Can we solve the climate crisis without confronting global inequities?
A recent study in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences USA found that white residents in the USA produce more climate pollution than black or hispanic residents, but black and hispanic people are exposed to more air pollution.
And that is just the USA! Think about the global inequities in the "haves" and the "have nots".
And how are we going to lift people out of poverty without making the climate crisis even worse?
If you are a resident in a wealthy country, is it your responsibility to address both problems at once? And what would that look like in terms of national and international policy?
Environmental Justice >
Environmental Justice
Environmental justice refers to the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people, regardless of their race, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status, in environmental decision-making processes. The concept recognizes that certain communities, often those that are marginalized or disadvantaged, are disproportionately affected by environmental hazards and pollution.
Environmental justice emerged in the United States in the 1980s as a response to the environmental racism that was prevalent in many urban areas. At that time, low-income and minority communities were often located near hazardous waste sites, landfills, and other sources of pollution. They were also more likely to be exposed to environmental hazards such as lead, asbestos, and air pollution.
The environmental justice movement seeks to address these disparities by advocating for policies and practices that prioritize the health and well-being of marginalized communities. This can include strategies such as community-based participatory research, where residents are involved in the research process, and environmental impact assessments that take into account the social and economic impacts of proposed projects.
Environmental justice is important because it recognizes that all people have a right to a healthy environment and that environmental harms should not be borne by some communities more than others. It also acknowledges that environmental issues are often intertwined with social and economic issues, such as poverty and racism, and that solutions to these issues must be multifaceted.
In recent years, the environmental justice movement has gained momentum globally. The United Nations has recognized the importance of environmental justice in achieving sustainable development, and many countries have enacted laws and policies to address environmental disparities. However, much work remains to be done to ensure that all communities are able to live in a healthy and sustainable environment.
In conclusion, environmental justice is an important concept that recognizes the need for fair and equitable treatment of all people in environmental decision-making. By addressing environmental disparities, we can create a more just and sustainable world for all.
I want to add that people with higher incomes have higher carbon footprints so it is upsetting to know that people with lower incomes have to put up with the problems they created. I agree that everyone should make decisions about our environment because they live here too. Also, climate change is an issue that a few people can't just solve it needs everyone to help. We need everyone to agree on what to do and clearly, the decision-making process hasn't been great because CO2 concentration is at the highest it's ever been even dating back to 800,000 years ago. I think that if there wasn't as much exclusion on decisions about our shared Earth we wouldn't be in this place where some damage is irreversible.
Links: https://keelingcurve.ucsd.edu
https://www.sciencejournalforkids.org/w … rticle.pdf