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. Scholars argue that such communities, often low-income or minority populations, are more likely to live near polluting industries, waste facilities, or highways, leading to adverse health outcomes. This phenomenon is not merely a matter of coincidence but is rooted in historical patterns of land use, zoning policies, and economic inequality. Environmental justice advocates call for equitable distribution of environmental benefits and burdens, as well as meaningful public participation in environmental decision-making. Recent studies have expanded the concept to include global dimensions, such as climate change impacts on developing nations, which face severe consequences despite contributing least to greenhouse gas emissions. Thus, environmental justice has evolved from a local concern to a framework for addressing global inequities.