Understanding Environmental Inequalities
Understanding EnvironmentalInequalities
David Fell28 February 2009
Understanding Environmental Inequalities
What does ‘environmental inequality’ mean?
What does it look like?
Does it look the same however you look at it?
Why is it like that?
Understanding Environmental Inequalities
It means… better lives
•Well-being
•Happiness
•Quality of life
•Health
•Wealth
•Wisdom
•Sustainable communities
•Liveability
•Faith, love, fame, idleness…
Understanding Environmental Inequalities
It means… better environment•Homes•Litter•Rubbish/waste•Trees & plants•Birds & bugs•Air quality•Green space•Flooding•Polar bears•Oceans•Climate change
Understanding Environmental Inequalities
It means… less inequality
•Fairness
•Justice
•Equality
Understanding Environmental Inequalities
What does it look like?
If you are poor…• you suffer from poorer air quality & more litter• you are more likely to live near traffic & noise• you have less access to green space• you are more likely to be flooded• you are less able to protect yourself from climate
changeAnd• you will be sick or ill more oftenAnd• you will die younger
Understanding Environmental Inequalities
Does it always look the same?
It depends on your perspective…
Understanding Environmental Inequalities
Does it always look the same?
Understanding Environmental Inequalities
Does it always look the same?
Understanding Environmental Inequalities
Does it always look the same?
Understanding Environmental Inequalities
Does it always look the same?
Understanding Environmental Inequalities
Could it be different?Cumulative, vicious circles
Vested interests & the distribution of power
Historic economic forces
How we measure ‘value’
Differential timescales
Silo thinking
=> virtuous cycles?
=> empowerment?
=> from excess to enough?
=> beyond GDP?
=> innovative funding?
=> integration?
Understanding Environmental Inequalities
Thank you
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