Principles of Environmental Justice
United States Environmental Protection Agency defines environmental justice as "the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income, with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies." Therefore, we believe the 4 of the 17 principles of environmental justice developed in 1991 by the First National People of Color Environmental Leadership Summit that reflects climate refugees' issues of justice.
An injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.
Below will be the principles of environmental justice:
2) Environmental Justice demands that public policy be based on mutual respect and justice for all peoples, free from any form of discrimination or bias.
9) Environmental Justice protects the right of victims of environmental injustice to receive full compensation and reparations for damages as well as quality health care.
The last two principles should also be consider to any kind of social movements and issues of justice as a way to help preserve the future of Mother Nature and the future generations of mankind.
16) Environmental Justice calls for the education of present and future generations which emphasizes social and environmental issues, based on our experience and an appreciation of our diverse cultural perspectives.
17) Environmental Justice requires that we, as individuals, make personal and consumer choices to consume as little of Mother Earth's resources and to produce as little waste as possible; and make the conscious decision to challenge and reprioritize our lifestyles to ensure the health of the natural world for present and future generations.
The overall project shows the importance of being knowledgeable and educated about the Environmental Justice Movement. Thank you for taking the time to read and understand what is Climate Refugees. We will like to ask you as the readers the two questions that was brought up in the beginning of our class, who bears the burdens and who benefits?
- Maihlee Lee and Pa Yia Vang
