Missed Opportunity?

Human Rights and Environmental Justice With the growing focus on human rights over the past decade, issues of rights and responsibilities have reached the consciousness of most people in Britain. It is apparent however, that while discussions on the rights to equality in terms of race, ethnicity, religion, disability, age, sexual orientation and gender are commonplace - the right to a healthy environment is rarely focussed upon. Environmental justice is not a new phenomenon, it effects every single person on this planet, yet is least featured in public discourse and political agendas. Over the years social movements have succeeded in raising awareness of gender, race and disability rights but for some curious reason, the environmental movements appear to be less fortunate in gaining sustained interest, despite sustained and conserted efforts on the part of organisations like BTCV, Black Environmental Network and the National Trust. It is argued here that the latter is due mainly to the habit of talking about the environment and people as two discrete issues rather than being intrinsically linked. Indeed, in the absence of an in-depth understanding of how poor environments impact on diverse groups, approaches to seeking justice for people of different colours, disabilities, gender and age would remain limited. Despite the strong case made by proponents of environmental justice, power elites are slow to grasp the significance of environmental security as a human right. Moreover while there is much political noise surrounding global environmental concerns, mainly in relation to global warming and climate change, little is said about how peoples behaviour in local contexts impact on the local environments. Nor is much said about the differential impact that poor environments have on disadvantaged communities. It is therefore heartening to read the recent report, Inspiring People, Improving Places, published by BTCV, a major player in environmental improvement and environmental justice. The report highlights the positive impact and behavioural change achieved through environmental volunteering. The interesting case studies throughout the report leaves the reader in little doubt that investment in environmental volunteering can achieve not only physical and personal improvement, but ultimately, environmental justice. Interestingly, it is the most disadvantaged, in many cases, that appear willing to give personal time to improve their environment. Perhaps those most affected are clearly not prepared to put up with ghastly neighbourhoods dotted with graffiti or weed ridden community gardens and streets littered with waste. The BTCV report reminds us of the multiple benefits of volunteering not just for individuals and their local spaces but also for wider social concerns. The report claims that 90% of those who volunteered learned something new. Moreover, a five year BTCV volunteering programme involving 900 000 people in deprived areas saw a drop in crime, improved leisure spaces and increased employment. But thats not all, the report argues that the benefits of environmental volunteering is not limited to social benefits but is also a

financial investment that pays. For every 1 invested in environmental volunteering, there is a potential social return of 4. The obvious enthusiasm and willingness of the volunteers to change their lives and local environment is applaudable as is the commitment of BTCV to work towards a better environment, is one where people are valued, included and involved (BTCV Vision). Disappointingly, the report reveals a less enthusiastic response from Government and Local Authorities, who despite acknowledging the value of environmental volunteering remain reluctant to ensure sustained and consistent investment in organisations like BTCV, despite the latters track record of some 50 years in the environment business. This reluctance is understandably seen by environmentalists as not taking due responsibility for environmental security. Sadly this reluctance is a missed opportunity. Recently, the penny has dropped in Scotland, with the new Scottish Government being quite explicit about the relationship between Sustainable Development, regeneration, Environmental Justice and Environmental Volunteering and their willingness to engage in this area more constructively and coherently. They have since established regular ministerial consultations with the CEOs of environmental organisitions in Scotland as well as recognising the cross-cutting relationships between key Government Directorates. A step in the right direction but still a long way to go. Will the Scottish equivalents in Wales, Northern Ireland and England follow suit? Failure to do so will undoubtly be at their own peril. With the increasing awareness of rights and responsibilities and a growing human rights culture in Britain, it will not be long before the citizens of Britain will quite rightly demand their right to environmental security. Perhaps this might trigger a positive movement towards environmental justice. Kay Hampton, FRSA, HEA Professor in Communities and Race Relations, Glasgow Caledonian University Commissioner, Scottish Human Rights Commission and Equality and Human Rights Commission, UK.