雅思阅读

📖 Reading Passage

The concept of 'environmental justice' emerged in the late 20th century, initially highlighting the disproportionate impact of pollution on marginalized communities. Over time, it has expanded to encompass broader issues such as climate change and global resource distribution. Scholars argue that achieving environmental justice requires not only legal reforms but also a fundamental shift in societal values, prioritizing the well-being of vulnerable populations over economic expediency. This perspective challenges traditional cost-benefit analyses, which often overlook long-term ecological and social costs. Consequently, policymakers increasingly integrate participatory approaches, ensuring that affected communities have a voice in decision-making processes. Despite these advances, implementation remains uneven, with power imbalances and lack of political will hindering progress in many regions.