The introduction of environmental justice in 1980's aiding in the fair distribution of environmental burdens or problems among people without any kind of discrimination has proved to be beneficial for the sustainable existence of life on earth.

Environmental justice is defined as the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies (according to the united states environmental protection agency).

A policy based perspective to environmental justice states that citizens are given safety and protection from environmental hazards by the government regardless of their race, color, being a minority or unprivileged.

Environmental justice holds great significance as it shapes our relationship with the environment and protects humanity. It allows awareness about the fair conservation of energy and natural resources preventing excess loss and damage to the people and environment. environmental justice provides with a clear explanation and  formation of solutions which aid in the process of achieving sustainability on an individual, communal and national level. It also emphasizes on the laws of distribution allowing for implementation by the authorities. with equal allocation of resources environmental laws are supported which highlights and strengthens them.

Many global examples can be seen with regards to the implementation of environmental justice. One includes one of the worst environmental disasters centering the oil company BP which was pumping oil from the ocean floor in the gulf of mexico. During the process the rig exploded causing the rupture of the highly pressured oil pipeline. This tragedy killed marine life, also caused human fatalities. Even though the situation was resolved, the loss and impact is still seen in the environment

there are many environmental issues that are categorized under environmental justice e.g. transport, air, water, land, provision of healthy food etc. In Pakistan water pollution is a major environmental justice issue. provision of clean water is scarce in rural areas and settlements where minorities and low income families live. according to a report in 2012 40% of the annual deaths are caused by polluted water. it is blamed on factors like poor infrastructure, bad crisis management, political instability and increasing population. 

However steps are being taken to improve this water crisis in Pakistan. authorities are working on spreading awareness and generating campaigns to consume water ethically to aid sustainability. The regulation of environmental policies centering the quality of drinking water regarding national and international standards, monitoring and testing for bacterial and chemicals presence. The construction of proper sanitary landfills and proper waste management by authorities is underway. at a national level the conservation and cleanliness of water is being practiced and locally in rural areas mainly people are asked to boil or filter drinking water to eliminate diseases and bacteria. Epidemiological studies are also being conducted near contaminated water bodies to study the pattern of impact and effect of water pollution on the consumers.

HAJIRA USMAN

Pakistan