Sustainable Communities and the Challenge of Environmental Justice

The divide between environmental justice activists and sustainability advocates and practitioners is not only unproductive but unnecessary. Julian Agyeman's book "Sustainable Communities and the Challenge of Environmental Justice" demonstrates the prospects of partnership between these often disparate activist groups. By linking environmental justice and sustainability, Agyeman clearly makes the case that environmental quality is inextricably linked to social equity-and that one cannot be achieved without the other. Bringing these two ideas together, Agyeman calls for joined-up thinking in approaches to public policy and planning to achieve what he calls `just sustainability'-a true sustainability agenda that incorporates both social justice and environmental protection. In his book, Agyeman examines both the history and theory of environmental justice and sustainability. He demonstrates the prospects for linking these two policy areas by providing a case study of a Boston-based environmental justice NGO, Alternatives for Community and Environment (ACE). ACE has successfully bridged the divide between environmental justice and sustainability through many of its projects and programs. For anyone interested in social justice, environmental protection and quality, and advancing principals of sustainability, Agyeman's latest book is a must read. He offers important insight and a vision for `just sustainability,' which will enhance all of our lives.