TOWARDS CRITICAL ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE APPROACH IN MULTICULTURAL DIVIDED STATES: LESSONS FROM THE ISRAELI REGULATIVE SYSTEM

This article draws upon the evolving framework of the Critical Environmental Approach in examining the conceptualization and manifestation of the Environmental Justice approach and its pillars within the regulatory system of multicultural and divided societies. These are states comprised of marginalized ethnic and minority groups that frequently face instances of social and environmental injustice. Employing this perspective through a case study show that gradual and anecdotic but unorganized and incoherent incorporation of Environmental Justice pillars lacks the capacity to effectively address long-standing historical environmental injustices and fails to challenge the prevailing social framework. In fact, it runs the risk of exacerbate rather than mitigating these issues.

In contrast, the article advocates for a more comprehensive approach to rectify these injustices. This involves the complete application of Environmental Justice pillars within well-structured, long-term strategies that take into consideration the existing social hierarchy affecting marginalized ethnic groups and local communities, as well as the impact of the segregated spatial reality on these injustices.