What is environmental justice in simple terms?
Environmental justice (EJ) is the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income with respect to the development, implementation and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations and policies.
“Social justice is the view that everyone deserves equal economic, political and social rights and opportunities. Social workers aim to open the doors of access and opportunity for everyone, particularly those in greatest need.” National Association of Social Workers. “Social justice encompasses economic justice.
The concept of social justice is that every group or individual receives a fair share of social and economic benefits, as well as environmental benefits. As such, environmental justice is an integral part of social justice.
9 Biggest Social Justice Issues of 2020
- Voting rights. Exercising the right to vote is one of the social justice issues prioritized by the National Association of Social Workers. …
- Climate justice. …
- Healthcare. …
- Refugee crisis. …
- Racial Injustice. …
- Income Gap. …
- Gun Violence. …
- Hunger and food insecurity.
Social injustice issues often include things such as racial discrimination, unfair labor practices, gender-related discrimination, age, ethnicity, and orientation. These can also include healthcare inequality, quality of public schools in areas with poor or low income, and death penalty.
Social justice aims to give individuals and groups fair treatment and an impartial share of social, environmental and economic benefits. … Environmental benefits include attractive and extensive greenspace, clean air and water, and investment in pollution abatement and landscape improvements.
As a profession dedicated to supporting the most vulnerable among us—those disproportionately affected by environmental disaster—social workers can play a key role in the fight for environmental justice, helping to prevent and address the consequences of climate change through education, advocacy, community organizing, …
What is environmental justice and why is it important?
Environmental justice is important because it is a basic human right. It allows everyone to have some level of agency over the decisions that impact their lives. Without environmental justice, many people are made to be victims of the plans and ambitions of others.
15 Ways to Advance Social Justice in your Community
- Examine your beliefs and habits. …
- Educate yourself about social justice issues. …
- Discover your local organizations. …
- Take positive action in your own community. …
- Harness the power of social media. …
- Attend demonstrations and protests. …
- Volunteer. …
- Donate.