Environmental Justice

Definition

Environmental justice refers to 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 highlights the disproportionate impact of environmental hazards on marginalized communities and advocates for equitable access to a healthy environment, linking social justice with environmental issues.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Environmental justice emerged as a movement in the 1980s in response to the siting of hazardous waste facilities in low-income and minority neighborhoods.
2. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) officially recognized the need for environmental justice in 1994 with the issuance of Executive Order 12898.
3. Studies have shown that communities of color are more likely to be exposed to toxic waste and air pollution compared to predominantly white communities.
4. Environmental justice advocates argue that equitable distribution of environmental benefits and burdens is crucial for achieving social equity.
5. Internationally, environmental justice movements have gained traction, emphasizing global inequalities and the need for collaboration in addressing environmental challenges.

Review Questions

• How does environmental justice challenge traditional views of environmental policy?
  • Environmental justice challenges traditional views by insisting that environmental policies must consider social equity and recognize the disproportionate impact on marginalized communities. Rather than viewing environmental issues as solely technical or scientific problems, it highlights the intersection of race, class, and environment. This perspective forces policymakers to confront injustices and ensure that all communities have a voice in decision-making processes affecting their environment.
• In what ways can climate change exacerbate existing environmental justice issues?
  • Climate change can worsen existing environmental justice issues by disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations who often lack the resources to adapt or recover from climate impacts. Low-income and marginalized communities frequently live in areas more susceptible to climate-related disasters, like floods or heatwaves. These groups also tend to have less access to healthcare and recovery resources, amplifying their vulnerability and highlighting the urgent need for policies that address these disparities while promoting resilience.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of grassroots movements in advancing the goals of environmental justice on a global scale.
  • Grassroots movements have proven highly effective in advancing environmental justice goals by mobilizing local communities and raising awareness about inequities. These movements often utilize direct action, community organizing, and legal strategies to challenge environmentally harmful projects and advocate for policy changes. Their successes can be seen in various campaigns that have led to greater regulatory scrutiny and more inclusive decision-making processes at local and national levels. However, while these movements can create significant local impact, translating this success into broader systemic change requires sustained support from larger networks and institutions.

Related terms

Environmental Racism: The practice of placing environmentally hazardous facilities in or near predominantly minority communities, leading to a greater exposure to pollution and health risks.

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, environmental protection, and social equity.

Climate Justice: A concept that links climate change with social justice, emphasizing that those who are least responsible for climate change often suffer its greatest consequences.