Centre for Environmental Justice

At Sustainable Enniscorthy, we’re dedicated to fostering a greener, more equitable community. As part of this mission, we contribute a monthly article to Slaney News, exploring key topics in sustainability.
This month, Billy Murphy writes about Environmental Justice—how it intersects with social justice to protect vulnerable communities from climate change and environmental harm. Learn more about how the Centre for Environmental Justice is driving this vital work and how it aligns with our goals at Sustainable Enniscorthy.

​In 2021 Community Law and Mediation set up the Centre for Environmental Justice with the stated objective to "empower communities experiencing disadvantage on environmental justice issues, and to advance legislative and policy change through strategic casework and law reform submissions." In the intervening years, the Centre has developed a range of resources for communities and individuals alike through their free environmental legal advice clinics, talks, training, and online resources. Their monthly newsletter is a must for anyone interested in environmental and social issues.

‘Environmental justice’ is the intersection of social justice, in other words the protection of both people and the planet. Environmental justice seeks to protect the most vulnerable people in society from the impacts of climate change and other environmental harms and to ensure the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people in the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies.

​Communities that can be most impacted include low-income households, people from migrant or ethnic backgrounds, and those who are vulnerable to the health impacts of environmental harms including children, people with disabilities, and older people. 

To support its work, the Centre for Environmental Justice has developed a Manual for Environmental Justice—a digital toolkit freely available to organisations, communities, and activists as well as an excellent resource for schools, students, and teachers alike. The manual is an all-island digital toolkit, a one-stop resource that provides access to environmental justice materials, connections to local grassroots groups, and expert contacts. It features podcasts, articles, and guides on topics like air quality, nature rights, and relevant law such as the Aarhus Convention.
To access the Manual for Environmental Justice click HERE 

A reminder that the Government’s Climate Conversations 2024 online questionnaire is now open for all to share their views on climate change, food waste, home heating, sustainable living, the local environment, and the future of climate action in Ireland. 
Click HERE
​Graphics from the Community Law and Mediation Ireland Website