Social Justice and Sustainability in Elm Glen

by | Aug 12, 2024 | Environmental science

Based off this scenario: please answer the following questions below

Scenario 2: Social Justice Scenario:

from Project Guidelines and Rubric You live in a neighborhood with an active community organization. You and your neighbors are very concerned about inequity, as the city is spending money on improving road conditions in some areas, but not others. One of your neighbors asked you to join them in attending a community action meeting to address these observations in the form of an informational campaign. By reading the Elm Glen city profile, you will learn about an example that highlights sustainability in action. In the Project Template, you will describe some actionable steps the organization could take for each pillar of sustainability. Organization Profile Elm Glen is a primarily residential neighborhood in a mid-sized city. It is a densely urban area with a diverse population. About a quarter of the people in the community speak a language other than English as their primary language. The median family income is average compared to the rest of the city. The neighborhood is served by public transportation and is home to a commercial strip along Academy Boulevard. The neighborhood has a community organization called the Elm Glen Community Association, which is made up of a small group of residents of the neighborhood who work to make sure the area is safe and well maintained by the city. The neighborhood has a mix of streets, with some generally more well maintained than others. Members of the community association have observed that the city has prioritized spending money on repairing broken sidewalks, clearing sewer drains, and beautifying medians in some areas, while neglecting other areas. In looking at the environmental concerns they have for the neighborhood, the association has decided to look at the specifics of the Flint, Michigan, water crisis to see what issues, missteps, and obstacles the city encountered in addressing that crisis. They will then use that information to help determine the steps they should recommend the city takes to prevent inequity in addressing the concerns of the neighborhood. Case Study Summary The water crisis in Flint, Michigan, is a case of governmental negligence and environmental injustice. As a sustainability pillar, environmental justice relates to the human impact on environmental quality and its unfairly distributed impacts. Flint’s mishandling of the water supply in 2014 adversely affected the drinking water supply of 100,000 people, and the impacts disproportionately fell on those with little resources to effectively provide themselves with safe drinking water. The city’s governmental leaders failed in providing the basic necessity of water to its residents, resulting in tragic lead poisoning, which is especially dangerous to children. As you will read in detail, the Flint water crisis is about much more than lead water pipes; it is about intentional environmental injustice. In the aftermath of the tragedy, we have learned lessons about promoting environmental justice in sustainability decision-making.

 

part 1:

Describe the value of sustainability practices in human and environmental systems.
What are the short-term benefits of implementing sustainable practices in your chosen group’s related profile?
What are the long-term benefits of implementing these sustainable practices?
Explain the relationship between sustainable systems and human equity in the context of the related profile.
In what ways did your profile highlight the relationship between sustainable practices and human equity?
Describe how conflict resolution is used in the profile to support sustainability.
What examples of conflict resolution were evident in your profile?
How were the conflicts resolved (or not) in your profile? How did resolving conflicts impact sustainable practices?
Explain how cultural systems relate to sustainability within the profile.
What cultural systems were predominant in your profile? What role did culture play in sustainability efforts in your profile?
Actionable part 2:
Explain why sustainability improvement is needed in your chosen group.
What areas of sustainability are needed in your chosen group?
What are the benefits for your chosen group if they improve sustainability practices?
Describe how the perspectives of the various stakeholders of your chosen group provide a context to improve sustainability practices related to the concerns of the group.
How do the perspectives within the group influence efforts made to improve sustainability practices?
Explain how cultural diversity in your chosen group can be of value in addressing sustainability issues.
Recommend actionable steps your chosen group could take for each pillar of sustainability.
Reflect on what you know about your chosen group and sustainability. What are some actions that could be taken to improve sustainability?
For each pillar of sustainability, what are some benefits of improving sustainability practices within your chosen group?

Sample Answer

Sample Answer

 

 

 

 

Scenario 2: Social Justice and Sustainability in Elm Glen

Part 1: The Value of Sustainability Practices in Human and Environmental Systems

Value of Sustainability Practices

Sustainability practices are essential in fostering a balanced relationship between human needs and environmental health. They promote resource conservation, reduce waste, and ensure that ecosystems can continue to provide essential services for future generations. In the context of Elm Glen, implementing sustainability practices can lead to healthier living conditions, improved local economies, and equitable access to resources.

Short-term Benefits of Sustainable Practices

Implementing sustainable practices within the Elm Glen Community Association can yield immediate advantages:

– Improved Infrastructure: Addressing sidewalk maintenance and sewer drain issues enhances accessibility and safety for all residents.
– Community Engagement: Initiatives focused on environmental justice can galvanize community involvement and foster a sense of ownership among residents.
– Increased Awareness: Informational campaigns can educate the community about sustainable practices, leading to better decision-making.

Long-term Benefits of Sustainable Practices

Long-term benefits include:

– Enhanced Quality of Life: Consistent investment in sustainable infrastructure can lead to a healthier environment and improved public health outcomes.
– Resilience to Climate Change: Sustainable practices can help the community better adapt to environmental changes and reduce vulnerability to crises like water contamination.
– Economic Growth: By improving local infrastructure and attracting businesses, sustainability can stimulate economic development in Elm Glen.

Relationship Between Sustainable Systems and Human Equity

Sustainable systems directly relate to human equity by ensuring that all community members have access to resources and opportunities. In the Elm Glen profile, inequities in infrastructure improvement reflect broader societal disparities. By addressing these inequities through sustainable practices, the community can promote social justice and equitable access to essential services.

Highlighting the Relationship Between Sustainable Practices and Human Equity

The community organization’s observations regarding uneven city spending underscore how neglecting certain areas perpetuates inequality. The Flint water crisis serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of systemic neglect. By advocating for equitable resource distribution, the Elm Glen Community Association can promote both sustainability and social justice.

Conflict Resolution Supporting Sustainability

Conflict resolution is vital for addressing the disparities in infrastructure maintenance. The Elm Glen Community Association can mediate discussions between residents and city officials to advocate for equitable treatment.

Examples of Conflict Resolution

Prominent examples include:

– Community Meetings: Regular meetings can facilitate dialogue among residents about their needs and concerns regarding infrastructure.
– Collaborative Campaigns: Working together on informational campaigns promotes unity and collective action.

Impact of Conflict Resolution on Sustainable Practices

Resolving conflicts through dialogue and shared goals can lead to actionable solutions that address inequities in infrastructure. When residents feel heard, they are more likely to support sustainability initiatives.

Cultural Systems Relating to Sustainability

Cultural systems play a crucial role in shaping community values and priorities. Elm Glen’s demographic diversity reflects various cultural perspectives that can enrich sustainability discussions.

Predominant Cultural Systems

The neighborhood is characterized by its linguistic diversity, with many residents speaking languages other than English. This diversity fosters unique cultural insights into sustainability practices, which can enhance community engagement.

Part 2: Actionable Steps for Sustainability Improvement

Need for Sustainability Improvement

Improvement is essential due to inequities in infrastructure spending, as observed by the Elm Glen Community Association. Addressing these disparities ensures a fair distribution of resources among all neighborhoods.

Areas of Needed Sustainability

– Infrastructure: Repairing sidewalks, enhancing public transportation access, and maintaining sewer systems.
– Environmental Justice: Ensuring equitable access to clean water and green spaces.
– Community Engagement: Developing initiatives that involve diverse community members in decision-making processes.

Benefits of Improved Sustainability Practices

Improved sustainability practices can lead to:

– Healthier Environments: Reduced pollution and better access to clean water.
– Social Cohesion: Strengthened community ties through cooperative efforts.
– Economic Opportunities: Increased local business support through improved infrastructure.

Stakeholder Perspectives on Sustainability Improvement

The perspectives of various stakeholders—residents, local businesses, city officials—are crucial for understanding community needs. Engaging diverse voices ensures that initiatives address the unique challenges faced by all community members.

Influence of Perspectives on Sustainability Efforts

Conflicting interests may arise among stakeholders; however, fostering an inclusive dialogue allows for compromises that benefit the collective good. For instance, businesses may prioritize infrastructure improvements that also enhance pedestrian safety.

Cultural Diversity’s Value in Addressing Sustainability Issues

Cultural diversity brings varied experiences and viewpoints that can enrich sustainability efforts. For example, different traditions may inspire unique community gardens or recycling initiatives based on culturally relevant practices.

Actionable Steps for Each Pillar of Sustainability

1. Social:

– Organize regular town hall meetings to gather input from diverse community members.
– Develop mentorship programs that connect long-term residents with newer arrivals.

2. Economic:

– Promote local businesses through “Shop Local” campaigns that encourage residents to support neighborhood entrepreneurs.
– Create job training programs focused on sustainable industries.

3. Environmental:

– Launch a neighborhood clean-up initiative focusing on parks and public spaces.
– Advocate for green infrastructure projects, such as rain gardens or permeable pavements, to manage stormwater sustainably.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Elm Glen Community Association has the opportunity to advocate for sustainability practices that promote both environmental health and social equity. By addressing disparities in resource allocation and fostering an inclusive dialogue among stakeholders, the community can implement actionable steps toward a more sustainable future.

 

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