Environmental Justice
Dear students,
this WebQuest will explore the connections between access to healthy food, agricultural practices, land use, and economic inequality sp to promote all those developed to an awareness campaign open event organized in your schools...
Following the core definition from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), environmental justice "seeks the equitable treatment and involvement of people of all races, cultures, incomes, and educational levels in the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental programs, laws, rules, and policies".
In a more simple definition, environmental justice "refers to the fair and equitable distribution of environmental benefits and burdens among all communities, regardless of their socioeconomic status or race".
Achieving this requires a commitment to fairness, inclusivity, and the equitable distribution of environmental benefits and burdens. By addressing these issues, we can move towards a more just and sustainable future for all.
Take a look in the following presentation:
and make a discussion in the forum regarding the concept of "fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income, with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies."Then, watch the following video that examines how segregation and inequitable urban planning have created vastly different living conditions for people within the same city, with wealthier, whiter neighborhoods enjoying access to green spaces, healthy food, and cleaner air, while poorer, more diverse areas are burdened with industrial pollution, hazardous waste, and lack of resources. This pattern of environmental injustice extends beyond cities, as resource extraction in rural and indigenous communities often brings contamination without economic benefits.
Read video summary:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1_YWZmdnx_NR1SmJgqXZbl2wM6dhVrirM_7bfdSjDZBY/edit?tab=t.0
The video argues that social inequities and environmental issues are deeply intertwined, and addressing environmental justice requires tackling systemic racism and economic disparities.
Some more useful articles:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Environmental_injustice_in_Europe
https://link.springer.com/referenceworkentry/10.1007/978-3-030-38948-2_75-1#Sec5
https://feps-europe.eu/event/social-and-environmental-justice-in-the-eu/
https://bencrump.com/environmental-justice-lawyer/what-are-some-examples-of-environmental-injustice/
Environmental justice issues and examples include inadequate access to healthy food, inadequate transportation, air and water pollution, and unsafe homes.
Could you post some examples of environmental injustice in your countries or area? Post them to the following padlet:
Environmental Justice: Access to Healthy Food - Sustainable Farming as a solution
Healthy food is essential for maintaining a balanced and nutritious diet, which directly impacts individual health and well-being. However, access to healthy food is not equally distributed, leading to significant disparities that intersect with environmental justice.
Let's make a collaborative storytelling!!
You are invited to form 6 teams so to discuss the importance of healthy food, the concept of food deserts, the impacts of limited access to nutritious food, and the roles of community gardens and sustainable farming practices in promoting environmental justice.
3 Teams will implement the TOPIC A, and 3 others the TOPIC B.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1E5DQo9S27i5VjhCRTyRikZ0g0oVM9BqcprRRvIwgfM0/edit?usp=sharing
TOPIC A: Make a research on Food Deserts: A Barrier to Healthy Food, and finish this article by editing some more impacts of not having access to nutritious food:
Food deserts are areas, often in low-income urban neighborhoods or rural communities, where residents have limited access to affordable and nutritious food. These regions lack supermarkets or grocery stores that offer a variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and other healthful foods. Instead, they are often dominated by fast-food outlets and convenience stores that primarily sell processed, unhealthy options. Living in a food desert can lead to poor diet quality, contributing to health issues such as obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and other diet-related illnesses. The lack of access to healthy food is not merely an inconvenience; it is a significant public health concern that exacerbates social inequalities. The consequences of not having access to nutritious food extend beyond individual health.....
TOPIC B: Make a research on Sustainable Farming Practices: A Path to Environmental Justice, and finish this article by editing how community gardens could be a local solution:
Sustainable farming practices are essential for ensuring that food production is environmentally friendly and equitable. Methods such as organic farming, permaculture, and agroecology minimize environmental impact, preserve biodiversity, and promote soil health. These practices reduce reliance on harmful pesticides and synthetic fertilizers, leading to healthier food and ecosystems. By supporting sustainable farming, communities can ensure that their food sources do not contribute to environmental degradation or climate change. This approach aligns with the principles of environmental justice, as it seeks to create a fair distribution of environmental benefits and burdens, ensuring that all people, regardless of background, have access to healthy food and a clean environment...
Post your articles to the following padlet:
https://padlet.com/meddiet4health/collaborative-storytelling-ofbfp47x1gzn6pur
Besides our main task, the awareness campaign, here are some ideas to be implemented in each school.
Do not hesitate to implement more than one or to suggest even more. Post the photos of implementation to the related page's twinboard and make use of them to your campaign.
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DIY Mini Garden Students can grow their own mini garden at home or in the schoolyard. This can teach them about the cycle of growth and the work involved in producing food,ensuring that their food sources do not contribute to environmental degradation or climate change.
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Debate: Organize a debate or role-play activity in which students represent different stakeholders in a hypothetical situation related to environmental justice.
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All findings and products will be exhibited to an open event organized in each school. It could be nice if you shared with us some photos of your campaign events in the same twinboard.
