In order to achieve environmental justice, a broader definition of the environment needs to be introduced (1). Bullard suggests that the environment is not only the natural world but also the cultural world, which includes where we live, work, study and play (1).  I believe it is important to view the cultural world on an international scale in order to include the entire human population. Since environment justice necessitates the need for legislature and policies that protect the socially disadvantaged as they are often the ones harmed by environmentally damaging practices (1). Internationally, disadvantaged countries need to be protected from the effects of global warming produced by the Global North, as they do not have the capacity to deal with issue they did not create. Although the entire world is affected by global warming and disadvantaged countries are feeling the effects. For example, Africa is experiencing climatic conditions that are favorable to disease transmission in areas that were previously protected (2).

Historically, the highland areas acted as a natural barrier from malaria as they did not have the desirable conditions for breeding the mosquitoes that carry the disease (2). However in the past two decades countries such as Ethiopia, Western Kenya, Uganda, Burundi, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe, which are part of the highlands, have seen an uncharacteristic malaria epidemic  (2). It is believed that global warming has attributed to this by increasing the temperature of the highlands, creating a survivable habitat for mosquitoes, which is currently having a very serious impact on public health (2). These nations are not well equipped to deal with global warming induced disease and need the Global North to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions (2). It has become quite evident that the Global North has a long way to go and that responsibility and action needs to be taken in order to protect vulnerable individuals and nations.

(1) Schweizer, E. (1999). Environment justice: An interview with Robert Bullard. Earth First! Journal. Retrieved from http://www.ejnet.org/ej/bullard.html

(2)  Tesi, Moses. (2011). Global warming and health: The issue of malaria in Eastern Africa’s Highlands. Centre for International Governance Innovation: Africa Initiative.