雅思阅读

📖 Reading Passage

The concept of 'environmental justice' emerged in the late 20th century, primarily in response to the disproportionate burden of pollution and hazardous waste facilities borne by low-income communities and communities of color. Empirical studies have consistently shown that such neighborhoods are more likely to host polluting industries, partly due to historical zoning practices and the relative lack of political influence. However, recent scholarship suggests that the problem is not merely distributive but also procedural, as these communities often face barriers to meaningful participation in environmental decision-making processes. Consequently, advocates argue that achieving environmental justice requires not only the equitable distribution of environmental benefits and burdens but also the empowerment of affected populations to shape policies that affect their environment. This dual focus on outcome and process has broadened the scope of environmental policy analysis, integrating social equity considerations into what was once a purely technical or scientific field.