Who pays and who is compensated? : environmental justice, social policy, and sustainable development

Abstract

Two of the most important themes of sustainable development embodied in the several sets of common commitments entered into by most nations of the world during the past decade are: (1) an acknowledgment of the grave inequalities that exist in many countries; and (2) the acceptance of an obligation to take equitable action to address them. One of the areas of particular concern is what is coming to be known as environmental justice, a concept based on a recognition of the injuries done to many peoples and developing countries by decisions made by others affecting their environment. This paper explores the nature of the problem of environmental equity, a core aspect of environmental justice. Specifically, it examines the kinds of mistakes made in one case study as a basis for learning how to better frame and utilize the concept of environmental equity both within and among nations. It proposes a model that provides a basis for analysis and resolution of equity issues in environmental justice.