雅思阅读

📖 Reading Passage

The concept of 'environmental justice' emerged in the late 20th century, highlighting the disproportionate burden of environmental hazards borne by marginalized communities. Scholars argue that such disparities are not accidental but result from systemic inequalities in land-use planning, industrial siting, and regulatory enforcement. For instance, low-income neighborhoods and communities of color often host polluting facilities, while affluent areas benefit from stricter zoning and greater political influence. This uneven distribution of environmental risks raises ethical questions about fairness and public health. Recent studies emphasize that addressing environmental injustice requires not only policy reforms but also participatory decision-making, ensuring that affected populations have a voice in shaping their environment. Thus, environmental justice is both a social movement and a framework for evaluating how resources and risks are allocated across society.