Environmental justice

Definition

Environmental justice is a social movement and policy framework that seeks to address the disproportionate impact of environmental hazards on marginalized communities. It emphasizes the right of all individuals to have equal access to a healthy environment and to participate in environmental decision-making processes. This concept connects deeply with issues of equity, sustainability, and the moral responsibility of society to protect vulnerable populations from environmental degradation.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Environmental justice emerged in the 1980s as a response to the growing awareness that low-income communities and communities of color were often the most affected by pollution and environmental hazards.
2. The movement advocates for the inclusion of marginalized voices in environmental policy-making to ensure that their needs and perspectives are considered.
3. One significant event in the history of environmental justice was the Warren County protests in North Carolina in 1982, which highlighted the placement of hazardous waste sites in predominantly African American communities.
4. Key principles of environmental justice include the right to a healthy environment, equitable distribution of environmental benefits and burdens, and active participation in environmental governance.
5. Various religious groups have embraced the concept of environmental justice, viewing it as a moral imperative rooted in teachings about stewardship and care for creation.

Review Questions

• How does environmental justice relate to the principles of equity and sustainability?
  • Environmental justice is fundamentally about equity, as it seeks to ensure that all communities, especially marginalized ones, have equal protection from environmental harm and equal access to decision-making processes. It ties into sustainability by promoting practices that not only meet current needs but also protect the environment for future generations. Together, these principles advocate for a fairer distribution of resources and responsibilities across society.
• Discuss how historical events, like the Warren County protests, shaped the modern environmental justice movement.
  • The Warren County protests were pivotal in highlighting systemic injustices related to environmental hazards faced by marginalized communities. This event galvanized activists and organizations to bring attention to the pattern of placing toxic waste facilities near low-income and minority neighborhoods. Such historical examples serve as a foundation for the modern environmental justice movement, emphasizing the need for advocacy against discriminatory practices in environmental policies.
• Evaluate the role of religious perspectives in advancing environmental justice initiatives and their implications for community engagement.
  • Religious perspectives play a crucial role in advancing environmental justice initiatives by framing them as moral obligations tied to stewardship and care for creation. Many religious groups advocate for social responsibility towards both people and the planet, encouraging their congregations to engage in activism and community organizing around environmental issues. This involvement not only strengthens community ties but also fosters a broader understanding of how faith intersects with social justice and ecological concerns.

Related terms

Sustainability: The practice of meeting present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs, often connected to environmental stewardship.

Ecological Footprint: A measure of human demand on the Earth's ecosystems, representing the amount of natural resources consumed and waste generated by an individual or community.

Social Justice: The pursuit of a fair and equitable distribution of resources, rights, and opportunities within society, often intersecting with issues of race, class, and environment.