What is Environmental Justice?

Environmental Justice is a very interdisciplinary issue addresses the fact that our most vulnerable populations (based on low income, socioeconomic status, or race) are living in environmental hazards. Environmental hazards can include pollution like in rivers, exposures to hazardous waste sites, and much more. Environmental Justice advocates support for environmental injustices to be addressed being that everyone should not have to extremely burdened by their environmental conditions while others are fortunate to be living in a community that is more environmentally protected. Usually those who live in poorer communities don't have much say in environmental policy. This environmental inequality continues to set back those with a lower income or minorities compared to the wealthy that have access to better environmental conditions. If the health of minorities deteriorates, how are they expected to live a productive life? These already vulnerable individuals are not safe. To begin to address environmental justice, one must first bring awareness to the issue. Other means can include advocating for ways to improve living conditions in these communities which can include cleanups.