Although society has become more cognizant of the importance of environmental equity, its implications have yet to be fully realized. It is imperative that we strive towards a more sustainable future; however, this necessitates taking steps toward ensuring that everyone is equally benefitted by such efforts.
Despite the undeniable need for action on climate change, we must not overlook another pressing issue – environmental inequality. By prioritizing climate remediation over combating other issues related to pollution, such as health inequity or food insecurity, we could potentially overlook other issues which are actually affecting our everyday lives today.
As we all know, the environment has an impact on our wellbeing. It may not be immediately apparent, but these issues can have a profound effect on our physical health as well as mental well-being. For instance:
1. Improved mental
By providing stewardship of your locality, one can experience an uptick in their mental health. In fact, it has been suggested that living within a natural environment may be correlated with more than just physical wellbeing – it could also provide an escape from daily stresses and anxieties that often plague our minds!
On its own, the presence of nature within an area can seemingly have a significant impact on individuals’ mental well-being. In recent years, research has confirmed that simply taking refuge in nature can promote happiness and alleviate stress; even among people who are anxious about life circumstances beyond their control.
An alarming fact is that 40% of all deaths in the US are attributable to six risk factors: smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes and obesity. For minorities in America this figure rises dramatically; nearly half (48%) of African American adults report being obese, as compared to only 29% of Caucasians.
Obesity is a serious worldwide epidemic. The World Health Organization has cited it as the leading cause of preventable death among women worldwide. Obesity rates are steadily increasing; an estimated 300 million adult men and 420 million adult women around the globe currently suffer from the condition.
2. Overall improvement in our quality of life
In addition to the tangible health benefits, tackling environmental inequity has a profound impact on our lives beyond these areas.
Unquestionably, one of our greatest sources of happiness is connected with an abundance of other factors – namely security (e.g., financial stability, freedom from worry over healthcare expenses) and social connections.
By definition, environmental equity fosters greater security by ensuring that we’re living in a more sanitarily sound environment where people are less likely to be susceptible to disease than before. Conversely, diminished resources can also result in decreased quality of life as inhabitants become less prosperous and consequently have fewer opportunities for enjoyment!
3. Empowerment of marginalized and vulnerable communities
As we discussed above, environmental inequality is a hot topic when it comes to minority communities. In an era where people across the globe are seeking out ways to improve their wellbeing – from getting more exercise and consuming more nutritious foods to reducing their carbon footprint – access to clean air, water, and land is essential for pursuing these goals effectively.
Indeed, individuals living in marginalized neighborhoods often experience far greater concentrations of pollutants than those in safer spaces; this disparity can have detrimental effects on health and well-being such as:
• predisposing one toward asthma or other respiratory ailments
• increasing likelihood of cardiovascular disease or stroke
Conclusion
Invest in the wellbeing of others, and you’ll be abundantly rewarded. By amplifying the voices of those who are most vulnerable, we can foster access for those who need it most – ultimately providing greater opportunities for everyone.
Ecological equity requires us to consider not only environmental impact but also social equity. It is critical that we do not lose sight of the fact that our planet is finite and human lives are valued.
