Environmental Equity and the Role of Public Policy: Experiences in the Rijnmond Region |
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Authors: | Hanneke?Kruize Peter?P?J?Driessen Pieter?Glasbergen Klaas??van?Egmond |
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Institution: | (1) Centre for Environmental Health Research, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, P.O. Box 1, 3720, BA, Bilthoven, The Netherlands;(2) Copernicus Institute for Sustainable Development and Innovation, Utrecht University, P.O. Box 80115, 3508, TC, Utrecht, The Netherlands;(3) Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency, P.O. Box 1, 3720, BA, Bilthoven, The Netherlands |
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Abstract: | This Φ Ψ study of environmental equity uses secondary quantitative data to analyze socioeconomic disparities in environmental
conditions in the Rijnmond region of the Netherlands. The disparities of selected environmental indicators—exposure to traffic
noise (road, rail, and air), NO2, external safety risks, and the availability of public green space—are analyzed both separately and in combination. Not only
exposures to environmental burdens (“bads”) were investigated, but also access to environmental benefits (“goods”). Additionally,
we held interviews and reviewed documents to grasp the mechanisms underlying the environmental equity situation, with an emphasis
on the role of public policy. Environmental equity is not a priority in public policy for the greater Rotterdam region known
as the Rijnmond region, yet environmental standards have been established to provide a minimum environmental quality to all
local residents. In general, environmental quality has improved in this region, and the accumulation of negative environmental
outcomes (“bads”) has been limited. However, environmental standards for road traffic noise and NO2 are being exceeded, probably because of the pressure on space and the traffic intensity. We found an association of environmental
“bads” with income for rail traffic noise and availability of public green space. In the absence of regulation, positive environmental
outcomes (“goods”) are mainly left up to market forces. Consequently, higher-income groups generally have more access to environmental
“goods” than lower-income groups. |
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Keywords: | Environmental equity Environmental justice Air pollution Traffic noise External safety risks Public green space Public policy |
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