Social and Environmental Justice
What It Is
There is an intrinsic connection between effective flood management and social and environmental justice. Ensuring social justice in flood management requires that all individuals and communities, regardless of socio-economic status, ethnicity, or location, have fair and equal access to resources, information, and protection from the impacts of floods. Environmental justice focuses on the fair distribution of environmental benefits and burdens. With regards to floods, it means considering the impacts of flood management strategies on different communities, ensuring that vulnerable populations are not disproportionately affected by safeguarding ecosystems and respecting the rights of marginalized communities.
Why It Matters
Effective floodplain management strives for equitable protections from the hazards of floods. We must work to prevent the exacerbation of existing inequalities during and after flood events. Flood management should take into consideration community inclusion, involving all community members in the decision-making process to ensure diverse perspectives are considered in sustainable flood solutions.
Our Position
ASFPM actively works to support legislation at the federal and state level that recognizes and supports environmental and social justice in flood mitigation and floodplain management.
Key Resources on Social & Environmental Justice
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All Policy Resources
Search for ASFPM policy papers, comment letters, Congressional testimony, and other resources.