Environmental justice movement

Definition

The environmental justice movement advocates for the fair treatment and involvement of all people, regardless of race, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status, in environmental decision-making processes. This movement emphasizes the disproportionate impact of environmental hazards on marginalized communities, highlighting the connections between social justice and environmental health.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The environmental justice movement emerged in the United States during the 1980s, particularly in response to instances where low-income communities and communities of color were unfairly affected by hazardous waste sites.
2. One of the key events that sparked the movement was the 1982 protests against a toxic waste landfill in Warren County, North Carolina, which was predominantly African American.
3. The movement emphasizes that environmental issues are deeply intertwined with issues of social justice, including poverty and discrimination.
4. Major organizations, like the United Church of Christ's Commission for Racial Justice, have published studies documenting the patterns of environmental racism across the U.S.
5. The movement advocates not only for cleaner environments but also for equitable access to resources and decision-making power in environmental policies.

Review Questions

• How does the environmental justice movement connect social justice with environmental issues?
  • The environmental justice movement highlights that social justice and environmental issues are interconnected by demonstrating how marginalized communities often face greater exposure to environmental hazards. By advocating for fair treatment in decision-making processes, the movement seeks to address these inequalities, ensuring that everyone has an equal voice and access to clean environments. This connection emphasizes that protecting the environment is not just about nature, but also about human rights and equity.
• Evaluate how grassroots activism plays a crucial role in the successes of the environmental justice movement.
  • Grassroots activism is essential to the environmental justice movement because it empowers local communities to organize and advocate for their rights. By mobilizing individuals directly affected by environmental injustices, grassroots efforts can bring national attention to local issues, pressuring policymakers to take action. This local engagement not only raises awareness but also fosters a sense of agency among communities who are often overlooked in larger political discussions about environmental policy.
• Critically assess the long-term implications of the environmental justice movement on policy-making and societal attitudes toward marginalized communities.
  • The long-term implications of the environmental justice movement on policy-making include a growing recognition among lawmakers that environmental policies must consider equity and fairness. As awareness increases regarding the disproportionate effects of environmental hazards on marginalized communities, policies are gradually evolving to address these inequalities. This shift influences societal attitudes by fostering greater empathy and understanding around issues faced by these communities, encouraging more inclusive practices in both government decisions and corporate responsibilities.

Related terms

environmental racism: A form of systemic discrimination where minority communities are disproportionately exposed to environmental hazards, such as pollution and toxic waste.

sustainable development: A development approach that seeks to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs, balancing economic growth with environmental protection.

grassroots activism: A form of activism that focuses on local community efforts and participation in social or political movements, often starting from the bottom up rather than being organized by larger institutions.