Environmental Justice

Definition

Environmental justice refers to the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people, regardless of race, color, national origin, or income, in the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies. It seeks to address the disproportionate impact of environmental hazards on marginalized communities and promotes equitable access to a healthy environment.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Environmental justice emerged as a movement in the 1980s in response to growing awareness of environmental inequalities affecting marginalized communities.
2. The movement emphasizes the need for community participation in environmental decision-making processes to ensure that all voices are heard.
3. Key legislation, such as the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), has been leveraged to advocate for environmental justice and hold governments accountable.
4. Environmental justice also addresses issues related to climate change, recognizing that low-income and minority communities often bear the brunt of its effects.
5. Grassroots organizations play a crucial role in advocating for environmental justice by mobilizing communities and raising awareness about local environmental issues.

Review Questions

• How does environmental justice highlight the importance of community involvement in addressing environmental issues?
  • Environmental justice emphasizes the necessity of community involvement by ensuring that marginalized groups have a voice in decision-making processes. This approach recognizes that those most affected by environmental hazards often lack representation and advocacy. By promoting meaningful engagement with affected communities, environmental justice seeks to create policies that address their specific needs and challenges while empowering them to advocate for their rights.
• What are some examples of how environmental racism contributes to the broader concept of environmental justice?
  • Environmental racism serves as a critical example of how systemic inequalities manifest in the placement of hazardous waste facilities and pollution sources disproportionately affecting communities of color. This practice not only leads to health disparities but also reinforces socio-economic disadvantages. Addressing environmental racism is fundamental to achieving environmental justice because it involves dismantling structural barriers and ensuring that all communities have equal protection from environmental harms.
• Evaluate the implications of climate change on environmental justice movements and their efforts towards achieving equity.
  • Climate change significantly impacts environmental justice movements as it exacerbates existing inequalities faced by marginalized communities. These groups often experience greater vulnerability due to limited resources and inadequate infrastructure, making them more susceptible to climate-related disasters. As climate change continues to affect weather patterns, access to clean water, and food security, environmental justice movements are compelled to advocate for inclusive policies that address both climate adaptation and mitigation while promoting equitable resource distribution among all populations.

Related terms

Environmental Racism: A term used to describe the intentional placement of hazardous waste facilities, landfills, and other polluting industries in communities predominantly inhabited by people of color.

Sustainable Development: A development approach 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.

Social Justice: The concept that all individuals deserve equal rights and opportunities within society, emphasizing the need for equity in social, political, and economic spheres.