1. Environmental Justice
Credit: Annette Bernhardt
Image Source: Accessed April 19, 2015
Photo credit (CC license): Annette Bernhardt

2. 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

3. 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.

4. History of Environmental Justice
1990
the 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.

5. History of Environmental Justice
1991
First National People of Color Environmental Leadership Summit
attended by more than 650 grassroots organizations and more than 300 environmental groups

6. 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

7. History of Environmental Justice
Increased awareness of environmental injustice has led environmental organizations such as the Sierra Club, Audubon Society, Friends of the Earth, and Greenpeace to recruit more minorities as members and leaders of their organizations.
How might the involvement of people of color in traditional organizations help the cause of environmental justice?