All people depend on the environment, and our quality of life is so often directly linked to the quality of our environment. Given our dependence on natural resources, man-made environmental pollution and toxins are a threat to human health. Often, these environmental burdens disproportionately impact people of color, poor people and other marginalized communities. 

Environmental justice seeks to level the share of environmental benefits and burdens. The EPA defines environmental justice as the merging of issues of race, color, national origin or income with issues of development, implementation and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations and policies. In order to be inclusive, environmental projects must have the meaningful involvement of all people affected by them. 

The ultimate goal of environmental justice is that everyone has the same degree of environmental protection and equal access to the decision-making process that shapes the environment in which they live.

Both locally and globally, NC State has ongoing research and student initiatives that work toward a healthy future of social, environmental and financial balance. On campus, the university has also hosted symposiums, an Environmental Justice workshop in partnership with the Office for Institutional Equity and Diversity, and experiences such as an environmental justice-themed Alternative Service Break trip. Some student organizations, such as the NC State Stewards, also focus on environmental justice.

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April 22, 2022

Research Through an Equitable Lens

Recognizing the importance of a fair and just society, researchers at NC State prioritize equity in their diverse fields.

March 28, 2022

Gaps Found in Research on ‘Climate Gentrification’

Climate change, and policies related to it, are displacing vulnerable communities. But a new analysis of research on this phenomenon – called “climate gentrification” – finds that there is a lack of long-term research that examines these issues. What’s more, the analysis finds that members of vulnerable communities under study are not being given a…

March 22, 2022

Exploring What Equity Means in Research at NC State

NC State’s inaugural Equity Research Symposium brought together faculty, staff and students to explore research that examines issues related to equity.

Academic Courses

The following university courses are related to environmental justice. Browse the course schedule for the most current information about when these courses may be offered.