Government Institutions and Policies
What agency of the United States federal government tasked with enforcement of environmental regulations and protecting the environment.
EPA
Living near industrial sites can _______ exposure to pollutants and health risks
Increase
Prolonged exposure to air pollution can cause
respiratory issues, cardiovascular diseases, and worsen asthma and other lung conditions. can also cause neurological ailments in younger and elderly residents
What reduces reliance on fossil fuels, lowering pollution and benefiting all communities, especially those disproportionately affected by environmental hazards
Renewable energy sources
The fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people, regardless of race, color, national origin, or income, with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies
Environmental Justice
Which international agreement aims to combat climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions
The Paris Agreement
What prevents communities from advocating for themselves and addressing environmental injustices
Inadequate access to information
How does environmental injustice impact local economies
It can lead to decreased property values, loss of business opportunities, and increased healthcare costs, straining local economies
______ provides access to fresh produce, improves local green space, and fosters community engagement, contributing to better health, mental health, and environmental quality
Community gardens
Process that evaluates the potential environmental effects of a proposed project or development before decisions are made.
An environmental impact assessment (EIA)
Who provides advice and recommendations to the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) on matters related to environmental justice.
The Environmental Justice Advisory Board (EJAB)
What is the discriminatory practice of denying services, like mortgages, to residents of certain areas based on race.
Redlining
How does environmental injustice impact children's development
Exposure to environmental toxins can lead to developmental delays, cognitive impairments, and increased rates of chronic illnesses in children
What type of programs raise awareness, empower communities with knowledge about environmental issues, and encourage sustainable practices and advocacy
Environmental education programs
An area where residents have been subjected to significant environmental harm due to the presence of industrial pollution, often with inadequate legal or governmental protection
"sacrifice zone"
What policy requires federal agencies to assess the environmental effects of their proposed actions prior to making decisions.
National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)
What practice places polluting industries in or near communities, increasing their exposure to harmful substances
Industrial zoning
What occurs when environmental improvements in a neighborhood lead to rising property values and displacement of residents, perpetuating cycles of inequality
environmental gentrification
______ improves air quality, reduces heat islands, provides shade, and enhances the aesthetic and ecological value of neighborhoods
Urban tree planting
Areas with limited access to affordable, culturally appropriate, and nutritious foods, leading to health disparities.
Food deserts
What act includes historic investments in renewable energy, climate mitigation, and environmental justice, such as tax credits for clean energy projects, funding for pollution reduction, and support for clean transportation initiatives
The Inflation Reduction Act
Economic policies that prioritize industrial development over environmental protection can lead to
increased pollution and environmental degradation
What are the psychological effects of living in a heavily polluted area
Psychological effects can include stress, anxiety, and depression due to the constant exposure to environmental hazards and the feeling of being neglected or marginalized
How do policy changes at the local level support environmental justice
Local policy changes, such as stricter pollution controls and equitable zoning laws, address specific community needs, reduce environmental burdens, and promote fair access to healthy environments.
The class divide between the rich who pay to avoid the effects of climate change and the poor who cannot.
Climate Apartheid