In this talk, whose full title is "Public Health, the Environment, and Justice: Great Transitions", Dr. Laura Anderko, Robert and Kathleen Scanlon Endowed Chair in Values Based Health Care at Georgetown, will speak about ethical issues at the intersection of nursing, public health, and environmental justice.
Environmental justice is 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.
Public health professionals have been successful in working with communities to address environmental justice concerns, thus preventing vulnerable populations from being disproportionately burdened by environmental hazards, pollution, and associated health effects. There are many high-profile examples of environmental injustice such as the devastation of low-income communities post Katrina. In recent years, efforts have expanded to examine sustainability, climate change, and built environments. Public health efforts to build community capacity have been advanced environmental literacy and strategies for addressing injustices through advocacy, resulting in healthier neighborhoods and healthier ecosystems.