How is "environmental justice" defined?

The concept of "environmental justice" is fundamentally about ensuring that all individuals, regardless of race, ethnicity, income level, or other factors, have fair treatment and meaningful involvement in the development and enforcement of environmental regulations and policies. This means that every community should have a voice in decisions that affect their environment and health, and that no group should bear a disproportionate share of the negative environmental consequences of industrial, governmental, and commercial operations.

This definition emphasizes the importance of inclusivity and equity in environmental decision-making processes. It addresses the historical context in which marginalized communities often face greater exposure to environmental hazards and have less access to environmental benefits. Therefore, advocating for environmental justice means striving for policies that account for these disparities and ensure everybody's rights are respected.

In contrast, other options refer to different concepts. The equal distribution of environmental resources implies a geometric fairness in resource allocation, which, while important, does not capture the essence of fairness in treatment and involvement. The idea that all countries should have the same environmental policies overlooks the diverse context and needs of different regions. Lastly, the right of companies to exploit natural resources does not reflect the principles of equity or justice, as it can lead to exploitation without regard for communities affected by such actions.