The EPA in the United States says everyone should be fairly treated in environmental decisions, no matter their race or income1. Unfortunately, this hasn’t always happened. Sometimes, places with lots of low-income and minority folks face more pollution and toxic waste21. This issue came to light in the 1980s when Warren County’s mostly Black community in North Carolina fought against a toxic waste landfill being placed in their area3.
Key Takeaways
- Environmental injustices disproportionately impact low-income and minority communities.
- The environmental justice movement emerged in response to the unequal distribution of environmental burdens.
- The Warren County protests in North Carolina were a pivotal moment in the fight for environmental justice.
- Majority-white and wealthy communities receive more investment and environmental protection.
- Environmental racism is a significant factor in the siting of toxic facilities and waste disposal.
The Disproportionate Burden on Vulnerable Communities
For a long time, vulnerable groups have faced the worst of environmental problems. They often live in areas heavily impacted by pollution, which leads to health issues4. For instance, records show that many toxic waste sites are in Black and poor areas. In these places, more than a quarter of people are poor4. Other reports in the 1980s and 1990s also pointed out this problem. They found that the skin color and wealth of a community influenced the location of toxic sites and their health effects4.
Environmental Injustices and Marginalized Populations
Those who carry the environmental burden suffer in their health and well-being. It’s widely known that these communities often get sick because of pollution5. They struggle to make changes due to a lack of resources and say in decision-making. This keeps the problem going, trapping them in a cycle of unfair treatment.
The Warren County Protests: A Catalyst for Change
In the 1970s, North Carolina chose a primarily Black, rural, and poor county to dump toxic soil. This choice was not accepted quietly by the residents4. Then, in 1982, when the trucks came to dump the soil, the community fought back. Residents, as well as Civil Rights activists, lay down on the roads to stop them4.
Following that, there were six weeks of protests where over 500 people were arrested. This was the first time in the U.S. that protests led to such arrests related to a landfill issue4. The event became known nationwide. It highlighted the problem of environmental racism, spurring the birth of the environmental justice movement.
“The Warren County protest was a defining moment in the environmental justice movement, drawing attention to the disproportionate burden faced by marginalized communities and the need for meaningful change.”
Federal Efforts to Advance Environmental Justice
Since the mid-1990s, the federal government has focused on environmental justice. In 1994, President Bill Clinton signed Executive Order 12,898. It was called “Federal Actions to Address Environmental Justice in Minority Populations and Low-Income Populations.”6 This order told every federal agency to include environmental justice in their mission. It also created a team to help different agencies work together on this issue7.
Executive Order 12,898 and Federal Agency Actions
After Executive Order 12,898, federal agencies started to follow it in different ways6. The Biden-Harris Administration introduced the Justice40 Initiative. It aims to allot 40 percent of the benefits from certain federal projects to communities that have faced neglect and pollution8. Many agencies, like the Department of Agriculture and Commerce, are now part of the Justice40 Initiative6.
Challenges in Measuring Progress and Accountability
Measuring progress in environmental justice has been hard, according to a 2019 report by the Government Accountability Office (GAO)6. This report said there were issues like not updating plans, not reporting progress yearly, and not having a clear way to measure success6. Although the interagency group has tried to follow the order, the GAO suggested setting clear goals and checking outcomes. The GAO gave 24 recommendations to the working group, some of which are in progress6.
The Department of Justice was mentioned for making good efforts. But, there’s still a need to improve planning and checking progress across the government6.
“Nearly three decades after Executive Order 12898, there is still a need to strengthen the commitment to delivering environmental justice to all communities in America.”7
The Biden-Harris Administration has taken over 200 steps to fix past administration’s actions and push for environmental justice8. They have banned harmful pesticides and are handling “forever chemicals” like PFAS. This administration has also started new efforts to bring more fairness and justice in different areas of the government867.
Promote Environmental Justice: A Pathway to Equality
Encouraging environmental justice is key in making society fairer for everyone. It helps fight the heavy impact that some people, mostly those who are poor or belong to a minority group, feel from pollution and environmental dangers9. By making sure that every person is treated fairly and has a say in the rules and policies that protect the environment, we build a more equal world9.
Communities in need of environmental justice often include people who face many challenges. These are folks from different backgrounds who live in places hit hard by environmental problems9. For them, getting sick from these dangers is more likely. This is even worse for kids, who might get very sick because of where they live9. Understanding how these problems pile up on them is crucial. It helps see that the issue is not just about one thing but about many factors that affect health9.
Environmental justice works to keep people healthy and safe, especially those who are most affected but have little power or resources9. These injustices came to be because of planning that ignored the needs of certain communities. This led to health problems like cancer and lung diseases increasing, and people feeling less well9. For some, these environmental issues make other health problems worse, like diabetes and heart disease. Babies and children are particularly at risk from these dangers9.
The Justice40 Initiative wants to send 40% of certain government funds to places that were often forgotten. These places suffer the most from pollution but are not usually helped enough. U.S. Department of Energy is working on projects that care about what environmental justice groups think. They make sure these projects are fair and just for everyone involved10.
Being fair and just is the goal of the environmental justice movement. This means making sure good and bad effects on the environment are spread out evenly. Talking with local people about projects helps share the benefits and take care of health and nature. This also gives those local people a say in how things are done10.
One way to make things better is by fixing past wrongs. If the environment was hurt before, working to make it right can help everyone. This process also aims to help the local economy and make sure the land and water are used fairly by those affected10.
In 2011, a big event brought together top experts and leaders in the environmental justice field. They talked about new ways to fight environmental problems and make things fairer. Their report has ideas for making policies and programs that close the gap in fairness and environmental health11. They discussed how to measure the success of these plans and how to improve them over time. Including environmental justice in all government policies and efforts is seen as very important11.
“Promoting environmental justice is a critical pathway to achieving equality and addressing the disproportionate burden that vulnerable communities bear in connection with pollution, waste, and other environmental threats.”
The Role of Data and Research in Environmental Justice
In the late 20th century, the environmental justice movement began to fight against environmental racism in the U.S. Thanks to key studies, we learned about the unfair placement of polluting sites. This showed how non-white communities suffered more from these situations.
Unveiling Environmental Racism Through Studies
Back in 1983, a report found that hazardous waste sites were mainly in poor Black and Latinx areas in the southeast12. This was a big eye-opener. Then, reports and books in the following years kept highlighting how race played a crucial role in choosing where to put polluting sites.
More recently, we can map pollution spots very accurately thanks to new data science tools13. These tools combine the economic status of an area with its environmental risks. This lets us see clearly who is most at risk.
People from all communities are using science to gather data themselves. This helps everyone understand and fix problems that affect them directly. It’s making a big difference in making sure environmental issues get the attention they need13.
Data science is also essential for preparing for the effects of climate change. It helps us predict which areas will need the most help. But, we must watch out for any biases in how we collect and use data. These biases could make environmental issues worse for some people, rather than better13.
The Flint Water Crisis in 2014 showed how much citizen science matters14. It was the work of local people that first brought this issue to light. Young activists and social media played a huge role in spreading the word.
Looking ahead, we must focus on the particular needs of Black communities when it comes to the environment. We should consider historical problems like redlining. Using data to support these communities and educate them is key. This approach can lead to better laws and, ultimately, more rights for everyone13.
Bridging the Gap: Mainstream Environmental Groups and EJ Initiatives
In the 1990s, the environmental justice movement sought allies. They looked to the bigger, mostly white, and better-funded environmental groups15. These groups cared for the wilderness, protected endangered species, and ensured clean air and water. However, they didn’t help people of color with their environmental issues15. Environmental justice leaders called out the “Big 10” to tackle toxic problems affecting the poor and communities of color15.
In response, some of these big environmental groups started their own environmental justice programs15. This marked a big step in helping communities that had more environmental challenges15.
The EPA’s EJCPS Program stands out as a great project from this partnership. It has funded 98 efforts in places like Portland, ME, and New Haven, CT16. Many groups, such as the Gulf of Maine Research Institute and the Nashua River Watershed Association Inc., have received grants16. They’re working to solve issues like lead exposure, climate change, and creating green jobs16.
These projects aim to make communities stronger by working together and making places healthier16. The work reflects a key step toward fairer and more open environmental policies and actions15.
“Environmental Justice demands fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income.”15
Climate Change and Its Disproportionate Impact
The world faces a triple crisis. It includes climate change, pollution, and loss of biodiversity. These issues deeply impact human rights, affecting people’s access to food, water, and education17. Sadly, the effects hit developing countries and disadvantaged groups the hardest. They bear the brunt despite contributing the least to these problems17.
Global demand for climate action is louder than ever, largely thanks to young activists supported by science17. For example, communities of color have suffered more from COVID-19. This includes Native American and African American communities. They often face worse living conditions and hotter city areas17.
Vulnerable groups are most affected by climate change. For example, during California heat waves, black infants faced grave risks17. People of color also face more outdoor air pollution. This leads to higher death rates and living in areas with bad air quality17.
The Triple Planetary Crisis and Human Rights
This planetary crisis directly threatens basic human rights. It affects life, health, and access to food and water18. Vulnerable groups often suffer the most, thus highlighting the problem of environmental racism18.
Climate change’s impacts are not felt equally. Black and African American individuals will face significant climate change effects, studies show19. Hispanics and Latinos are also at a higher risk due to where they live. They are more likely to face severe weather’s impact19. This all points to a clear need for fair, rights-focused solutions in the climate fight19.
It’s urgent to address how climate change hits vulnerable communities. A rights-based approach should guide our actions19. Leaders must ensure our climate efforts are fair and protect everyone’s rights, no matter their background19.
“The climate crisis, coupled with pollution and biodiversity loss, is a triple planetary crisis that threatens fundamental human rights, including the rights to life, health, food, water, housing, and development.”
Legal Frameworks and Access to Justice
Countries should form strong laws to help groups often left out. This means laws to let everyone, especially those disadvantaged, gain access to justice and decision-making20. It also means having places people can go to for help when the environment is harmed20.
In 2021, the UN declared access to a clean, healthy environment as a human right. This was a big step. It helps make sure people have other rights too, like the right to good health20.
Strengthening National Laws and Institutions
Around the world, governments are doing more for environmental justice. For example:
- Tools like California’s CalEnviroScreen and Washington’s maps help officials see where the environment needs more attention21.
- In Virginia, a law was passed to make sure everyone, no matter their background, can be part of environmental decisions21.
- Connecticut now requires agencies to make plans for the public to join in on environmental choices, thanks to HB 700821.
- Equity must now be part of decisions in Maine, according to LD 168221.
- New York is studying how the heat in big cities affects poorer areas, thanks to AB 1000121.
- In Oregon, they’re looking at how to make sure everyone can afford their utilities fairly21.
- Washington state is creating plans to reach out to communities based on their needs and challenges21.
These steps show a stronger effort to make our laws and systems fairer for everyone, especially those who usually have less power21.
In San Francisco, they’ve done a lot for environmental justice. They made an official plan in 2023 to help places like Bayview Hunters Point and Chinatown. These areas have more environmental and social problems than others in the city. The plan helps them get better and fair treatment22.
Across the board, we see more attention given to the rights of the environment and those who need protection. It’s all about making sure fairness and strength run through our laws and systems202122.
“Advancing environmental justice requires a multifaceted approach, including robust legal frameworks, accessible institutions, and a commitment to empowering marginalized communities.”
Empowering Marginalized Communities in Decision-Making
Women and Indigenous people are key in fighting for change and environmental fairness. But they often face barriers in decision-making23. These barriers stop them from properly protecting their lands and natural resources23. It’s vital to break down these barriers and give them a big say in policies and decisions. This is key to a fair environment and long-term growth.
The Role of Women and Indigenous Peoples
In the 1950s, unfair policies started hurting poor and colored areas with more pollution and dangers. This showed up as environmental racism23. Studies have shown that these communities have less access to things like parks and good food23. Most leaders in environmental groups are from the middle class and are white. This can lead to decisions that aren’t fair to everyone23.
One way to help is by donating or volunteering23. Sharing stories online, like with the Black Lives Matter movement, can bring attention to unfairness in the environment23. Getting involved in local environmental topics and pushing for clear decision-making can fight racism from the ground up23. Before buying from a company, look into its environmental record. This can keep support from going to those who harm the environment23. Buying local or supporting businesses owned by minorities can help make the environment and economy fairer23.
Between 2000 and 2016, harmful particles from burning fossil fuels went down in the US by 40.4%24. But in 2016, these particles were still 13.7% higher in Black areas than in White areas24. Black Americans are more likely to die from heart problems compared to White Americans24. Places marked as lower quality in the 1930s due to race, still show bad health conditions today, mostly affecting people of color24. In California, Black areas see more oil and gas wells24. In Los Angeles, many new oil wells are close to homes and schools24. Wilmington, California has a very high risk for cancer, with over 1,000 extra cases per million people24.
Big environmental groups often get a lot of money, even though they are a small part of the sector25. Yet, these groups don’t always focus on helping those most in need25. Very little money goes to help marginalized communities. And not much supports efforts to change the system for the better25. Training local leaders to put up solar panels can create new businesses and cooperation25. The Environmental Justice (EJ) movement is mostly led by people of color. They are fighting against environmental racism and for a place in making decisions25. To be more fair, organizations should teach about not hurting others, and have boards to make sure they are diverse25. Established groups can help those on the frontlines by sharing their stories and calls for help25.
Intergenerational Equity and Environmental Rights
To ensure justice in the environment, we need to think long-term. We must think of the rights of people who will come after us. This means every part of society should help shape our environmental rules and actions, from young people to the elderly26.
In this discussion, the idea of treating future and current people fairly is key. It means making sure everyone gets a fair chance at using the Earth’s gifts. Whether it’s about jobs, healthcare, or the law, this idea pushes for sharing resources fairly among all people, no matter when they live26.
Back in 2005, the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment brought up a major point. It showed that our well-being is tied to social, economic, and natural factors. But, it missed the mark on ensuring fairness and justice across time periods for a truly sustainable way of life26.
On the climate change front, the Villach Article set up a game plan. It puts future well-being at the heart of decision-making. This means making sure upcoming generations have the same, if not, better chances at a healthy environment27.
Reflecting on our Canadian laws, the Constitution Act of 1982 stands out. It ticks the intergenerational fairness box, especially when it comes to the climate crisis. Section 15 of this Charter says everyone should have equal chances, even future people28.
By getting everyone involved and thinking long-term, we can make a real change. This is vital for a fair and lasting future for all. Shifting how we view the environment is a big step towards making sure everyone’s rights, now and later, are honored.
| Key Principles of Intergenerational Equity | Relevance to Environmental Justice |
|---|---|
| Fair access to livelihood, education, resources, and self-determination | Ensuring present and future generations have equal opportunities and means to thrive in a healthy environment |
| Equitable access to resources for future generations | Protecting natural resources and the environment for the benefit of generations to come |
| Consideration of well-being, economic, and environmental factors | Integrating social, economic, and ecological concerns in environmental decision-making |
| Comparable options, quality, and access to resources | Guaranteeing that future generations have similar or better access to a clean, sustainable environment |
“Intergenerational equity extends the scope of social justice into the future, ensuring equitable access to resources for future generations.”
UNDP’s Efforts in Advancing Environmental Justice
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is leading the way in pushing for environmental justice. This move is crucial for fairness and sustainable growth. It helps over 100 National Human Rights Institutions to deal with human rights issues tied to climate change and harm to the environment29. In Tanzania, the UNDP backs the Commission for Human Rights and Good Governance. They help settle disagreements over environmental human rights abuses29. In Chile, the UNDP is helping with a constitutional reform. This reform will give more power to environmental rights29.
Supporting National Human Rights Institutions
The UNDP’s work on environmental justice involves many fields. These include human rights, justice, and the environment. It aims to protect the vulnerable and support the right to a clean, healthy environment29.
The UNDP knows that the environmental crisis hits the most vulnerable people the hardest. It works with countries to ensure everyone’s right to such a living space. It also helps defend the rights of those fighting for the environment29.
Promoting Women’s Leadership in Natural Resource Management
UNDP supports women in managing natural resources better, working with 97 countries. For example, in Zambia’s Central Province, they are ensuring a fair say for women in protecting the local forests. This is a key part of UNDP’s effort to use human rights and the law for a greener, fairer world, along with UNEP and OHCHR29.
“UNDP’s work on environmental justice is crucial in addressing the disproportionate impact of climate change and environmental degradation on vulnerable communities. By supporting national institutions and promoting women’s leadership, UNDP is driving meaningful change towards a more equitable and sustainable future.”
The UNDP has a strong vision for environmental justice. They focus on human rights problems linked to the environment and lifting up those often left out. Using a wide-ranging strategy, they’re advancing environmental justice and a more just, green planet29.
Conclusion
Promoting environmental justice is crucial in our quest for equality. It focuses on the unfair weight that some groups, often those less fortunate, bear with environmental dangers30. It strives to involve everyone equally in making and enforcing laws about the environment. This way, we can shape a fairer society for all, no matter their background30. To achieve this, we must make laws stronger, ensure justice is within reach, and let everyone have a say, especially women and Indigenous individuals, in key decisions31.
The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 puts around $40 billion into benefits for environmental justice31. Additionally, the Justice40 Initiative aims to send 40% of certain federal funds, or about $29 billion, to help disadvantaged communities31. The UNDP stands with these efforts. It works with countries and major partners worldwide to protect everyone’s right to a safe and healthy environment.
Addressing environmental injustice means looking at its core causes, often linked to racism and classism30. By doing so, we move closer to a future that’s fairer and sustainable for everyone30. Tackling this issue is urgent. It needs everyone’s commitment – governments, businesses, communities, and groups – to make sure environmental problems don’t hit the most vulnerable hardest. Also, to ensure that everyone benefits fairly from efforts to safeguard the environment.
FAQ
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Source Links
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- Justice40 Initiative | Environmental Justice | The White House
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- Environmental Justice | The White House
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- What is Environmental Justice, and how does it apply to CO2 removal | Carbon Direct
- Environmental Justice Research: Contemporary Issues and Emerging Topics
- Data Science Paving the Way for Environmental Justice: A Comprehensive Exploration
- Mobilizing Black Environmentalism and Data Justice
- Why Climate Change is an Environmental Justice Issue
- Environmental justice and climate change policies
- EPA Report Shows Disproportionate Impacts of Climate Change on Socially Vulnerable Populations in the United States | US EPA
- Environmental Justice
- State and Federal Environmental Justice Efforts
- Environmental Justice Framework and General Plan Policies
- How to Support Environmental Justice Everyday
- Peer Reviewed: Empowering Communities of Color for Environmental Health and Justice: The Stand Together Against Neighborhood Drilling in Los Angeles Case
- 8 Ways Environmental Organizations Can Support the Movement for Environmental Justice – WE ACT for Environmental Justice
- The Role of Social and Intergenerational Equity in Making Changes in Human Well-Being Sustainable
- Climate Change, Intergenerational Equity, and International Law
- Intergenerational Environmental Justice and the Climate Crisis: Thinking with and beyond the Charter
- Environmental Justice
- Environmental Justice – an overview
- Policy Drivers for Environmental Justice: What Businesses Need to Know – Blog – Business & Environment – Harvard Business School
