Environmental Justice Flashcards - Terms (Exam Part 1)

  1. Hazard Scape:

    • Definition: Refers to the landscape where communities face a heightened risk of exposure to environmental hazards and pollutants.

    • Context: Environmental justice concept highlighting unequal distribution of hazards and associated health impacts.

  2. Citizen Science:

    • Definition: Involves community members in scientific research and data collection related to environmental concerns.

    • Context: Empowers communities to participate in monitoring, analyzing, and addressing environmental challenges.

  3. Disaster Capitalism:

    • Definition: Exploitation of environmental crises for economic gain by corporations, often at the expense of affected communities and the environment.

    • Context: Involves profiting from disaster response, privatization of services, resource extraction, and policy influence.

  4. Reflexive Modernity:

    • Definition: Societal condition characterized by heightened reflexivity regarding social and environmental issues in modern societies.

    • Context: Involves doubt, risk awareness, individualization, and reflexive governance in addressing contemporary challenges.

  5. CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility):

    • Definition: Commitment of companies to conduct business ethically and sustainably, considering environmental, social, and economic impacts.

    • Context: Involves minimizing environmental footprint, supporting communities, and promoting fairness in business practices.

  6. Pollution Haven Hypothesis:

    • Definition: Idea that industries relocate to countries with lax environmental regulations to avoid pollution control costs.

    • Context: Raises concerns about unequal distribution of environmental burdens and harm to vulnerable populations.

  7. Resource Curse:

    • Definition: Phenomenon where resource-rich countries experience economic challenges and instability despite abundant natural resources.

    • Context: Highlights issues such as over-reliance on resource extraction, mismanagement of revenues, and social inequalities.

  8. Environmental Racism:

    • Definition: Systemic discrimination resulting in the disproportionate exposure of marginalized communities, particularly people of color, to environmental hazards and pollution.

    • Context: Addresses the unequal distribution of environmental burdens, health disparities, and social injustices rooted in race and socio-economic factors.

  9. Climate Debt:

    • Definition: Concept acknowledging the moral obligation of developed countries to assist developing nations in mitigating and adapting to climate change.

    • Context: Recognizes historical emissions disparities and advocates for financial support, technology transfer, and equitable solutions.

  10. EIA (Environmental Impact Assessment):

    • Definition: Process to evaluate potential environmental effects of proposed projects or policies before implementation.

    • Context: Involves identifying and mitigating negative impacts, promoting fairness, and engaging communities in decision-making.