Risk, equity and environment: A methodology for conducting an Environmental Equity Assessment.

Abstract

This dissertation examines the relationship between risk and equity as manifested in the environment--in particular, what is the relationship of risk to social, political and economic processes. To accomplish this, I have developed a methodology, an Environmental Equity Assessment (EEA), by which to examine disproportionate impacts of environmental stress. This research acknowledges the fact that problems of environmental pollution are linked not only to business and industry practices but to issues of social justice. This dissertation is designed to contribute to a better understanding of the relationships between risk and equity, environmental philosophy and social justice, and to devise alternative methods to define and analyze risk, and help create equitable policy options and considerations. The methodology is applied to a case study related to water quality in Tucson, Arizona. The case study is primarily illustrative; it brings into focus the relationship between risk, equity and environment, providing a venue for the implementation of an Environmental Equity Assessment (EEA).