Environmental Justice Theory
Climate Change: an Environmental Justice Perspective
Climate change is a problem which affects us, as humans, on an unprecedented and global scale, as well as our environments – and thus our future livelihoods. Despite contrasting understandings of climate change, mainstream attitudes suggest we tackle environmental issues at face value, and favour solutions such as carbon offsetting schemes and renewable energies. However, environmental justice (EJ) theory argues that environmental issues must also be understood as a matter of human rights, and that solutions must also take into account the historical and social contexts of environmental degradation.
Overarchingly, EJ understands climate change as an intersectional issue rooted in histories of colonialism and inequality, and argues...