1. Environmental Ethics, Economics, Law
Dr. Alycia Lackey
Bio 103 – Saving Planet Earth
April 2017
Murray State University

2. Environmental Justice
Justice = the fair treatment of people;
the quality of being fair or reasonable (Oxford English Dictionary)
In small groups
Develop a definition of “environmental justice”. (Top Hat)
Think of at least 1 example where ideas of environmental justice would be used to make decisions about how to respond to particular environmental event or situation. (Top Hat)

3. Environmental Justice
The right of every citizen regardless of age, race and gender, social class or other factor, to have adequate protection from environmental hazards
Generally, members of low income and minority communities:
Face more environmental threats and have fewer environmental amenities
Have less voice in planning
Challenge of environmental justice
To find equitable solutions that respect all groups of people

4. What is Environmental Justice?
A social movement that demands fair distribution of environmental benefits and burdens. What about this image suggests environmental injustice?
Credit: Marianne de Wit
Image Source: Accessed October 7, 2014.
Photo credit (CC license): Marianne de Wit
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5. History of Environmental Justice
1982
Warren County, North Carolina
A rural, low-income, predominantly black community
Chosen by state lawmakers to host a toxic waste landfill.
Why do you think areas dominated by minorities and the poor are sites chosen for the disposal of hazardous waste?
Photo by Ricky Stilley, used with permission. [Accessed April 21,
More photographs from Ricky Stilley and some information about the 1982 protests can be found:
Photo credit: Ricky Stilley; used with permission.
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6. History of Environmental Justice
1990
University of Michigan's School of Natural Resources holds the first conference on race and environmental hazards
EPA establishes its Workgroup on Environmental Equity
Credit: US EPA
Image Source: Accessed October 7, 2014.
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7. History of Environmental Justice
1994
President Clinton signs into law Executive Order to provide federal actions to address environmental justice in minority populations and low-income populations
“instructs all federal agencies to ‘collect, maintain and analyze information assessing and comparing environmental and human health risks borne by populations identified by race, national origin or income.’” (epa.gov/ejscreen)
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8. History of Environmental Justice
Increased awareness of environmental injustice
Led to recruitment of more minorities as members and leaders of
environmental organizations
Ex: Sierra Club, Audubon Society, Friends of the Earth, and Greenpeace
How might the involvement of people of color in these
organizations help the cause of environmental justice?
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