What is Environmental Justice?

For the 22-23 and 23-24 school years the One Book Program will explore Environmental justice.

Environmental justice is the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people, regardless of race, color, national origin, nation, or income, with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies.

Environmental justice is based on the principle that all people have a right to be protected from environmental pollution, and to live and thrive in connection with a clean and healthful environment.

We will look at injustices, from colonization to climate change to the disproportionate impacts of hazardous wastes, rising sea levels, warming air and ocean temperatures, and other environmental harms on low-income, immigrant, and communities of color.

We will also look at examples of environmental justice, including indigenous and regenerative farming, decolonizing the outdoors, reforestation and regenerating coral reefs, equitable labor relations, environmental justice in the arts, and environmental movements and resistances.

We highlight many important Environmental Justice issues in this guide, and we acknowledge that we cannot remotely begin to address them all.

(Click on image to enlarge)

This image was created by artist and activist Richard Levins Morales

Morales, R. L. (2006). [Environmental justice tidal wave]. Ricardo Levins Morales Art Studio. https://www.rlmartstudio.com/product/environmental-justice/