Social Justice as a Pillar of the Environmental Vision.

Today, environmental movements and environmental organizations are increasingly aligned around a common vision: social justice at the core of our agenda. This integrative vision recognizes that environmental and human sustainability are inseparable, and that progress towards a more just and equitable future can only be achieved by simultaneously addressing economic, ecological and social challenges.

Marginalized populations, such as indigenous communities, ethnic minorities, and low-income people, in both rural and suburban areas, tend to live with greater exposure to pollution, deforestation, loss of natural resources, and other negative environmental impacts. However, in the face of the most recent natural disasters on cities and entire populations of all social levels, environmental justice must ensure that all individuals, regardless of their socioeconomic background, have access to a clean and healthy environment, with access to common resources such as water and that, in the event of natural disasters, their livelihoods are equitably restored.

Contemporary environmental organizations advocate for policies that integrate social and environmental justice, recognizing that the fight against climate change and the protection of the planet must go hand in hand with economic and social justice. The demands of these movements include transitioning to a low-carbon economy in an equitable and just way, ensuring that the most vulnerable communities are supported in the process of adapting to climate change. They also promote nature-based solutions, ecosystem restoration, extended producer responsibility, environmentally sound waste management and recycling, protection of natural resources and sustainable development.

The implementation of wide-ranging renewable energy, sustainable public transport, ecotourism, and natural resource management and conservation policies are examples of how governments may seek equitable and sustainable development through public policies.

New Zealand has adopted the "Wellbeing Budget" that prioritizes mental health, reducing child poverty and tackling climate change, demonstrating that economic growth and social justice can go hand in hand. The European Commission has launched the European Green Deal, an ambitious plan to transform the EU economy towards sustainability. This pact includes the goal of achieving climate neutrality by 2050 and contemplates a just transition, ensuring that workers and communities affected by the energy transition receive adequate support.

The United Nations has underlined the importance of a human rights-based approach to addressing environmental challenges. This includes the right to clean water, a healthy environment, and participation in environmental decision-making.

In Latin America and the Caribbean, the Escazú Agreement is a leading example of how social and environmental justice can be integrated into a binding legal framework. This regional agreement guarantees the rights of access to information, public participation and justice in environmental matters, protecting communities and environmental defenders. Panama ratified the Agreement on September 27, 2018, and presented Law 125 on February 4, 2020, which makes the Escazú agreement law of the republic.

Recognizing that environmental and human sustainability are interdependent, all actors must work together to promote practices, as well as policies, that address social inequalities and protect the environment. The fight for a more just and sustainable future requires a comprehensive commitment that places social justice at the heart of all actions and decisions, since through collaboration and the implementation of inclusive policies, it will be possible to build a country and a world where both people and the planet can thrive. This inclusive approach will ensure that no one is left behind on the path to a more sustainable and equitable future, highlighting the importance of solidarity and shared responsibility in protecting our common home.