Agyeman- Introduction and Chapter 6

SUMMARY- Introductory Chapter

Agyeman begins by distinguishing the difference between environmental justice and sustainability. Environmental justice, he argues, focuses on “community reaction to external threats” (a bottom up approach) while sustainability deals with man’s relationship with the natural environment and his responsibility to take care of it (a top down approach). Although these two factions do not seemingly share the same values, Agyeman proposes that we bridge the gap between them and form a new paradigm which he calls the Just Sustainability Paradigm. Agyeman uses evidence from various countries to show that there is a direct correlation between a nation’s “commitment to equity and its “commitment to environmental quality” (5). Specifically, he says that nations can best combine sustainable policy with social awareness if different organizations within the nation come together, adopt the same attitude, and fight for the same cause.

MY THOUGHTS- Introductory Chapter

The Just Sustainability Paradigm (JSP) could definitely work if all of the players involved could agree on the same set of core values and goals. Unfortunately, individual interests (whether held by key leaders or even entire organizations) usually corrupt collaborative efforts like the JSP. If the JSP becomes a prominent paradigm, it will certainly gain attention from politicians and the political parties that they represent. At which point, the integrity of the JSP will more than likely be compromised. As we discuss the complexity of large scale environmental change, I grow increasingly convinced that progress is almost exclusively possible at the local level. Looking at the enormous task at hand, I tend to believe that policy makers and power players will never find a complete (or adequate) solution to the problem.

SUMMARY- Chapter 6

Coincidentally, Agyeman begins this chapter by questioning whether change is most effective at the local or national level. He does not necessarily answer this question, but he does claim (and justify) that coalitions can overcome their differences and work together for a common cause. He says that the JSP must adopt a specific standard and only accept partner organizations that fully agree to and support this standard. Under this system, individual interests will hold less weight than the collective goal.

MY THOUGHTS- Chapter 6

I have a completely different attitude about the information presented in Chapter 6 than I do the information presented in the Introduction. Specifically, I think that Agyeman makes a strong argument when he talks about the promises of environmental space as a means to achieve the goals of the JSP. If we were to zone, design, protect, and provide environmental space for disenfranchised members of society, we could move out of the realm of theory and into the zone of practicality. Although we may never change the corrupt systems that govern society, we can certainly introduce sustainable practices from the bottom up and enable individuals to fight against injustice.