In Pursuit of Environmental Justice.

“Environmental justice is the movement to ensure that no community suffers disproportionate environmental burdens or goes without enjoying fair environmental benefits.”- Vance Jones. We want justice has become a common rallying cry not only in Jamaica but across the geopolitical sphere where the voiceless and vulnerable always seem to get left behind. Oftentimes the environment is sacrificed on the altar of so called development. Big businesses and even small businesses are often allowed to negatively impact the environment by the political directorate. Notwithstanding there is always a reaction for every action. The matter of the environment is often not taken seriously by anti-environmentalists and viewed as a hindrance to development. This problem spans across continents and governments. Regrettably, those in charge of policies have become masters in paying lip service to issues concerning the environment. Unfortunately, quite a number of our policies are reactionary in nature as the environment continues to be an afterthought. What is constant in most societies is environmental injustice. The pursuit of justice, likewise environmental justice is linked to affordability. In more affluent communities where the citizenry can afford legal representation there is a semblance of environmental justice. On the other hand in less affluent communities the citizenry are bullied and sadly abuses regarding the environment have become commonplace. In many instances families have lived in various communities for generations’ yet in the blinking of an eye an unregulated and unplanned transformation descends on such residential communities that changes both the dynamics and life of the community forever. The State agencies are weak and probably understaffed concerning the monitoring of these abuses. Political representatives are not overly concerned given that this is not a clear and present danger concerning their re-election. The inconveniences that come along with such a change are numerous. However, among them is the blocking of the entrance and exit to one’s premises. In so many circumstances there are no inside and secure parking available for these businesses; yet the sidewalk and neighbour’s gate have taken over as substitute parking. In some cases, home-owners are verbally abused and or threatened if they speak up for their rights. Additionally, both night and day noises are ever present and restrict the well-being and comfort of the owners. As these multiple storey buildings are constructed the atmosphere becomes void of privacy. For many home owners privacy is important. However, with the changes in building structures one’s neighours can see over into your property without even trying. What about the right to privacy? Sustainable Development Goal. The United Nations Sustainable Development Goal #11 speaks to making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable. Target 11.1 states that by 2030, governments should ensure access for all to adequate, safe and affordable housing and basic services and upgrade slums. What is evident is that Jamaica like most other countries will not achieve this ambitious target in 7 years time. Another target that appears rather elusive is that of 11.3 that states that by 2030 governments should enhance inclusive and sustainable urbanization and capacity for participatory, integrated and sustainable human settlement planning and management in all countries. Sadly, the wealthy can do just about anything at the expense of the environment and the less prosperous. Neighbourhoods have become hotter especially since trees and other greenery are cleared to make way for new development. The depletion of the housing continues unabatedly as commercial and industrial activities take center stage. The lush greenery of communities is being replaced by concrete and steel. In many instances The Dividing Fences Act of 1888 governs the specifications of fences is being contravened and this also has negative implications for the environment. In this Act- “dividing fence” means any fence which separates any holding from any other, and shall be deemed synonymous with the term “line fence”; “fence” includes wall, bank and hedge. The trampling of the environment continues with impunity. Construction materials are also responsible for a relatively large portion of the global CO2 emissions. The construction industry currently finds itself at a green crossroads. While the economic benefits of the construction industry is appreciated as one of the world’s largest and most profitable industries, it is also responsible for 23% of the world’s air pollution and a whopping 50% of both global climatic change and landfill waste. Those who are affected by respiratory conditions should have a heightened sense of environmental awareness given their medical condition. Cement production accounts for almost 5% of worldwide CO2 production. Is this all in the name of development? Interestingly, in the communities where those responsible for this mayhem live they have no such disturbances and they continue to live happy lives. The rapid commercialization of residential areas is burning like a wildfire that was deliberately set. The peaceful nature of communities have been and continues to be disturbed. Gone are the days when neighours were next door. Those with health conditions that require rest in order to maintain stability are left to fend for themselves in these hostile and often toxic communities. Environmental degradation and generational poverty are often the effect of such unplanned and unregulated development. Even on weekends there is a struggle to find solace due to the constant commercial activities from all corners. Environmental justice essentially means that everyone regardless of race, colour, national origin, or income has the right to the same environmental protections and benefits, as well as meaningful involvement in the policies that shape their communities. However, rarely has this been the reality for people with less disposable incomes. Rob Macquarie states that environmental justice and, later, climate justice movement was born primarily from the advocacy of people of colour both from the Global South and within rich countries, particularly the United States. For decades, activists have led local campaigns against pollution from industrial facilities, which are often located near poorer, non-white communities and against the activities of foreign or multinational corporations as they exploit the natural environment for commodities and harm the heritage of many Indigenous Peoples in the process. Carbon Tax Policy. The government could examine how feasible it is to introduce a carbon tax in order to address extreme greenhouse gas emissions. A carbon tax is a type of penalty that businesses must pay for excessive greenhouse gas emissions. The tax is usually levied per ton of greenhouse gas emissions emitted. Carbon taxes have been implemented in over thirty countries to date. A carbon tax is paid by businesses and industries that produce carbon dioxide through their operations. The tax is designed to encourage such businesses to reduce their output of greenhouse gases and carbon dioxide, a colorless and odorless incombustible gas, into the atmosphere. A carbon tax is a type of Pigouvian tax, meaning a tax that businesses or individuals must pay due to engage in activities that cause adverse side effects for society. In a carbon tax regime, carbon contained in manufactured products generally is not taxed until it is released into the atmosphere, for example, by burning. The same applies to any CO2 that is permanently isolated from production and is not released into the atmosphere. Successive governments have failed in this aspect. What does environmental justice looks like? It is rather unfair and unjust for the elderly to take on such a struggle; many of whom already are faced with multiple health challenges. Who speaks for this sub-group in the society? In many communities there is an absence of a citizens association due to the fact that there are more businesses than residences. One might ask why, this is because almost all environmental injustice is shaped by the common thread of inequality It is quite evident that those who are politically connected or have wealth continues to flout the laws with impunity. The business of the environment is everyone’s business. In the words of Majora Carter, environmental justice means that no community should be saddled with more environmental burdens and less environmental benefits than any other. Wayne Campbell is an educator and social commentator with an interest in development policies as they affect culture and or gender issues. waykam@yahoo.com @WayneCamo © #environmentaljustice #commercialization