What is environmental justice?
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Environmental justice is a belief that all people have a right to be protected from environmental pollution and enjoy a clean and healthy environment
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The environmental justice movement ensures the creation, enactment, and enforcement of environmental legislation for all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income
Why is it important?
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Environmental injustice is a public health and human rights issue
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Environmental exposures have been linked to various damaging health issues, including cancer, asthma and other respiratory diseases, cardiovascular disease, neurological disease, and developmental disabilities​
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Low-income and BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) communities, especially ones that were historically redlined, are disproportionately at risk to environmental hazards such as extreme heat and air pollution
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Through environmental justice initiatives, such as an investment in urban parks or greenspace and reduction of pollutants, these marginalized communities will benefit from a more equitable distribution of environmental benefits, creating healthier communities
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TNC Nature Day