The concept of 'environmental justice' has evolved significantly since its emergence in the 1980s, when it was primarily associated with the disproportionate siting of hazardous waste facilities in low-income communities of color in the United States. Over time, scholars have broadened the term to encompass a global perspective, addressing not only the distribution of environmental burdens but also the unequal access to environmental benefits, such as clean air, water, and green spaces. This expansion has been accompanied by a methodological shift from purely quantitative risk assessments to more participatory approaches that incorporate local knowledge and community concerns. Critics, however, argue that such participatory frameworks can be co-opted by powerful interests, leading to 'tokenism' rather than genuine empowerment. Thus, while environmental justice has become a central tenet of sustainability discourse, its practical implementation remains contested, particularly in developing nations where regulatory frameworks are weaker and economic pressures often overshadow ecological considerations.
❓ According to the passage, the evolution of environmental justice has involved which of the following shifts?
A. A shift from a national focus on waste siting to a global concern with both burdens and benefits
B. A shift from participatory methods to purely quantitative risk assessments
C. A shift from sustainability discourse to a focus on economic growth
D. A shift from developing nations to industrialized countries as the primary context
✅ Correct Answer
A. A shift from a national focus on waste siting to a global concern with both burdens and benefits
