Environmental Justice Research: Contemporary Issues and Emerging Topics

Jayajit Chakraborty, Timothy W. Collins and Sara E. Grineski
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Jayajit Chakraborty: Department of Sociology & Anthropology, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, USA
Timothy W. Collins: Department of Sociology & Anthropology, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, USA
Sara E. Grineski: Department of Sociology & Anthropology, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, USA

IJERPH, 2016, vol. 13, issue 11, 1-5

Abstract: Environmental justice (EJ) research seeks to document and redress the disproportionate environmental burdens and benefits associated with social inequalities. Although its initial focus was on disparities in exposure to anthropogenic pollution, the scope of EJ research has expanded. In the context of intensifying social inequalities and environmental problems, there is a need to further strengthen the EJ research framework and diversify its application. This Special Issue of the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (IJERPH) incorporates 19 articles that broaden EJ research by considering emerging topics such as energy, food, drinking water, flooding, sustainability, and gender dynamics, including issues in Canada, the UK, and Eastern Europe. Additionally, the articles contribute to three research themes: (1) documenting connections between unjust environmental exposures and health impacts by examining unsafe infrastructure, substance use, and children’s obesity and academic performance; (2) promoting and achieving EJ by implementing interventions to improve environmental knowledge and health, identifying avenues for sustainable community change, and incorporating EJ metrics in government programs; and (3) clarifying stakeholder perceptions of EJ issues to extend research beyond the documentation of unjust conditions and processes. Collectively, the articles highlight potentially compounding injustices and an array of approaches being employed to achieve EJ.

Keywords: environmental justice; social inequality; health; air pollution; water pollution; flood; food; energy; green space; sustainability (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2016
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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