Question

According to the EPA: "Environmental justice is 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." Further, the EPA states that this is possible when everyone has:

the same degree of protection from environmental and health hazards, and
equal access to the decision-making process to have a healthy environment in which to live, learn, and work.
How do you think environmental justice may have better protected Detroit's urban ecosystem (people, health hazards, vulnerable populations, biodiversity, water, air)?

Answer 1

Environmental justice, as defined by the EPA, aims to ensure fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people in environmental decision-making, regardless of race, color, national origin, or income. Applying environmental justice principles to Detroit's urban ecosystem could have led to better protection of its residents, health hazards, vulnerable populations, biodiversity, water, and air. This would involve addressing health hazards by reducing pollution sources that disproportionately affect marginalized communities. Engaging vulnerable populations in decision-making processes would provide a platform for their concerns and needs to be heard. Preserving biodiversity and restoring natural habitats could have been prioritized, while efforts to improve water and air quality would have been implemented to benefit all residents.

Overall, environmental justice could have promoted equitable access to a healthy environment for all in Detroit, focusing on inclusivity, pollution reduction, biodiversity preservation, and improved water and air quality.

Step-by-step explanation: