雅思阅读

📖 Reading Passage

The concept of 'environmental justice' emerged in the 1980s, highlighting the disproportionate burden of environmental hazards borne by marginalized communities. Unlike traditional environmentalism, which often focuses on wilderness preservation, environmental justice prioritizes human well-being, particularly for low-income and minority groups. Research has shown that polluting facilities, such as waste incinerators and chemical plants, are frequently sited in areas with lower property values, where residents have less political influence. This pattern is not coincidental but results from historical zoning policies and systemic inequalities. Advocates argue that achieving environmental justice requires not only equitable distribution of environmental benefits and harms but also meaningful participation of affected communities in decision-making processes. Consequently, the movement has broadened the scope of environmental policy, linking it to social equity, public health, and democratic governance.