concept check 3 geog 300

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Oregon State University, Corvallis *

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300

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Geography

Date

Feb 20, 2024

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docx

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Uploaded by AdmiralElement9276

Environmental injustice is about the unequal distribution of environmental benefits and burdens, often affecting racial and socioeconomic groups differently. This can manifest in various ways, such as harmful industries being placed in disadvantaged communities, policies not protecting all communities equally, certain groups being left out of decision-making processes, and some people being denied access to natural resources or a healthy environment. The environmental justice movement began as a response to waste facilities and polluting industries being primarily placed in African-American communities. It has since expanded to address many types of environmental injustices, demonstrating the interconnectedness of environmental and social issues. Environmental justice is vital for sustainability, which is not just about preserving the environment, but also ensuring everyone has equal access to environmental benefits and protection. It highlights the social aspect of environmental issues, emphasizing the need for policies and practices that are inclusive and fair. It underscores that environmental health and social equity are intertwined - we cannot have one without the other. Despite progress, race continues to play a role in environmental justice. Racial disparities persist in how environmental burdens are distributed. Therefore, to achieve sustainability, we must address these disparities and strive towards a more equitable and just society. Sustainability in the mineral and energy sectors is a challenging task with numerous obstacles. Mining and processing activities can harm the environment by causing greenhouse gas emissions, biodiversity loss, water pollution, and more. They can also disrupt societies due to corruption, misuse of resources, human rights abuses, and more. These environmental and social impacts can disrupt supply, slowing down the transition to clean energy. The challenges are even greater where there are inadequate regulations and systemic issues like labor informality and high inequalities. The mining industry has a unique opportunity to help advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). However, it's a challenge to ensure that the benefits of mining are shared widely and the environmental impact is minimized. These challenges require a multi- pronged approach, including responsible practices by companies, effective government regulations, and international cooperation. Effective management of these challenges is crucial for the sustainable and responsible development of minerals and energy resources.

Costa Rica is taking bold steps to eliminate fossil fuel use by 2050. They're focusing on four main areas: transport, energy, forests, and economy. They aim for most buses and taxis to be electric by 2035, and all of them by 2050. They're also aiming to use 100% renewable energy for electricity by 2030. They plan to offset any emissions they do produce by maintaining and expanding their forests. Lastly, they're looking to modernize their economy, creating jobs and promoting sustainable growth. However, there are challenges. Infrastructure could slow down the transition to zero emissions. Some goals, like making all buses and taxis electric, could be hard because they're expensive. Plus, over 60% of the country's energy consumption comes from petroleum derivatives, and the demand for personal vehicles, most of which run on petrol, is keeping fossil fuels in the mix. Whether other countries could do the same depends on many factors, like renewable energy resources, infrastructure, political will, and economic situation. But Costa Rica’s plan shows that ambitious climate action is possible. It could serve as a model for other nations looking to take similar action. In conclusion, while the road to a fossil-free future is challenging, Costa Rica’s comprehensive plan provides a promising blueprint for others to follow. In conclusion, environmental justice is a key part of sustainability, reminding us that a healthy environment must be a right for all, not a privilege for some. While the path to sustainability in the mineral and energy sectors is fraught with challenges, it's not impossible with the right approach and cooperation. Countries like Costa Rica are leading the way in taking bold steps towards sustainability, despite the challenges. However, the journey towards a sustainable future requires collective effort, inclusive policies, and international cooperation. It's a challenging path, but one that holds the promise of a healthier, fairer, and more sustainable world for all. (1) Costa Rica Commits to Fully Decarbonize by 2050 | UNFCCC. https://unfccc.int/news/costa- rica-commits-to-fully-decarbonize-by-2050. (2) Costa Rica unveils plan to achieve zero emissions by 2050 in climate .... https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/feb/25/costa-rica-plan-decarbonize-2050-climate- change-fight.

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