Environmental justice addresses the disproportionate impact of environmental issues on marginalized communities, and it’s both a local and global challenge. In America, we see that low-income neighborhoods and communities of color often face the brunt of pollution, industrial waste, and lack of green spaces. This inequity can lead to health problems, reduced life expectancy, and compromised quality of life, with limited access to resources for improvement. Places like Flint, Michigan, and Cancer Alley in Louisiana are tragic examples of how systemic neglect and environmental racism intersect.
Globally, developing countries bear a heavy burden as they often receive the world’s hazardous waste, while lacking the infrastructure to manage it safely. Climate change exacerbates these injustices, as nations that contribute the least to global emissions often face the worst consequences—like rising sea levels, droughts, and severe storms that threaten lives and livelihoods. Indigenous communities worldwide are also disproportionately affected, with their land and resources at risk from deforestation, mining, and fossil fuel extraction.
Addressing environmental justice requires systemic change. It’s about enforcing regulations, investing in sustainable infrastructure, and prioritizing vulnerable communities in climate adaptation and mitigation plans. Equally important is including those communities in decision-making processes. This holistic approach recognizes that protecting the environment is deeply tied to ensuring human rights and equity for all.