Standing Up for Vulnerable Communities and Ecosystems: Emerging Environmental Justice Advocates in China

Speakers:
Wang Jingjing, Institute for Public and Environmental Affairs
Yu Jinxiang, Gansu Political and Law Institute
Chen Ling, Ocean and Fishery Bureau of Guangdong Province
Hui Zhong, Ganzhou Environmental Research Institute in Jiangxi Province

While the term environmental justice is not commonly used by China's environmental professionals, many individuals in the government, research, and NGO spheres are carrying out projects, studies, and campaigns that aim to protect vulnerable communities and empower citizens to be more involved in shaping environmental policies and regulations and protect their legal rights to a clean environment.

The China Environment Forum has partnered with the Vermont Law School to carry out a U.S.-China exchange program for 18 young professionals (9 Chinese and 9 American) who are active in environmental justice efforts in their communities in the U.S. and China. Funded by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the U.S. Department of State, this program aims to give fellows an opportunity to examine the environmental burdens, including climate change impacts, on minority communities and low-income populations in their home country.

At this June 16 meeting CEF has invited four of the Chinese environmental justice fellows to give a talks on their work in China, which will cover efforts to improve citizen access to environmental information and participation in environmental impact assessments; informing the public of polluting industries; raising public awareness of the toxics and human health linkage; as well as involving communities in local policies to protect marine resources.

Location: 5th Floor Conference Room