Environmental justice

Environmental justice (EJ) refers to the principle that all individuals, irrespective of race, ethnicity, income, or nationality, should receive fair treatment and have meaningful involvement in environmental decision-making processes. This concept emphasizes the need to ensure that no group is disproportionately burdened by environmental hazards such as pollution, toxic waste, or hazardous industrial operations. Originating from the Civil Rights movement, the environmental justice framework seeks to address systemic inequalities that have historically marginalized communities, particularly people of color and low-income populations. It focuses on three core pillars: distributive justice ensuring equitable distribution of environmental risks and benefits, procedural justice advocating for inclusive participation in decision-making, and recognition justice that acknowledges historical oppressed groups and their rights. Recently, environmental justice has gained prominence within governmental and grassroots initiatives as advocates strive to combat issues related to environmental racism and climate inequality. The Biden administration's Justice40 Initiative aims to direct 40% of federal climate and clean energy investments to disadvantaged communities, highlighting the increasing recognition of EJ in environmental policy. In response to ongoing challenges posed by recent policy rollbacks, like those outlined in Project 2025, advocates continue to emphasize the importance of maintaining robust environmental justice frameworks to protect vulnerable populations against the adverse impacts of pollution and climate change. As the movement evolves, it remains integral to the broader objectives of social justice and sustainable development, reinforcing the connection between environmental health and human rights.