CLIMATE CHANGE AND ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE: A CLASSICAL SOCIOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF SOCIAL SOLIDARITY, INEQUALITY, AND SYSTEMIC TRANSFORMATION

Abstract

The climate change is among the most pressing issues that the modern society faces now as it is marked by the increase of global warming, dramatic weather changes and rising sea levels. Although such processes appear to be a result of natural phenomena, sociological perspective shows how much the intervention of humans particularly their anthropogenic activities contribute to environmental pollution. The purpose of this review article is to apply classical sociological theories for the analysis of the system foundations of environmental injustice when marginalised people suffer from the negative effects of ecological degradation without being able to participate in the process of their creation. By means of the detailed examination of the approaches by Emile Durkheim and Karl Marx and their theories of functionalism and conflict, respectively, it will be possible to explore the complicated interrelations between social structure, classes, collective consciousness and environmental processes. Thus, environmental injustices can be explained through the disintegration of social unity and common values from the perspective of Durkheim and the capitalism and alienation from Marx's approach. Combining such different but complementary perspectives on the issue under discussion, this review shows how social institutions, inequality and economic relations lead to environmental injustice.