Environmental justice

Definition

Environmental justice refers to the fair treatment and involvement of all people in environmental decision-making, ensuring that no group, especially marginalized communities, bears a disproportionate burden of environmental hazards. It highlights the connection between social inequities and environmental issues, advocating for equal access to a healthy environment for everyone, regardless of race, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Environmental justice emerged as a significant movement in the 1980s, particularly with the formation of organizations addressing the disproportionate impacts of pollution on marginalized communities.
2. The movement emphasizes the importance of inclusive participation in environmental policy-making to ensure that all voices are heard, particularly those from historically marginalized groups.
3. Studies have shown that low-income and minority communities are often situated near hazardous waste sites, leading to serious health impacts and lower quality of life.
4. Environmental justice advocates work to connect environmental issues with broader social justice movements, linking access to clean air, water, and land with human rights.
5. Key legislation, such as the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), has been influenced by the principles of environmental justice, pushing for more equitable treatment in environmental assessments.

Review Questions

• How does environmental justice address the disparities faced by marginalized communities in relation to environmental hazards?
  • Environmental justice focuses on ensuring that all communities, particularly marginalized ones, have equal protection from environmental hazards and equitable access to a healthy environment. It recognizes that these communities often bear the brunt of pollution and ecological degradation due to systemic inequalities. By advocating for fair treatment in environmental decision-making processes, the movement seeks to empower these communities and give them a voice in addressing local environmental issues.
• Discuss the role of community activism in advancing the goals of environmental justice and how it intersects with other social movements.
  • Community activism plays a crucial role in advancing environmental justice by mobilizing local residents to advocate for their rights and push for policy changes that address inequitable environmental burdens. Activists work collaboratively with various social movements, such as civil rights and labor rights, creating a broader coalition aimed at fighting for social equity. This intersectionality is vital because it highlights how environmental issues are often intertwined with economic and racial injustices, pushing for comprehensive solutions that benefit all aspects of affected communities.
• Evaluate the impact of historical events on the development of the environmental justice movement and its current relevance in addressing contemporary issues.
  • The environmental justice movement has been shaped significantly by historical events such as the Civil Rights Movement and incidents like the Love Canal disaster in the 1970s. These events highlighted the struggles faced by marginalized communities and their fight against toxic waste exposure. Today, this historical context continues to inform current activism as issues like climate change disproportionately affect low-income and minority populations. By analyzing these developments, we can see how lessons learned from past injustices fuel ongoing efforts for equitable policies and practices in addressing modern environmental challenges.

Related terms

Environmental racism: A form of discrimination where communities of color are disproportionately affected by environmental hazards due to systemic policies and practices.

Sustainability: The practice of meeting present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs, often tied to environmental policies and practices.

Community activism: Grassroots efforts by community members to influence policies and advocate for change regarding social and environmental issues.