Environmental fairness – how do we “fairness proof” EU climate and nature policies?

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Many poorer households and vulnerable people live in neighbourhoods that suffer from higher levels of environmental pollution, in particular air pollution, and contain fewer green spaces. This is unfair as it aggravates existing inequalities in terms of health outcomes and life chances.

The transformation of society must therefore be rooted in fairness – not only because the poorest communities are least responsible for these crises and usually the worst affected, but because unless action to restore nature and decarbonise the economy is rooted in social and economic justice, it is unlikely to succeed.

Tackling the climate and nature crises with the necessary speed and ambition must tackle economic and social inequalities (and thereby promote fairness) at the same time. Protecting the environment and social justice are interlinked and should be pursued together.

This session will explore how we can “fairness proof” environment policy, by exploring good examples of applying a fairness perspective to policies that promote a circular economy, zero pollution and thriving biodiversity. It will highlight win-win solutions for ecosystem health and human health and wellbeing, while creating employment opportunities and supporting vulnerable stakeholders through the green transition. The aim is to discuss how future policymaking can protect nature in a socially just way.