The Principles of Environmental Justice

The Principles of Environmental Justice were developed at 1991 People of Color Environmental Leadership Summit–a pivotal event in the environmental justice movement, where activists from various communities came together to articulate their collective vision. At this summit, participants developed a set of 17 Principles of Environmental Justice, which serve as the foundation for the movement. These principles emphasize the rights of all people to a clean and healthy environment, highlight the disproportionate burden of environmental harm borne by marginalized communities, and call for systemic changes to achieve justice and equity.