Chapter 3: Glossary

Question 1

Climate justice

Answer 1

is the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, o income in the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies. It aims to ensure that everyone has a voice in maintaining a clean environment and that environmental laws are enforced fairly

Question 2

Environmental justice

Answer 2

refers to the fair treatment of all individuals, irrespective of their race, color, or income, in the creation and enforcement of environmental laws. It emphasizes the importance of equitable distribution of environmental benefits and protection from environmental hazards for all communities.

Question 3

Racism and environmental racism

Answer 3

Racism involves the intentional or unintentional use of power to isolate, separate, and exploit others based on race.
Environmental racism is the disproportionate imposition of environmental burdens on certain racial or ethnic groups, leading to their exclusion from participating in environmental policy-making.

Question 4

v Inequality and inequity

Answer 4

Inequality refers to the uneven distribution of opportunities among individuals, while inequity denotes the unfairness or inability to achieve equality due to unequal circumstances. Environmental equity aims to provide equal protection from environmental hazards and benefits to all, regardless of their identity.

Question 5

> Social equity

Answer 5

focuses on ensuring fairness in environmental decision-making processes by considering factors such as race, ethnicity, class, culture, power, and politics. It aims to balance power dynamics and promote inclusivity in environmental policies.

Question 6

> Geographic equity

Answer 6

involves distributing hazardous waste sites and environmental burdens equally among communities regardless of their location. It emphasizes the need for a fair distribution of environmental challenges and responsibilities across different geographical areas.

Question 7

> Procedural equity

Answer 7

pertains to the unbiased application of regulations and their enforcement without discrimination. It focuses on ensuring that environmental laws are implemented fairly and justly for all individuals and communities.

Question 8

› Climate change and inequality

Answer 8

share a common root cause in unjust economic, political, and social systems. Addressing climate change requires addressing underlying inequalities to achieve a more just and sustainable future for all individuals and communities.

Question 9

v Bali principles of climate justice

Answer 9

The Bali Principles of Climate Justice outline a set of goals to address climate change as a human rights issue. These principles aim to guide climate scientists and social scientists in developing equitable solutions to climate-related challenges and ensuring a smoother adaptation to a changing climate.

Question 10

v Women’s rights and climate justice

Answer 10

Climate justice advocates for solutions that address women’s rights in the context of climate change. It recognizes t importance of empowering women and ensuring their rights are protected in climate change mitigation and adaptatic strategies, acknowledging the complex cultural and social dynamics involved.

Question 11

Environmental justice

Answer 11

is the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income, with respect to the development, implementation, or enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies. It aims to ensure that all individuals have a voice in maintaining a clean environment and that environmental laws are enforced fairly.

Question 12

Racism

Answer 12

is the intentional or unintentional use of power to isolate, separate, and exploit others based on race, racial prejudice, plus power equals racism. In the context of the text, racism is discussed in relation to environmental racism, which refers to the disproportionate environmental burdens imposed on groups due to their racial or ethnic status, leading to deliberate exclusion from participating in environmental policy formulation.

Question 13

Inequality

Answer 13

is the quality of being uneven or unequal, resulting in a disparity in the distribution of opportunities among individuals. The text highlights inequality in terms of the distribution of environmental hazards and benefits, emphasizing the need for equal access to decision-making processes and protection from environmental and health hazards.

Question 14

v Inequity

Answer 14

Inequity refers to unfairness or the inability to achieve equality due to unequal implementations. Inequity leads to inequality, creating barriers for individuals to access equal opportunities. The text discusses inequity in the context of environmental equity, which focuses on providing equitable protection from environmental hazards and benefits regardless of race, ethnicity, or class.

Question 15

Procedural equity

Answer 15

relates to the extent to which regulations and their enforcement are applied in a nondiscriminatory manner. It ensures that rules are implemented fairly without bias. The text mentions procedural equity concerning the application of environmental regulations to promote fairness in decision-making processes.

Question 16

› Geographic equity

Answer 16

refers to the extent that the location and spatial configurations of communities in proximity to hazardous wastes are equally distributed. It aims to ensure that environmental burdens are not disproportionately placed on specific geographical areas. The text discusses geographic equity in the context of waste disposal and the distribution of environmental hazards.

Question 17

Social equity

Answer 17

pertains to the extent to which social factors such as race, ethnicity, class, culture, power, or politics contribute to fairness in environmental decision-making and power balance. It emphasizes the need for equal representation and opportunities for all individuals in environmental matters. The text addresses social equity in relation to environmental justice and the balance of power in decision-making processes.

Question 18

Climate justice

Answer 18

advocates for the equitable protection of all individuals from climate impacts, regardless of race, ethnicity, national origin, gender, or income. It emphasizes the inclusion of all people in decision-making about climate change solutions. The text discusses climate justice as a shift towards viewing climate change as a human rights issue and highlights the importance of addressing unjust economic, political, and social systems.

Question 19

v Biodiversity

Answer 19

refers to the variety of life forms present in an ecosystem, including plants, animals, and microorganisms. It encompasses the diversity of species, genetic variation within species, and the variety of ecosystems. The text mentions biodiversity in the context of preventing its extinction due to climate change and its associated impacts.

Question 20

Nuclear power

Answer 20

is a form of energy generated through nuclear reactions, typically in nuclear power plants. It is considered a low-carbon energy source but raises concerns about safety, waste disposal, and potential environmental impacts. The text discusses nuclear power in the context of considering its phase-out and the need for technological advancements to address safety and waste management concerns.

Question 21

v Fossil fuels

Answer 21

are natural fuels formed from the remains of living organisms over millions of years. They include coal, oil, and natural gas and are major sources of global energy. The text mentions fossil fuels in the context of calls for a memorandum on new fossil fuel exploration and exploitation, highlighting the debate around their continued use and the need for transitioning to cleaner energy sources.