SEEKING ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE

SEEKING ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE

Are environmental justice and social justice two birds of the same feather, or are they two paths of justice where, as the old saying goes, “never the twain shall meet”?

At first glance, they may seem distinct. One wears green; the other, red. In the streets, environmental activists march under leafy banners, demanding cleaner air, water, and protection for our planet. Social activists chant for equality, fair wages, access to education, and human rights. But do these two movements ever truly blend?

It appears they do—perhaps quietly, even unknowingly. Environmental injustice, after all, is easier to define than its opposite. It’s the lack of access to clean water, sanitation, drainage and sewerage, among others. It is being forced to live in toxic neighborhoods where only the poor seem to live, in unsafe lands, and in displaced communities. You know the opposite: fairness, safety, and dignity for all, regardless of ZIP code or social status.

Social injustice, too, is familiar. It is the imbalance of opportunities, rights, and resources. But dig deeper: isn’t this imbalance also tied to unequal education? Poor neighborhoods often have poorly run schools. And poorly run schools often breed poor futures. Isn’t that environmental injustice, too? The toxic school near the factory, the broken-down classroom next to the flooding river?

So, we ask: Do environmental and social activists ever work together for a common cause? Not just in spirit, but in real projects and protests? The answer is yes—and they should more often.

Let’s take a closer look at the challenge governments face when trying to protect citizens from environmental hazards. For example, does a government have the right to forcibly evacuate people from a danger zone—say, one prone to landslides or flooding?

In theory, yes. Many local laws, including in the Philippines, already authorize forced evacuation during natural disasters. But here's the moral dilemma: What if the government does not have the resources or funding to relocate and house these families? Can we ask people to leave their homes when there is nowhere better to go?

This is the cruel paradox many developing countries face—how to balance the immediate need for safety with the long-term challenges of poverty, housing, and infrastructure. Solutions are not easy, but here are a few steps that can be taken:

• Prioritize Prevention: Strengthen disaster preparedness—better infrastructure, early warnings, and education can reduce risk without displacing people.
• Public-Private Partnerships: Governments can work with NGOs, private sector, and global institutions to fund safe housing or emergency shelters.
• Community Involvement: Instead of top to bottom decisions, why not invite communities to help plan from the bottom? Local people know the terrain and the culture best.
• Phased Resettlement: If full relocation isn’t feasible, a gradual approach can be more humane.
• Seek Global Aid: International groups like the UN or World Bank often support such efforts—so long as there’s transparency and commitment.

Perhaps it's time to form a government-led interagency study group composed of PMS, DENR, NEDA, DPWH, MMDA, DOST, and NAPC. Together, they could explore long-term strategies that protect both people and the planet.

This brings us full circle. Environmental justice and social justice must be seen not as rivals or parallel lanes, but as interconnected paths. Consider these shared goals:

• Equitable Resource Distribution: Marginalized communities deserve access to clean energy, water, and air.
• Community-Led Solutions: Empowering Indigenous and local voices in environmental decisions fosters both justice and sustainability.
• Green Jobs for the Underserved: Environmental policies can create employment opportunities for vulnerable sectors.
• Climate Justice: Recognize that rising seas and harsher storms often displace the poorest first. They deserve protection and support.

Ultimately, environmental justice is social justice. They are two halves of the same whole. A poisoned river affects not just fish but the families who rely on it. A deforested mountain leads not only to ecological loss but to displaced communities and lost livelihoods.

If we want a fairer, healthier world, we must address both. Let green and red blend—not just in protest banners but in policy, action, and heart.

So, I leave you with this question: How important do you think environmental justice is for achieving overall societal well-being? Maybe the answer is not just in politics or planning—but in the unity of people working together, across causes, to protect both lives and lands.

Ramon Ike V. Seneres, www.facebook.com/ike.seneres

iseneres@yahoo.com, 09088877282, senseneres.blogspot.com

06-02-2025