Unveiling Environmental Injustice: An Intersectional Analysis of Disparities and Advocacy for Equitable Policies

Abstract

This research addresses the pervasive problem of environmental inequalities disproportionately affecting vulnerable communities, focusing on regions with lower socioeconomic status, a higher concentration of racial and ethnic minorities, and limited access to resources. The study aims to inform the development of comprehensive policies promoting environmental justice. Historically, environmental justice research heavily relied on case studies, prompting a need for alternative approaches to generalize findings. Recent literature emphasizes the intersectionality of environmental injustices, exploring differences between intersecting socio-economic and racial/ethnic categories. However, gaps persist in understanding the applicability of case study findings nationwide and the intersectionality across systems of power. This study aligns with intersectionality scholars who advocate for greater attention to structural-level processes to elucidate social and geospatial patterns of inequalities. Environmental justice advocates for the equitable distribution of environmental benefits and burdens, aiming to rectify disparities and advocate for fair and just environmental policies. Common themes include unequal exposure to pollution, limited access to green spaces, and the disproportionate impact of extractive industries on marginalized communities. The mental health aspect adopts an intersectional lens, emphasizing the complex interplay of discrimination, stigma, and oppression. It challenges existing research focused on individual social categories, highlighting the need for nuanced exploration of belonging to multiple stigmatized social groups in mental health disparities. It emphasizes the importance of equitable environmental laws and policies in developing nations and the consequences of rapid urbanization in China. The research employs Critical Theory to analyze power relations, social inequality, and cultural norms contributing to oppressive environmental systems. It incorporates the hypothesis of environmental racism, asserting the deliberate placement of hazardous sites in disadvantaged communities as a result of systematic racism. Overall, this research employs an interdisciplinary approach, drawing from critical theory, intersectionality, and environmental justice literature to provide a comprehensive understanding of environmental inequalities and their impact on marginalized populations. The findings aim to inform policy-making and initiatives for a more equitable and just distribution of environmental benefits and drawbacks globally.