EnvironmentalJusticeintheAmazon-VillanovaUniversity.pptVIP

ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE IN THE AMAZON Dr. Chaone Mallory, Philosophy Villanova University K-12 “TEACH BRAZIL WORKSHOP,” OCTOBER 2, 2010 Definition of environment from U.S. environmental justice movement: “The environment is where we live, work, play, pray, and learn.” -WE ACT For Environmental Justice This definition does not separate humans from the natural world. What is environmental justice? Looks at correlations and connections between social inequality and environmental problems Connects histories of racism, colonialism, gender discrimination, and classism to the fact of the disproportionate impact of environmental problems on marginalized groups in the present. The Global Environmental Justice Movement Not just focused on toxics or distributional equity (i.e. who gets the “goods” and who gets the “bads”, takes a more expansive and inclusive understanding of “justice” “ [E]nvironmental justice activists often see themselves as outside the cultural mainstream; as such, their identities are devalued. This question of recognition is discussed in the movement both at the personal level and at the level of community; misrecognition is experienced in both realms. Additionally, the construction of inclusive, participatory decision-making institutions is at the centre of environmental justice demands. Environmental justice activists call for policy-making procedures that encourage active community participation, institutionalize public participation, recognize community knowledge, and utilize cross-cultural formats and exchanges to enable the participation of as much diversity as exists in a community. Environmental justice groups consistently demand a ‘place at the table’ and the right to ‘speak for ourselves’. “ David Schlosberg, Professor of Political Science, Northern Arizona University (“Reconceiving Environmental Justice” p. 523 in Environmental Politics Vol.13, No.3, Autumn 2004,) Key Themes: Proponents are outside of dominant power structures and their in