The concept of 'environmental justice' has evolved significantly since its inception in the 1980s, when it was primarily associated with the disproportionate exposure of minority and low-income communities to environmental hazards. Initially, research focused on documenting these inequities, such as the siting of toxic waste facilities. However, contemporary scholarship has expanded the framework to include broader issues of climate change vulnerability, access to green spaces, and the unequal distribution of environmental benefits. This shift reflects a recognition that environmental risks and resources are not merely technical or ecological matters but are deeply intertwined with social, economic, and political structures. Consequently, policy interventions have moved from a narrow focus on remediation to proactive strategies that aim to integrate equity considerations into urban planning and resource management, thereby addressing the root causes of environmental disparities rather than just their symptoms.
❓ According to the passage, how has the scope of environmental justice changed over time?
A. It has shifted from addressing toxic waste siting to focusing solely on climate change adaptation.
B. It has expanded from concerns about unequal exposure to hazards to include broader issues of vulnerability and access to environmental benefits.
C. It has become less concerned with social equity and more with technical solutions.
D. It has narrowed its focus to minority communities, excluding low-income groups.
✅ Correct Answer
B. B) It has expanded from concerns about unequal exposure to hazards to include broader issues of vulnerability and access to environmental benefits.
