The concept of 'environmental justice' has evolved significantly over the past three decades, moving beyond a narrow focus on the disproportionate exposure of minority communities to pollution. Contemporary scholarship now emphasizes the distributive, procedural, and recognition-based dimensions of environmental inequality. Distributive justice concerns the fair allocation of environmental benefits and burdens, while procedural justice demands inclusive decision-making processes. Recognition-based justice, however, addresses the systemic devaluation of certain social groups, which often underlies both unequal distribution and exclusion from policy discussions. Recent empirical studies suggest that procedural reforms alone, such as public comment periods, rarely rectify entrenched power imbalances unless accompanied by mechanisms that actively empower marginalized stakeholders. Consequently, scholars argue for a multi-scalar approach, linking local struggles to broader structural changes in governance and economic systems. This holistic perspective challenges simplistic solutions and underscores the need for interdisciplinary frameworks to tackle the root causes of environmental inequity.
❓ According to the passage, which of the following is a key limitation of procedural justice reforms?
A. They focus too much on recognition-based justice.
B. They often fail to address underlying power asymmetries.
C. They are primarily concerned with fair distribution of burdens.
D. They neglect the importance of public participation.
✅ Correct Answer
B. B) They often fail to address underlying power asymmetries.
