Mapping Environmental Justice - A Useful Resource

Below can be found the introduction to a resource useful for tracking global conflicts related to ecology and the environment. Point 7 is a point of disagreement for us - the elimination of corporations in favour of democratically organised production for use is our platform. The matter of consumption would be dealt with, again democratically, according to need and not for profit (which is the main motivator for waste) and point 8 would become redundant as communities would be party to the decision making process. 

1. Ecological conflicts are increasing around the world, driven by material demands fed primarily by the richest subsection of the global population. The most impacted are poor and marginalized communities, who do not have the political power to ensure access to justice and environmental health.

2. Both old and new forms (fracking, eco-system services) of extraction are expanding across all the continents. Much of this resource drive is focussed on hard to reach places and the last remaining pristine ecosystems on the planet, which are often occupied by indigenous and subsistence communities.

3. The current wave of enclosures is leading to reckless and irreparable environmental destruction including water contamination and depletion, land degradation, and the release of dangerous toxics as well as the loss of community control over resources necessary for their livelihoods. Large areas of land and vast amounts of water are under threat. Global challenges such as climate change are not being addressed, while “false solutions” such as carbon offsets are leading to an even more unequal distribution of environmental space.

4. These environmental injustices involve a variegated web of actors, including corporate actors already operating in large-scale capital resource investment, as well as new financial actors seeking returns to capital. Investment is moving away from traditional North-South colonial patterns as the rise of emerging powers augurs a shift to a more polycentric regime of resource flows.

5. Peoples’ resistance is emerging as the threat grows. Communities are fighting to regain control of their resources and assert their right to a healthy environment. Forms of action include formal means, such as court cases, lobbying government and referenda as well as informal mobilization including street protest, blockades and land occupation, among others. Companies continue to enjoy widespread corporate impunity for environmental and human rights abuses.

6. Companies continue activities amidst strong citizens’ protests, sometimes relying on private security forces and sympathetic governments to suppress resistance. This increased persecution and violent targeting of environmental activists is undermining human rights.

7. Increased corporate accountability, as opposed to voluntary corporate responsibility, and reduction of consumption are the only way to stop the spread of ecological conflicts worldwide. Continued monitoring and mobilisation by citizens’ groups is also essential.

8. Amidst the stories of environmental devastation and despoilaton, we also see many cases of environmental justice victories, whereby court cases were won, projects were cancelled and the commons were reclaimed. The grassroots resistance of impacted communities is key to moving to a more equal and sustainable economy.

from here         and see map here