27 Global Impact

Introduction

As previously discussed, environmental justice has a vast impact. It knows no bounds and affects virtually everyone. That said, the global impact is worth paying attention to. The most common idea that will probably cross your mind is climate change. In the past decades, we have seen firsthand the effects of climate change on both the Earth and us, the humans that populate it. (LC)

While climate change will be discussed, I challenge you, the reader, to dive deeper. In this section, we will explore the complexity of environmental justice from a global standpoint. (LC)

Focusing on what values are encompassed when talking about environmental justice. From there, we will see the challenges that we humans face when making decisions that overlook or fail to consider environmental justice when making decisions. Transitioning into case studies, looking from a high-level perspective at studies conducted by those who have spent a great deal of time and effort studying environmental justice from a global perspective. As a result, we will then pivot into global initiatives that have been made to promote equal environmental justice. Finally, we will conclude with future goals that can be achieved from an individual and societal perspective. Rounding out with a conclusion to wrap it all up. (LC)

By this point in this chapter, I’m sure you have a good grasp of Environmental justice. The idea is that all people and communities have the right to live and thrive in safe, healthy environments with equal environmental protections and meaningful involvement in these actions, regardless of race, gender, income, or ethnicity. (LC)

Historical Background

While researching this subtopic, I could read from many different perspectives. All with the same intention of spreading awareness and increasing knowledge about environmental justice from a global perspective. That said, it should be known that this is a brief conglomeration of what I have gathered and not an exact depiction of all that environmental justice is from a global perspective. But it’s important to be aware of the history, particularly with this subtopic, as it influences decisions. (LC)

From a high-level viewpoint in the US, the idea of environmental justice originated from the black belt. The term black belt dates to the early 1800s, referring to the “’ rich dark soil where people planted cotton and built plantations on, and of course, with that came African-American slavery’” (Harress, 2017). From then, the term has snowballed into being used as a term that refers to a region or place with an African-American population. Now, you may be wondering, how does this relate to environmental justice? (LC)

Communities within the Black Belt region are more likely to “face unfair siting practices of environmental externalities such as commercial noxious facilities within their communities.” Communities of color or those with lower income are more likely to be overburdened with “toxicity and pollution related to the fossil fuel and petrochemical industries” (Harress, 2017). This is a systematic problem. In the US, as well as other countries, there is a system that seems to work against those who are minorities, low-income, or without educational status, making it harder for those living in these conditions to protest or even know where to start and how to make their voices heard. (LC)

In 1982, there was a pivotal moment during the Warren County Protests. The basis of this protest was that in Warren County, North Carolina (a part of the Black Belt), the community opposed the construction of a PCB-contaminated landfill. In a report done through the publication of the “United Church of Christ Commission for Racial Justice’s report ‘Toxic Wastes and Race in the United States’ published in 1987, researchers concluded that race was the most significant independent variable for commercial hazardous waste facilitates and uncontrolled toxic waste sites being places in particular communities” (Harress, 2017). This laid the groundwork for what is now known as environmental racism. (LC)

From there, there was a shift globally. The environmental justice movement began not just nationally but globally. (LC)

Values of Environmental Justice

While the idea of environmental justice has been repeated, this section will focus on the values that make up environmental justice and what this looks like from a global perspective. We will dissect the definition and give the proper attention and time to each idea. (LC)

Equity in environmental protection. Equity refers to fairness and impartiality, not to be confused with equality. For instance, if three people were trying to see over a gate but all at different heights, they would not all get one box each. This is because the tallest person would not need a box to stand on to see, whereas the shortest person may need two boxes to see over the gate, and the middle person may need one. They get the number of boxes to reach the same height so they can all see without an obstructed view. This is what the concept of equity tries to achieve – fairness. (LC)

Equity in environmental justice refers to each person getting adequate environmental protection regardless of race, sex, or income. This means “no group of people should bear a disproportionate share of negative environmental consequences from industry, commerce, or governmental actions and policies” (Cooley). From a global perspective, it is important to note that there is no universally accepted definition of environmental justice, but the EPA has had a definition that most governmental entities have adopted. (LC)

A fundamental concept of environmental justice is participation and inclusion. This ensures that all communities, especially those affected, have a voice when implementing policies. How is this translated to the public, however? Institutions like the Environmental and Energy Study Institute recognize the challenges of getting those in the community to partake and have a voice in the decision-making process. To better represent communities in which policies affect, they have “tried to work to recruit and retain EESI team members with diverse backgrounds and identities” (EESI). While there is still progress to try and reach full inclusion when making decisions about environmental policies or building regulations that impact the environment, little steps in the right direction are still progress. Global environmental justice considers collaboration between governments, non-governmental organizations, local communities, and international organizations. (LC)

From a global perspective, it is important to ensure that proper and accurate politicians represent a country’s values. They are used as their country’s voice when international collaboration is had. Programs like the United Framework Convention on Climate Change and Global Environmental Facility aim to promote environmental justice that ensures international policies push for fairness and equity. This part of the decision-making process is especially important when considering developed or third-world countries that are already at an environmental disadvantage. (LC)

It is important to note how and when social and environmental issues intertwine. Being able to recognize this connection is crucial when approaching environmental justice. Using historical context, an association can be drawn to those that environmental justice targets. Social and economic inequalities often exacerbate ecological challenges. Those in the low-income, minority, and rural locations are frequently disadvantaged when talking about environmental factors. This is because those on lower incomes or any of those factors are more likely to live or move to a location where environmental pollution is higher than normal. This social challenge of being able to access affordable living that does not heighten the risk of environmental pollution or access to clean water, paired with economic disparity, makes it difficult to break the cycle. The systems in place in almost every country do not make it easy to leave and break free of the disparities. (LC)

The overarching theme of environmental justice is access to a healthy environment for all. To recognize the right to live in a safe, healthy environment globally. There are no human rights without environmental rights; the United Nations Conference demonstrated the connection between the environment and development, adopting a human rights approach to environmental protection. The idea that you need to have one to have the other enforces the attention that should be paid to environmental factors. Being able to have access to water, clean air, and living in a nontoxic environment are all basic needs. Asking for equitable environmental justice is a basic right that should be addressed as such. (LC)

Climate Change

Climate change is the first one that comes to mind and is highly coveted. “Climate change refers to long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns” (un.org). In the past few decades, there has been a rise in discussion surrounding climate change. As more natural disasters occur, abnormal amounts of heat waves and cold fronts arise, and there is a correlation to be drawn between what’s happening and what preventative measures are being taken to help the climate and people. (LC)

With the rise of disasters, there’s a direct effect on communities. Areas that are struck include communities that are socially and economically disadvantaged. Due to location, health, income, and limited access to resources, they are more vulnerable. Combating these types of problems is more of an uphill battle. As climate change worsens, so does environmental justice. (LC)

Climate change expedites living conditions even more, worsening already toxic conditions. Extreme heat worsens chemicals, toxins, and pollution, which also worsens air quality. Not having access to AC or places to cool down in extreme heat poses a threat to vulnerable populations, especially women and children. This can cause heat cramps, heat stroke, and dehydration, and, again, exacerbate any previous health condition. (LC)

Unfortunately, these changes are being felt on a global scale. Places like India, where the population is extremely dense in certain cities, are feeling these extreme heat waves and seeing a rise in the death toll, as the city is not properly equipped or able to help its population. A study done by a Michigan doctoral student found that women in the global south are disproportionately affected by extreme temperatures; rigid cultural norms and social expectations restrict their ability to cope with and respond to increasing temperatures” (SPH UMICH). The conclusions drawn from this study found that climate change can be felt differently, not just among vulnerable communities but also differently based on sex. (LC)

The intersection of climate change and environmental justice occurs when marginalized communities that are less likely to contribute to the causes of climate change (via cars, burning fossil fuels, etc.) are bearing the worst of the effects. (LC)

 These effects of climate change are not just being felt through heat waves, though, but also through rising sea levels. Communities built on tourism, fishing, and agriculture are being forced to deal with the implications of climate change. Looking at the US, we can see the rise of forest fires and hurricanes annually. These disasters that can happen slowly and rapidly directly affect communities and destroy them. Climate policies need to ensure that those in vulnerable populations are prioritized. This can look like disaster response strategies, adaptation plans, and exit strategies regarding public health. All these preventatives and preparedness can help lessen the load when disaster strikes. (LC)

While climate change is not a completely reversible fix, it needs to be counteracted and can be slowed down through policies made by our world leaders. Programs like the Paris Agreement, an international treaty that helps address climate change, are one way to do this. (LC)

Pollution

Hand in hand with climate change, pollution is a leading contributor to the problem. Pollution continues to grow in the United States and globally, especially with the rise of social media consumption. (LC)

There is a rise in consumerism, which leads to a higher turnover of materialistic items. While everyone loves getting new items, it’s important to remember what’s happening to the old item that is being replaced. The garbage needs to go somewhere. While this type of pollution rises, it births a new cycle of overproduction, overconsumption, and over-disposal. If they even do, these items that are being disposed of take years to decompose. This waste leads to an influx of trash in landfills, oceans, and disposal sites. All of these factors can contribute to climate change and affect communities. (LC)

Pollution is tied to environmental justice because vulnerable communities often face pollution due to historical discrimination and systemic inequities. This section will focus on air pollution. People of color are 1.5 times more likely to live in an area with poor air quality than white people (American Lung Association, 2020). These snowballs are of greater concern than just air pollution because they directly affect the quality of life. (LC)

Those who live in poor air quality conditions are at greater risk for respiratory infections, heart disease, stroke, and lung cancer. These conditions can occur at any age, most commonly seen in a younger demographic, are asthma attacks. (LC)

As COVID-19 progressed, the emphasis on air quality and the effects of pollution had never been greater. A study by the American Lung Association found that exposure to even small amounts of air pollution over the long term can make someone 8% more likely to die from COVID-19 (American Lung Association, 2020a). This goes to show how small exposures can exacerbate a virus that a person in good health would be able to withstand. (LC)

While personal action can help lessen exposure to air pollution, it needs to be pushed to the government level. Individual actions can include staying indoors, cleaning air filters, and limiting physical exertion. However, these short-term solutions are neither realistic nor practical for more than a short period. That’s why I propose that action be taken at a governmental and international level. (LC)

Policies that could be proposed to help lessen air pollution for all, but especially marginalized communities, are crucial. Some potential ones could be regulating industrial emissions for big corporations, investing in clean energy rather than burning fossil fuels, or enforcing better air quality standards. (LC)

Resource Extraction and Land Grabs

One of the most pressing issues for environmental justice is the exploitation of indigenous communities’ land. This includes logging, mining, and fossil fuel extraction. Resource extraction and land grabs have been a problem since the beginning of time – taking over land or resources without the consent of those affected. (LC)

The global issue of resource extraction is a problem that touches close to home, as that is how America was claimed. The colonization of the Americas was built on the exploitation of indigenous people’s land. While this behavior has been repeated globally, the methods have varied. This process can happen through force, legal manipulation, broken treaties, etc. (LC)

As time has progressed, the issue has become more pressing than ever. Since the 1700s, when the first coal-fired steam engine was made, the extraction and transporting of Earth’s resources has only increased (“Resource Extraction,” 2024). While the Earth’s population has been a positive trend, the need for resources has grown exponentially. (LC)

In an interview conducted by Harvard, panelists could share their first-hand experience with resource extraction. The interviewee being highlighted is from Fort Berthold Indian Reserve in North Dakota, a major site of oil and gas production in the States. The interviewee, Kandi White, was diagnosed with stage four sarcoma tumor at twenty years old. She said, “In 2014, a wastewater spill from an oil pipeline turned Fort Berthold’s drinking water a bright, unnatural blue. Additionally, fracking produces gas flares that ‘everybody living there—my family, my friends—are breathing in every single day, 24/7 nonstop,’ she said” (Lau, 2022). She explains that fracking worsened all living conditions, making recovery difficult for her. Beyond that, what was happening to her tribe’s land was completely unfathomable. (LC)

She explained that water is sacred to her and her tribe. They were taught from a young age to protect the Earth and to conserve what they had. She couldn’t sit back and do anything, so she started advocating. She was able to extract a water sample from the land that ultimately proved there were poisonous chemicals in their waterways. A federal court settlement was reached, and the mining company paid toward cleaning up the environment (Lau, 2022). (LC)

Many can sadly relate to stories like Lau’s, where it felt like the rug was being pulled under them. Many extractions are being done without the consent of those communities affected. There is a disregard for their rights and voices when decisions are being made. This is done because of policies like the Allotment Act and similar legal frameworks. The Allotment Act, also known as the Dawes Act, was designed to silence Native Americans’ voices’. Federal takings also occur. This allows the federal government to take tribal land without consent for public use. (LC)

The issue is central to what environmental justice is fighting for – exploiting marginalized communities. Stories like White’s are happening globally, not just in the United States. While the land is capitalized and used for profit, those directly affected reap none. The wealth is not being shared equally or, at times, shared at all. These affected communities often lack legal protection or general knowledge about what is happening. A clear imbalance is being exacerbated when those in leadership roles turn a blind eye. (LC)

Addressing this imbalance requires international cooperation and proper and adequate representation of indigenous people. There needs to be a shift in what is happening to gain funds and shift to what is happening in these vulnerable communities. (LC)

From Crisis to Change: What Now?

Understanding the interconnected challenges of pollution, climate change, and resource extraction makes it clear that change does not happen when one policy is put into place or when one country decides to do something. Environmental Justice at a global level needs to be addressed as such. A systematic shift needs to be made. This includes government regulations that can regulate the number of emissions or oil fracking that can happen at the country level. This would then hopefully snowball into a decreasing trend of misheard or ignored communities. A solution to this could be a shift to clean energy as well. As technology is improving and green energy is becoming more accessible, more corporations could buy in. (LC)

Agreements like the Paris Agreement are actively trying to combat climate change. However, even improvement can be made; it is a step in the right direction. Enforcing equity among all countries, including underdeveloped or developing countries, is important. On a local level, investing in sustainable infrastructure and spreading awareness about what’s happening is crucial. It’s difficult to make people care when they aren’t even aware of the magnitude of the problem. (LC)

All in all, environmental justice is about making sure all voices are heard, but it’s also about protecting the planet. By ensuring people are protected and not neglected, there is a greater chance of change that has longevity. (LC)