National and global rural health crisis: Spatial injustice

Abstract

Environmental injustices in the rural landscape created unnecessary exposure to pollution in water and air, land-use abuse, health challenges and economic depression. Themes in political ecology and environmental injustice are merged in this chapter to provide substance on the politics associated with environmental justice and to characterize political, economic and social factors as major contributors. Environmental issues are then grounded in an articulation of power relations, marginalization, degradation and environmental conflict, with special emphasis on the role of industry and capitalism in diminishing civic engagement and social protections.