Environmental Justice
Context, Challenges and National Approaches
There is mounting evidence that, depending on social and economic circumstances, some
communities and groups may face disproportionate exposure to environmental hazards,
bear an inequitable share of the costs associated with environmental policies or face
more barriers to participating in environmental decision-making. As countries increase
their efforts to tackle environmental degradation, pollution and climate change, the
concept of environmental justice can shed light on how to ensure fairness in the processes
and outcomes of environmental policymaking.
This report examines the plurality of the concept of environmental justice, its underlying
conceptual pillars and how it has emerged in different contexts around the world.
The report also provides the first policy stocktake of how governments across the
OECD and beyond are seeking to redress environmental justice concerns, building upon
insights from 26 responses to the OECD Environmental Justice Survey as well as complementary
desk analysis across a broader set of countries.
Published on May 28, 2024Also available in: French