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What does social justice and equity actually mean when it comes to climate change?

Social justice and equity in the context of climate change are crucial in addressing the

uneven distribution of both environmental burdens and benefits across different populations and

communities. Climate change is a global issue with localized impacts that disproportionately

affect vulnerable groups, such as low-income communities, indigenous peoples, and countries in

the Global South. while these groups have contributed the least to the greenhouse gas emissions

driving the crisis (p. 2). Thus, a socially just approach to climate change aims not only to

mitigate and adapt to climate impacts but also to rectify historical and ongoing inequalities tied

to environmental degradation and resource exploitation.

The concept of negative global flows (p. 1) introduced in Chapter 11 provides a

framework for understanding how adverse environmental effects of globalization, such as

pollution and resource depletion, flow from more developed countries to less developed regions.

For example, industrialized nations in the Global North, which have historically contributed the

most to carbon emissions due to their economic activities, have been largely responsible for the

environmental impacts of modernization (p. 3). These nations often export hazardous waste and

pollution to poorer countries or exploit resources from less developed regions, further deepening

global inequities. Meanwhile, communities in the Global South experience heightened

vulnerabilities, including rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and food insecurity (p. 6). To

address these imbalances, social justice and equity demand that wealthier countries bear greater

responsibility in climate action by providing financial and technical support to those who suffer

the most from climate change but have the least capacity to respond effectively (p. 4).
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Equity, in this context, refers to the fair distribution of both the costs and benefits of

climate change policies. One key principle highlighted in the chapter is the idea of common but

differentiated responsibilities (CBDR), which is enshrined in international frameworks like the

United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (p. 12). CBDR acknowledges that

while all countries must act to address climate change, they have varying levels of responsibility

and capability, given their differing historical contributions to emissions. This principle calls for

developed nations to not only lead in reducing their carbon footprint but also to support

adaptation and mitigation efforts in less developed countries through funding, technology

transfer, and capacity-building initiatives (p. 13).

Moreover, an equitable approach to climate policy must consider the potential unintended

consequences of climate solutions. As noted in the chapter, some measures like the development

of biofuels can lead to resource conflicts and displacement of subsistence communities (p. 18).

Therefore, policymakers must include marginalized voices in climate decision-making to ensure

that strategies do not exacerbate existing inequalities or create new forms of injustice.

Ultimately, achieving social justice and equity in climate change means recognizing the

environmental justice (p. 10) struggles faced by marginalized groups and ensuring that they have

a meaningful role in shaping climate policies. It requires transformative changes that not only

address the environmental crisis but also challenge the power dynamics and systemic inequalities

that underpin it. By centering justice and equity, the global community can create climate

solutions that are both effective and inclusive, promoting sustainable development for all (p. 15).
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During the basket project, I was curious as to how this activity would relate to the content

in our lecture. I came to realize that this activity demonstrates inequalities and areas where equity

is needed. I did not have a ball, which meant I was less privileged right off the bat compared to

those who did. I attended the class and kept 10%. I was not given a great advantage compared to

someone who had a ball, a good distance to the basket, and good aim. In this situation, someone

who “loses out’ would be anyone who did not attend, did not have a ball, did not have a great

distance, or is not the best at throwing. I was sitting near the back left at the time, making it

nearly impossible to sink my ball. When systems are designed like the basket project, equity and

equality are very important as multiple factors influence the ability to achieve the same goal.

When it comes to climate changes, there are also “winners” and “losers”. Wealthy and

industrialized countries in the Global North, such as the United States and Western European

countries, are considered the “winners” in this context. These countries have historically

benefited from the economic development and industrialization that caused significant

environmental harm, contributing the largest share of global greenhouse gas emissions (p. 2).

Even though they face some impacts from climate change, their advanced infrastructure,

technology, and wealth allow them to better adapt and mitigate its effects (p. 3). For example,

developed countries can invest in technology like seawalls, disaster preparedness, and renewable

energy infrastructure to reduce their vulnerability and maintain economic stability (p. 10).

Certain industries, particularly fossil fuel corporations, also benefit disproportionately. As the

chapter discusses, these industries often resist changes that would reduce emissions, such as cap-

and-trade or carbon tax systems (p. 20). Their ability to influence policy and avoid regulations

allows them to maintain profits while shifting the environmental costs to other populations and
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regions. “Losers” would be populations in the Global South, particularly those in low-lying

coastal areas, small island nations, and arid regions, suffer the most from climate change despite

contributing the least to its causes. These areas experience severe consequences like sea-level

rise, extreme weather events, and food and water insecurity (p. 6). Due to limited resources,

these nations and communities have a diminished capacity to adapt to or mitigate these impacts,

making them the “losers” in the fight against climate change (p. 4). For instance, countries like

Bangladesh and regions like Sub-Saharan Africa are more vulnerable to flooding, droughts, and

other climate-induced disruptions, leading to displacement and economic hardship (p. 7).

Indigenous peoples and low-income communities within both developed and developing

countries also face disproportionate climate impacts. These communities often depend on local

ecosystems for their livelihoods and are more likely to be displaced by climate-related disasters.

For example, indigenous communities in the Arctic face threats to their traditional ways of life

due to rapidly melting ice, while low-income communities in urban areas experience higher risks

during heatwaves and other extreme events due to inadequate housing and infrastructure (p. 8).