Civil rights and environmental protection come together in environmental , with a goal that everyone has a safe and healthy place to live.

The intersection of civil rights and environmental protection highlights the crucial relationship between human rights and ecological sustainability. Environmental justice seeks to ensure that all communities, particularly marginalized and low-income populations, have equal access to a clean and healthy environment. This movement emerged from the recognition that these communities often bear the brunt of environmental hazards, such as pollution and hazardous waste.

Historically, civil rights movements have highlighted how systemic inequalities extend to environmental policies and practices. For instance, industrial facilities are frequently located near disadvantaged neighborhoods, exposing residents to harmful pollutants.

To address these disparities, environmental policies need to incorporate social justice principles, ensuring that all voices are heard in decision-making processes related to environmental issues. Community engagement, equitable resource distribution, and accountability are essential for creating safe and sustainable living conditions for everyone. Thus, the goal of achieving an equitable environment aligns closely with the broader aims of civil rights, advocating for a world where every individual can enjoy both human rights and environmental protections.