For many, environmental concerns are perhaps the most important questions facing modern society. This view tends to subordinate other social divisions, such as class or race, to environmental protection. An alternative explanation suggests that environmental concerns cannot be separated from other social questions, and that health and safety are linked to political and economic power. The environmental justice movement, a collection of broad interests linked by concern for local community health and safety considerations, has developed around the belief that environmental protection is often a function of class and race. That, for example, wealthy whites receive better protection and are much less likely to face environmental problems, such as hazardous waste, than the poor, or people of color. The linkage of social equity questions and environmental protection challenges has recast the nature of the debate about the environment in the US and other countries and is forcing governments at all levels to reconsider the direction and focus of environmental policy.

Objectives

After completing the assigned readings, web-lectures, and discussion, students will have an increased awareness of why critics contend the environmental movement is often concerned with questions and issues far beyond the simple environmental protection.