Which principle governs Environmental Justice?

The principle that governs Environmental Justice is centered on the idea that everyone has the right to equal protection from environmental harm. This principle emphasizes that individuals and communities, regardless of their socioeconomic status, race, or nationality, should have access to a clean and healthy environment. Environmental Justice advocates for the equitable distribution of environmental benefits and burdens, ensuring that marginalized and vulnerable populations are not disproportionately affected by environmental hazards.

This principle is crucial because it recognizes that historically, certain communities have faced systemic inequalities that put them at greater risk of environmental harm, such as pollution and climate change impacts. By establishing that everyone has the right to equal protection, Environmental Justice seeks to address these disparities and promote environmental policies that uphold human rights and social equity.

In contrast, the other options do not align with the comprehensive and inclusive nature of Environmental Justice. For instance, suggesting that only non-profit organizations can address environmental harm would limit the responsibility to a specific sector, neglecting the roles that governments, businesses, and communities also play in fostering an equitable environment. Similarly, arguing that environmental issues are solely a concern for developed nations overlooks the global and interconnected nature of environmental challenges. Lastly, imposing equal energy quotas on all countries fails to account for the varying levels of development, needs, and capacities