Explain the concept of "environmental justice."

The concept of "environmental justice" centers on the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all individuals, regardless of their race, ethnicity, income, or geographic location, in the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws and policies. This means that all communities, particularly those historically marginalized or disproportionately affected by environmental hazards, should have equal access to a clean and healthy environment.

Environmental justice emphasizes the need for inclusive participation in decision-making processes that affect communities and encourages equitable distribution of environmental benefits and burdens. It seeks to address systemic inequalities, ensuring that vulnerable populations are not unfairly subjected to environmental harm or excluded from environmental policy discussions. By promoting diverse stakeholder participation, environmental justice aims to ensure that the voices of all groups are heard and considered in environmental governance.

This principle is particularly relevant in contemporary discussions about public health, urban planning, pollution controls, and climate change mitigation efforts, highlighting the importance of addressing both environmental impacts and social equity simultaneously.