Environmental Justice and Equity: Fair Distribution of Nation’s Natural Resources
In
the context of increased concerns with environmental degradation and Climate
Change as global phenomena, the idea of environmental justice has emerged as a
critical. Ecological justice is the provision of fair treatment and the
opportunity for all people to participate in the processes of defining and
managing environmental laws, regulations and policies without regard to race,
colour or national origin and low-income status. It seeks to ensure that a
society is protected equally from environment/health impacts and given equal
opportunity to participate in decision-making on how to attain a healthy
environment within which to live, learn and work.
Historical
Background and Present Erasure
Brief
on Environmental Justice and its Aims: Environmental justice has been defined
as the adverse bearing or the suffering, which the dome of pigment,
particularly the black people has long suffered in the United States of America
than any other group of people in the same country. Such places: home to many
poor and minority groups of people have been on the receiving end of pollution,
hazardous waste and any other form of pollution. This is due to social,
economic and politics factors which have denied these groups equal
opportunities when making decisions and access resource.
For
example, factories and dumpsites are frequently established in or near the poor
areas, resulting increased vulnerability to pollution and its effects. The
given problem is termed environmental racism and should be studied as a
connection between environmental problems and social justice and civil rights
issues.
The Role of Fairness in Environmental Justice
In
the bulk of the regulation of environmental justice, equity is a core component
of the policy. It is different from the concept of equity, does not involve
equal treatment but means that people are treated fairly and righteously when
being provided with something. Equity understands that people are in different
stations with different problems and needs and it accepts the idea that
different problems require different solution.
Ensuring
equitable access to natural resources is crucial for several reasons:
Equity
in Environmental Justice: The Rational
Equity
is one of the basic tenets of environmental justice. It is different from equal
opportunity which just means to treat people similarly and offers concept of
justice in terms of rights to access resources. Equity is fully aware that a
variety of demographics within the communities are in various standing and, as
such, cannot be addressed by a one-size-fits-all strategy.
Ensuring
equitable access to natural resources is crucial for several reasons:
Health
and Well-being: Human beings need to breathe fresh air and clean water and
fertile soil on which to grow food. Socioeconomically disadvantaged groups are
as a result are more prone to developing respiratory diseases, cancers, and
other diseases due to polluted environment. Hippocampal volume and health
disparities related to natural resources are significant the two diseases
mentioned above can lead to health disparities if there is unequal access to
natural resources.
Economic
Opportunities: Land, water, and forests offer economic
resources through which communities can benefit economically. In this way, the
availability of these resources improves the access to sustainable livelihoods,
and helps eliminate poverty rates, as well as boosts the economic development.
Resilience
to Climate Change: climate change impacts are especially
experienced by the most vulnerable groups in society. The allocation of clean
energy, water, and land for which these communities can achieve climate
resilience must be ensured.
Methodologies
for Realizing Justice and Equity in the Management of the Natural Resource Base
Environmental
justice and equity are attainable through policies, partnerships, and public
education, and acts as a roadmap in striving to address all these. Here are
some key strategies:
Inclusive
Decision-Making: Moreso, it is essential to ensure that
the right of the oppressed groups in society, or the issues affecting them, are
not left out in matters pertaining the environment. This may be done through
consultation, planning in; and inclusion in decision making and other
governance structures in the management of the environment.
Policy
and Regulatory Reforms: It also highlighted that the
Governments should introduce the policies and the regulation to fight against
environmental injustices. This includes the enhancement of traditional
environmental regulation, fair share principle in concerning environmental gains,
and special measures to address concerns among such populations.
Education
and Awareness: Therefore, education and raising
awareness within affected communities is of paramount importance. This paper
also suggests that education enhances the ability of the affected communities
make demands for their rights and take an active part in decision-making
processes that affect them.
Sustainable
Development: Supporting sustainable development activities that accommodate the needs of current and future generations is of primary importance. It entails embracing of renewable energy, efficient
agriculture and environment centralization, and smart infrastructure among others.
Findings
Environmental
justice and equity are organs of justice that are crucial for future equity.
Natural resources should be proportionately shared so that all classes of
persons enjoy them, and the negative impacts of the environment should equally
be contended by all in order to trans The EU guidelines should be strictly
followed especially in the provision of sharing natural resources. Realising
this goal will thus need calls for more cooperation, inclusion and equity,
fairness, and justice particularly in managing the environment.
