What are innovative approaches to promoting environmental justice in urban areas?

1 Community-led mapping

One way to identify and document the environmental issues and assets of a community is to use participatory mapping methods, such as community-based GIS, digital storytelling, or citizen science. These methods allow residents to collect and analyze spatial data, share their stories and perspectives, and create maps that reflect their needs and values. Community-led mapping can empower residents to advocate for their rights, influence decision-making, and monitor the impacts of urban policies and projects.

3 Environmental justice indicators

A third way to promote environmental justice is to use indicators that measure and evaluate the environmental conditions and outcomes of different groups of people in urban areas. Environmental justice indicators are quantitative or qualitative measures that capture the distribution, recognition, and participation aspects of environmental justice. Environmental justice indicators can help urban planners to assess the current situation, identify the gaps and priorities, and monitor the progress and impacts of urban actions.

4 Just transitions

A fourth way to promote environmental justice is to support just transitions, which are processes that aim to shift urban economies and societies from fossil-fuel based, extractive, and unequal models to low-carbon, regenerative, and inclusive ones. Just transitions require addressing the social and economic dimensions of environmental change, such as employment, income, health, and education. Just transitions also require ensuring that the costs and benefits of environmental transformations are shared fairly among different groups of people, especially those who are most vulnerable and affected.

5 Environmental justice networks

A fifth way to promote environmental justice is to join and support environmental justice networks, which are alliances of organizations and movements that work together to advance environmental justice goals and principles. Environmental justice networks can provide platforms for sharing knowledge, resources, and strategies, as well as for building solidarity, mobilizing action, and influencing policy. Environmental justice networks can also amplify the voices and demands of marginalized and oppressed communities in urban areas.

6 Human rights approach

A sixth way to promote environmental justice is to adopt a human rights approach, which is a framework that recognizes environmental justice as a human right and a legal obligation. A human rights approach entails using international and national human rights instruments, such as treaties, conventions, and declarations, to protect and promote the rights of people to a healthy and safe environment. A human rights approach also entails holding governments and corporations accountable for their environmental impacts and responsibilities.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?