Both Sustainability and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) are important priorities for EMS and there are many intersections between them; one in particular that we emphasize is Environmental Justice.
Environmental Justice recognizes that communities are affected differently by environmental activities and regulations, that communities of color often experience disproportionately negative consequences from challenges related to climate change, pollution, healthcare inequities, and systemic racism, that historically marginalized voices are still too frequently left out of the conversation, and that within the sustainability movement, attention to reducing environmental, health, economic, and racial disparities is a major priority.
Our emphasis on Environmental Justice includes recognizing and valuing the knowledge, know-how, and agency of community members and forming reciprocal partnerships to address issues of concern. While our Environmental Justice emphasis serves all of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), 4, 5, 10, and 16 are foundational.
