Exploring Environmental Justice: Addressing Political and Economic Inequalities with Prakash Kashwan

Watch the Video: Environmental Justice, Political-Economic Inequalities, and Pathways to Justice

Welcome to the Cities@Tufts Lectures! We discuss urban planning and its effects on communities, focusing on equity and justice. This season, we’re supported by Sharable and Tufts University’s Department of Urban and Environmental Policy and Planning, along with the Barr Foundation. You can find the video, transcript, and graphics on Shareable.net.

Today, we’re excited to feature Dr. Prakash Kashwan, an Associate Professor at Brandeis University. He chairs the Environmental Justice Concentration in their Public Policy Program. His research dives into how environmental issues intersect with development and socio-political factors, and he has over 20 years of experience in international environmental governance.

Dr. Kashwan’s talk is titled “Political Economic Inequalities and Pathways to Environmental and Climate Justice.” He will explore how political and economic inequalities shape our understanding of environmental justice (EJ).

To start, Dr. Kashwan will define environmental justice as the equitable treatment and engagement of all people, regardless of their background. He notes that the environmental justice movement originated from a desire to address environmental racism. This movement has significantly influenced political debates around climate change and similar issues.

He emphasizes that the scholarship surrounding environmental justice is rich and varied. It includes discussions about historical contexts, policy engagement, and methodologies that reflect the diversity of experiences and challenges faced by different communities. Topics range from toxic waste to food justice, highlighting the broad scope of environmental concerns.

One major discussion within the field considers the role of the state in helping or hindering environmental justice. Some scholars wonder if working with governmental entities can lead to positive outcomes or if it risks compromising the mission of EJ groups. This is an ongoing debate among scholars, including contributions from figures like David Pellow and Laura Pulido.

Dr. Kashwan also highlights the expanding narrative of environmental justice, underscoring the need for sustainable practices. He believes that sustainability should benefit everyone, relying on an intact ecosystem to support social justice. The idea is that a damaged environment not only represents existing injustices but also limits our ability to achieve equity.

He notes three key gaps in current discussions around environmental justice. First, many scholars have not adequately examined the differing ideologies behind environmental protection. Second, the effects of political and economic inequalities on environmental policy have not been fully explored. Lastly, the interplay between social equity and environmental outcomes requires more attention.

Dr. Kashwan suggests that effective environmental protection must consider both good and bad social justice outcomes. This means evaluating how different policies impact communities, particularly regarding conservation efforts. He argues that if environmental policies do not consider local stakeholders, conflicts may arise.

His analysis also includes how political inequalities can hinder environmental protection, particularly in less democratic nations where those in power may prioritize profit over people. As a result, countries with high inequality often see more land designated for conservation without truly involving local communities.

As he speaks about renewable energy transitions, Dr. Kashwan underscores the importance of balancing sustainability with social equity. He insists that conversations around climate justice shouldn’t only focus on maximizing resource development but should also consider the implications for ecosystems and local communities.

This exploration of environmental justice continues to evolve, with researchers and activists alike contributing to a deeper understanding of how to achieve true equity. Ultimately, Dr. Kashwan stresses that collaborative efforts and coalitions between environmental and social justice movements are essential for creating lasting change.

This discussion is crucial as we face significant socio-political challenges both locally and globally. Engaging in these dialogues helps pave pathways toward a more just and sustainable future.