Community Recovery in Chicago, fought against environmental hazards in her predominantly African American community (Altgeld Gardens)

Environmental degradation vs social inequality

• Environmental racism refers to the disproportionate exposure of communities of color to environmental hazards rooted in historical patterns of
  1. Segregation
  2. Redlining
  3. Discriminatory zoning practices
• Low-income and communities of color often lack access to environmental benefits
  • Clean air and water
  • Green spaces (parks, community gardens)
  • Contributes to health disparities (asthma, lead poisoning) and reduced quality of life
• Addressing environmental justice requires a holistic approach that considers
  • Social factors (poverty, education)
  • Economic factors (job opportunities, housing)
  • Political factors (representation, decision-making power)
• Environmental degradation (deforestation, climate change) exacerbates existing social inequalities (displacement, food insecurity)