雅思阅读

📖 Reading Passage

The concept of 'environmental justice' emerged in the late 20th century, primarily from grassroots movements in the United States that highlighted the disproportionate exposure of minority and low-income communities to environmental hazards. Unlike traditional environmentalism, which often focuses on wilderness preservation, environmental justice centers on the equitable distribution of environmental benefits and burdens. Research has shown that polluting facilities, such as waste treatment plants and factories, are more likely to be located near marginalized neighborhoods, leading to higher rates of respiratory illnesses and other health issues. Scholars argue that this disparity is not accidental but results from historical patterns of zoning, land-use policies, and systemic discrimination. Consequently, environmental justice advocates call for inclusive decision-making processes that involve affected communities in policy formulation. While progress has been made, studies indicate that meaningful change requires addressing broader social inequities, not merely relocating hazards. Thus, environmental justice is now seen as a critical lens for understanding the intersection of ecology, social policy, and human rights.