The Start of an Equation for Justice
In 2006, a ship sailed from Europe to the Ivory Coast, in West Africa, and unloaded 400 tons of liquid that had been used to clean oil drums. The waste landed at more than a dozen public sites around the city of Abidjan. Tens of thousands of people were poisoned; 17 died.
It’s illegal for a country to dump toxic waste in another country. But it still happens. That’s not justice, is it?
Around the world, garbage, hazardous waste, and toxic chemicals create injustices. And those injustices are linked to the poverty, hunger, and disease endured by millions. As the green movement gains momentum, it is clear that environmental issues cannot be addressed without also addressing issues of justice. Saving the planet must go hand in hand with protecting basic rights.