13 Global Impact

Intro

As previously discussed, the impact of environmental justice is vast. It knows no bounds and affects virtually everyone – that said, the global impact is to be paid attention to. The most common idea that will probably cross your mind is climate change. In the past decades, we have seen first-hand the effects of climate change on both the earth and us, humans that populate it

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.

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 look at environmental justice when making decisions. Segwaying 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.

By this point in this chapter, I’m sure you have a good grasp of Environmental justice. The idea 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. (APHA)

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 accurate 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.

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’” (Al.com). 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?

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 that have lower income are more likely to be overburdened with “toxicity and pollution related to the fossil fuel and petrochemical industries” (Esme). 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.

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 came to the conclusion that race was the most significant independent variable for commercial hazardous waste facilitates and uncontrolled toxic waste sites being places in particular communities” (Esme). This laid the groundwork for what is now known as environmental racism.

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

Values of Environmental Justice

While the idea of Environmental Justice has been repeated repeatedly, in this section, the focus will be on the values that come together to make 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.

Equity in environmental protection. The word 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 impeded view. This is what the concept of equity tries to reach – fairness.

So, 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 there is not a universally accepted definition of environmental justice – but the EPA has had this definition that most governmental identities have adopted.

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 to be made, little steps in the right direction are still progress. Global environmental justice considers collaboration between governments, non-governmental organizations, local communities, and international organizations.

From a global perspective, ensuring proper and accurate politicians represent a country’s values is important. 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 equitability. This part of the decision-making process is especially important when considering developed or third-world countries that are already at an environmental disadvantage.

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 environmental challenges. Those in the low-income, minority, and rural locations are often 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.

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 an environmental right; 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 factors that are basic needs. Asking for equitable environmental justice is a basic right that should be addressed as such.

Problems faced globally

Now that the groundwork has been laid—both historical and environmental justice values have been dissected—the problems faced globally regarding environmental justice can be addressed.

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 occur, 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.

With the rise of disasters, there’s a direct effect on communities. Areas that are struck include comminutes 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.

Climate change expedites living conditions even more, worsening already toxic conditions. Chemicals, toxins, and pollution are worsened by extreme heat, 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, expedite any previous health condition.

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.

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.

 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 both slowly yet can also rapidly happen are directly affecting communities and destroying 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.

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.

Pollution

Hand in hand with climate change, pollution is leading contributor to the problem. Pollution continues to grow not just in the United States but globally especially with the rise of social media consumption.

Theres a rise in consumerism which leads to a higher turnover of materialistic items. While everyone loves getting new items, it’s important to keep in mind what’s happening to the old item that is being replaced. The garbage needs to go somewhere. While this type of pollution is on the rise it births to a new cycle of overproduction, overconsumption, and over-disposal. These items that are being disposed of take years to decompose, if they even do. This waste is leading to an influx of trash in landfills, oceans, and disposal sites. All of which can contribute to climate change that then are affecting communities.