By now, many of you are aware of the environmental issues
that impact our planet such as global warming or the mismanagement of
landfills. From time to time, you may have come across the term
"environmental justice". At face value, one might assume that it
deals with environmental protection laws. That is true, but the concept is much
deeper than that. The United States Environmental Protection define
environmental justice as the following:
"Environmental justice is the fair treatment and
meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national
origin, or income with respect to the development, implementation, and
enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies. EPA has this goal
for all communities and persons across this Nation. It will be achieved when
everyone enjoys the same degree of protection from environmental and health
hazards and equal access to the decision-making process to have a healthy
environment in which to live, learn, and work."
Upon reading this definition, you may wonder how
socioeconomic status fits into environmentalism; after all, global warming
impacts the entire planet. However,
certain people are disproportionately more affected by environmental disasters
than others. If you live in an affluent, white-majority area of the country,
notice how clean and well managed your local environment is. Conversely, in
impoverished, black or Hispanic-majority areas, you may find landfills or
factories nearby. The conditions that the poor face profoundly impact their
ability to work, their health, and many other facets of their lives.
All people should have the right to clean air, drinking
water, and safe living areas regardless of their socioeconomic status. Even though we may not be affected by these issues, we can learn how to help mitigate them and to help others. Here are some links for more information:
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