The concept of 'environmental justice' emerged in the late 20th century as a response to the disproportionate burden of environmental hazards borne by marginalized communities. Scholars argue that such communities often lack the political and economic resources to resist the siting of polluting facilities, leading to systemic inequities. Recent research has expanded this framework to include climate change impacts, noting that poorer nations, despite contributing least to global emissions, face the severest consequences. This has prompted calls for 'just transition' policies that not only mitigate environmental damage but also address underlying social inequalities. Critics, however, caution that overly broad definitions of environmental justice may dilute its focus, while proponents maintain that integrating social and ecological concerns is essential for sustainable development. The debate underscores the complexity of balancing economic growth, environmental protection, and social equity in policy-making.