What does environmental justice in urban settings aim to achieve?

Environmental justice in urban settings aims to achieve equal protection from environmental harm for all communities. This concept emphasizes that all individuals, regardless of their socioeconomic status, race, or ethnic background, should have the same level of protection from environmental hazards. Urban communities often face disproportionate exposure to pollution, waste, and other environmental risks, which can lead to health disparities and a lower quality of life.

By advocating for equal protection, environmental justice seeks to address these inequalities, ensuring that marginalized communities are not disproportionately affected by environmental hazards and have equal access to clean air, water, and safe living conditions. This approach not only focuses on immediate environmental concerns but also integrates social equity and community empowerment into urban planning and policy-making, creating safer and healthier environments for all residents.

In contrast, other options, such as maximizing industrial output, equal access to public transportation, or reducing urban poverty, do not directly encapsulate the core mission of environmental justice, which focuses specifically on the protection of communities from environmental harms.