Why Environmental Justice is Social Justice.

By Isabella Brunt

Climate change disproportionately affects the population, with those contributing the least, being affected the most. The inverse is that the top 10%, who contribute 52% of global emissions, are hardly touched, yet.

Some people, myself included, have access to tools and resources that can help us mitigate our effect on the planet, or escape the effects of climate change. When at my parents’ house, I’m privileged to be sheltered from the polluted air of cities, safely in the luxury of the countryside. But the majority of global populations rely increasingly on industrial jobs in cities.

The injustice of pollution is apparent in Europe. House prices are more expensive in less polluted areas, or near parks. Those who can afford to own and run a car may live outside a city, clogging up the roads in the suburbs, where those who can’t afford a car and rely on public transport live. The inequality of resources and wealth means that these populations are disproportionately exposed to toxic levels of pollution

There are very real changes happening around the world today, harming the societies who live with them, including

Draught, water shortages and famine
Wildfires from extreme temperatures
Loss of biodiversity leading to crop failure and wildlife depletion
Spread of diseases

This article on the World Economic Forum provides some great infographics revealing the scale of the global inequality of those affected: https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2015/12/richest-10-percent-causing-climate-change/

Blaming population growth for climate change fuels racist discourse in our society. Population growth is larger in poorer countries.

Yes, there are problems with having so many people on this planet. But the truth is that the severely unequal distribution of wealth, and the excessive consumption of the richest 10% is the main driver of climate change among individuals.

Many, if not all, of those reading this, will be included in that top 10% of the population. Of the population’s contribution to the crisis, we are the biggest offenders. To truly be active in curtailing our impact on the planet, our environmental activism must include and fight for racial justice.