The "every-man-for-himself" approach that governed global climate change decision-making over the past decades is unreasonable. Climate change negotiations must be broadened to include issues like inequality and fairness. Access to a clean, safe and sustainable environment is a human right and violation of this right is indeed a crime. However, large corporations and industries often manipulate and maneuver ploys to transgress moral obligations without creating uproar in local communities. It is very difficult, if even possible, to directly link adverse events and health epidemics to one specific polluter in a community. Very often, by the time studies are conducted and results are published, these large scale polluters have been around for years and have established an indestructible reputation.

When the word "environment" is uttered, what comes to mind? Many of us used to think of mountains, rivers, trees and wildlife. However, now more than ever we understand that the environment extends to where we live, worship and work. The air we breathe and the groundwater we utilize on a daily basis constitutes our environment. If an aspect of this environment is being degraded and as a result, becoming dangerous to our health we have the right to protest and bring about change. I strongly recommend the documentary "Fenceline: A Company Town Divided," which explores Environmental Justice, discourse and dialogue.  Here is a synopsis from PBS (http://www.pbs.org/pov/fenceline/).

                                  Norco: A Case of Environmental Racism

"Fenceline: A Company Town Divided by Slawomir Grünberg with Jane Greenberg, profiles Norco, Louisiana, a true company town. Named after a refinery now owned by Shell Oil, Norco is home to two distinct communities-one black and one white. Though separated by mere blocks, their realities are worlds apart. Nowhere is this clearer than in each community's response to possible links between the company's activities and the townspeople's illnesses. African-American residents who believe pollution is increasing as their health goes downhill demand to be relocated, led by the indefatigable Margie Richard. The white neighborhoods, largely home to employees of Shell Industries, see no problems, and neither does the company. A modern David and Goliath story, Fenceline shows how one small community and one big corporation struggle to come to terms."

In upcoming posts, we shall explore local and global issues of environmental justice.