雅思阅读

📖 Reading Passage

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. Unlike traditional environmentalism, which often focuses on wilderness preservation or wildlife protection, environmental justice explicitly links ecological degradation to social inequality. Scholars argue that polluting industries and waste facilities are frequently sited in low-income neighborhoods or regions inhabited by ethnic minorities, largely due to weaker political representation and limited economic resources. This pattern is not accidental but reflects systemic biases in land-use planning and regulatory enforcement. Consequently, environmental justice advocates demand not only the equitable distribution of environmental benefits and burdens but also meaningful public participation in decision-making processes. Recent studies indicate that incorporating community voices leads to more sustainable outcomes, as local knowledge often identifies risks overlooked by external experts. However, critics caution that procedural reforms alone cannot address deeper structural inequities rooted in capitalism and historical discrimination. Thus, the field remains contested, with ongoing debates over the most effective strategies to achieve both ecological health and social fairness.