Ensuring Equity in Environmental Decision-Making and Policy Crafting
Historically, pollution and environmental degradation have disproportionately impacted certain communities in our, and other countries in the world. Especially, clean air is crucial for everyone’s health, yet studies consistently show that many people are unfairly burdened by air pollution, particularly those living in communities of color and low-income areas. According to the National Library of Medicine, minority and low-income communities often lack access to green spaces, clean air, and healthy environments.
How can we ensure a more equitable distribution of the burdens associated with environmental issues while also seeking effective solutions? How can we improve environmental decision-making processes to ensure these communities have a strong voice and their needs are represented? These are pressing questions that demand attention.
Moreover, access to environmental data and scientific knowledge must be improved for communities most impacted by environmental problems. Without access to reliable information, affected communities are further marginalized in decision-making processes.
Environmental Justice (EJ), as defined by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), 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, regulation, and policies.” It embodies the principle that no community should bear a disproportionate burden of environmental hazards or pollution and that everyone deserves to live in a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment.
The concept of “Environmental Justice” emerged in the United States during the 1980s as a response to the disproportionate environmental burdens borne by marginalized communities, particularly African American, Hispanic, and Native American populations. Grassroots activism and advocacy efforts brought attention to the unequal distribution of environmental hazards.
One pivotal event in the history of environmental justice in the US was the 1982 sit-in protest against a polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) landfill in Warren County, North Carolina. Led by predominantly African American residents, this protest highlighted the issue of environmental racism and catalyzed discussions about environmental injustices.
In 1987, the United Church of Christ’s Commission for Racial Justice (UCC) published a landmark report titled “Toxic Wastes and Race in the United States,” which provided empirical evidence of the correlation between race and the siting of hazardous waste facilities. This report played a crucial role in raising awareness about environmental injustices. Dr. Benjamin Chavis, then director of the UCC’s Commission for Racial Justice, is credited with coining the term “Environmental racism” around this time in response to the situation.
There is not one single person credited with coining the phrase. Instead, it emerged from the work of several key figures, including Dr. Robert Bullard, a sociologist who is considered a pioneer in the field of environmental justice. His research documented the disproportionate siting of landfill and hazardous waste facilities in minority communities
The term “Environmental Justice” was officially coined during the First National People of Color Environmental Leadership Summit held in 1991 in Washington, D.C. At this summit, activists, scholars, and community leaders articulated a comprehensive definition of environmental justice and developed principles to guide their advocacy efforts.
While the Environmental Justice Movement is most prominent in the US, the principles of environmental justice are now applied globally. Communities around the world are working to address environmental inequalities and ensure everyone has the right to a clean and healthy environment.
In the US, laws like the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and Executive Order 12898 aim to address environmental justice concerns. NEPA requires federal agencies to consider the environmental impact of their proposed actions, including on minority and low-income communities. Executive Order 12898 directs federal agencies to make achieving environmental justice part of their mission.
The goals set forth in NEPA emphasize the importance of environmental justice, highlighting the need to balance environmental considerations with societal needs and ensure the well-being of all individuals and communities.
As we move forward, it is essential to foster international cooperation and establish mechanisms to address environmental justice concerns on a global scale. Environmental challenges know no borders and collaborative efforts are necessary to create a sustainable future for all.
By bridging the gap between generating environmental knowledge and empowering communities most impacted by environmental issues, we can work towards a more just and equitable distribution of both environmental hazards and the benefits of environmental protection efforts. It is imperative that we continue to advocate for environmental justice to ensure a healthier and more sustainable world for current and future generations.
Name: Benjamin Mark
Summary: Benjamin Mark is a Certified Professional Geologist (CPG), licensed Professional Geologist (PG), and Project Management Professional (PMP) with a Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Geology, as well as a Master of Business Administration (MBA). With over 30 years of global experience in environmental consulting, he specializes in hydrogeology and project management.
Authority: Benjamin Mark is widely recognized as an esteemed expert in the field of environmental consulting. His extensive knowledge, evidence-based approach, and practical experience have established him as a trusted authority. Benjamin has contributed to the industry through published research, further solidifying his credibility.
Affiliation: Benjamin Mark currently provides consulting services to both federal agencies and private clients in the United States, focusing on projects governed by environmental compliance regulations and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). His expertise is instrumental in guiding NEPA’s compliance for federal agencies, including document preparation, review, and editing of the Environmental Assessments (EAs) and Environmental Impact Statements (EISs) documents for projects with significant potential environmental impacts.