29 Advancing Environmental Justice— A Public Health Student’s Manual to Action

The Public Health Environmental Justice Imperative 

Environmental Justice (EJ) isn’t just a policy objective. It is a fundamental movement based on the fight against systemic discrimination that disproportionately impacts marginalized people. As students pursuing education in public health, having a comprehensive understanding of EJ is key to aiding the social determinants of public health necessary for equitable health results.

This chapter addresses how public health students, specifically at the University of Iowa, can actively engage in environmental justice initiatives, linking prevalent issues such as Cancer Alley, Environemntal injustices in the prison system, and global environmental disparities.

Course of Action for Students 

Conducting community-level research is one way health concerns are properly identified. Statistics and data-based research allows experiment conductors to investigate the roots of the environmental problems in accordance with resident surveys and one-on-one interviews. Participatory research projects have proven exceptional collaboration with marginalized communities when advocating for social justice and policy reform. Notable examples include the national attention gained amidst the Flint Water Crisis.

Advocacy targeting the enforcement of environmental policies to reduce industrial pollution with the intent to protect vulnerable communities is a proven strategy for effective outcomes.

Incorporating environmental justice into educational materials is a crucial factor in practicing outreach to broader populations. Educating communities on the importance of stable environmental protection and prevalent health risks will amplify the prioritization of this matter within community members. This will naturally motivate community members to invest in the fight to reduce harmful environmental practices.

Addressing EJ in the Prison System as a PH Student

Conducting studies to take note of environmental health within correctional institutions and their effects on inmate health can amplify one’s understanding of the lack of equity in environmental law enforcement. Researching documentaries on reported inmate health conditions, investigating environmental conditions in correctional facilities, and evaluating the causalities between health outcomes and environmental disparity will center the student’s understanding of how they will respond to the issue.

Advocating for new policies and policy reform is another way to influence change in active environmental policy flaws. For example, advocating for environmental policies that address the hazards in prison can lead to updates to infrastructure and equitable access to healthcare.

Organizing campaigns that are open to the public is a good way to inform the general population and policymakers about environmental health problems incarcerated people deal with.

Global Environmental Justice: Addressing Inequities in the Global South

Participating in international collaborations with organizations who support Global South environmental initiatives is a start to addressing environmental challenges. Through networking and conducted research studies, contingent issues will be identified as well as solutions to global climate impacts. Expanding research on Global health inequities by analyzing health outcomes in different areas will further increase likelihood of efficient global health strategy development. All of these recommendations fall under the scope of advocacy for climate justice. Through confronting the disproportionate outcomes of climate change on marginalized groups worldwide, environmental justice will be attainable.

Initiatives and Opportunities at Iowa

The University of Iowa offers a variety of programs and resources accessible to students who are interested in environmental justice:

• Advancing Environmental Justice Strategic Initiative: This initiative’s goal is to broaden the key environmental justice concepts and disperse it through tools like education and community outreach events.
• Iowa Healthy Lakes Initiative: A project that addresses harmful algal blooms in the Iowan lakes, advocating for environmental sustainability.
• Office of Sustainability and the Environment: Presents Iowa students with engagement opportunities targeting environmental justice efforts on campus.

Course of Action for Students (Part 2)

• Enrolling in courses at Iowa that educate students on environmental health and orchestrate research projects pertaining to environmental justice is a way to join the environmental justice movement towards equity and fairness.
• Joining student organizations that are dedicated to environmental justice advocacy is another way to support community engagement initiatives.
• Lastly, collaborating with local communities to confront environmental health concerns through outreach agendas and service learning opportunities is another way for more people to engage in this critical matter.

Overall, public health students have a key role to play in the advancement of environmental justice. By participating in research, community collaborations, and advocacy, students will have the opportunity to contribute to the environmental health conversation and promote equity. The University of Iowa provides helpful resources for students to further strengthen their skills and information, equipping themselves as future leaders in the field of environmental justice.