Environmental justice

Definition

Environmental justice is the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people in environmental laws, regulations, and policies, regardless of race, color, national origin, or income. This concept highlights how marginalized communities often bear a disproportionate share of environmental hazards and seeks to address these inequalities by advocating for equitable distribution of environmental benefits and burdens.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Environmental justice emerged as a significant social movement in the 1980s, addressing the inequities faced by low-income communities and communities of color in environmental decision-making.
2. Literature from this perspective often critiques industrialization and urban development, which can lead to environmental degradation in vulnerable areas.
3. Key legal cases and community activism have shaped the framework of environmental justice, leading to greater awareness and policy changes at local, national, and global levels.
4. The concept emphasizes the importance of grassroots participation in environmental governance to ensure that marginalized voices are heard.
5. Environmental justice literature often utilizes storytelling and personal narratives to highlight the lived experiences of those affected by environmental issues.

Review Questions

• How does environmental justice address the disparities faced by marginalized communities in relation to environmental policies?
  • Environmental justice seeks to rectify the disparities that marginalized communities experience by advocating for their fair treatment in environmental laws and policies. These communities often face greater exposure to pollution and fewer resources for advocacy. By highlighting their experiences and involving them in decision-making processes, environmental justice aims to ensure that their needs are considered in environmental governance.
• What role does literature play in advancing the principles of environmental justice within modern Chinese society?
  • Literature serves as a powerful tool for raising awareness about environmental justice issues by providing narratives that reflect the struggles of affected communities. It can illuminate the intersection of social inequality and environmental degradation, encouraging readers to consider these issues critically. Through storytelling, authors can highlight injustices while promoting empathy and understanding among broader audiences.
• Evaluate how the principles of environmental justice might influence contemporary discussions on climate change policy within China.
  • The principles of environmental justice are crucial in shaping contemporary discussions on climate change policy in China as they call for equitable distribution of resources and responsibilities among different social groups. This means recognizing that poorer communities may lack the means to adapt to climate impacts or access clean technologies. Incorporating these principles can lead to more inclusive policies that address both environmental sustainability and social equity, ensuring that vulnerable populations are not left behind in the transition toward a greener economy.

Related terms

sustainability: The practice of meeting current needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own, often focusing on ecological balance, social equity, and economic viability.

ecological footprint: A measure of human demand on Earth's ecosystems, expressed as the amount of biologically productive land and water area needed to produce the resources consumed and absorb the waste generated.

environmental racism: The disproportionate impact of environmental hazards on people of color, often resulting from policies and practices that favor the interests of more affluent groups over marginalized communities.