Environmental Justice

Definition

Environmental justice refers to the fair treatment and involvement of all people, regardless of race, color, national origin, or income, in environmental policies and practices. It emphasizes that no group of people should bear a disproportionate share of negative environmental consequences, thus ensuring equitable access to healthy environments and the benefits of natural resources.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Environmental justice emerged as a movement in the 1980s, advocating for the rights of marginalized communities affected by environmental degradation.
2. Key events that sparked awareness included the 1982 protests against a landfill in Warren County, North Carolina, which disproportionately affected African American residents.
3. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) established the Office of Environmental Justice in 1992 to address the inequities faced by disadvantaged communities.
4. Studies have shown that communities of color are more likely to be located near toxic waste sites and industrial facilities, highlighting systemic inequities in environmental policy.
5. Environmental justice seeks not only to prevent harm but also to ensure that all communities have access to healthy environments and are included in decision-making processes regarding environmental issues.

Review Questions

• How does environmental justice address the disparities faced by marginalized communities in relation to environmental hazards?
  • Environmental justice focuses on identifying and rectifying the inequalities faced by marginalized communities who often endure a greater burden of environmental hazards. By advocating for their involvement in decision-making processes, it seeks to ensure that these communities are not disproportionately affected by pollution and toxic waste. The movement aims to create equitable policies that provide all individuals with access to clean air, water, and land, thus fostering healthier living conditions for everyone.
• Discuss the role of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in promoting environmental justice initiatives.
  • The EPA plays a critical role in promoting environmental justice by creating programs and policies that aim to protect disadvantaged communities from environmental harms. The establishment of the Office of Environmental Justice in 1992 was a significant step towards integrating justice principles into the agency's mission. This office develops strategies for involving these communities in decision-making processes, ensuring they have a voice when it comes to environmental regulations and compliance.
• Evaluate the impact of grassroots movements on the development of environmental justice as a social movement.
  • Grassroots movements have been instrumental in shaping the environmental justice movement by raising awareness about the systemic injustices faced by vulnerable populations. These grassroots efforts often emerge from local communities directly impacted by pollution and environmental degradation. By organizing protests, campaigns, and advocacy efforts, they bring attention to these issues on broader platforms, influencing policy changes at local, state, and national levels. The movement's evolution has been heavily informed by these community-led initiatives, which highlight real-world consequences and drive demand for equitable treatment in environmental policies.

Related terms

Pollution Burden: The unequal distribution of environmental hazards and pollutants that disproportionately affects low-income and minority communities.

Social Equity: The principle that everyone should have fair access to opportunities and resources, including a clean and safe environment.

Environmental Racism: The practice of placing hazardous waste facilities and other polluting industries in or near communities predominantly inhabited by people of color.