Environmental Justice Law and Policy

Low-income communities and areas of color often bear a disproportionate burden of industrial pollution, hazardous waste, and poor urban planning. To address these systemic inequities, advocates and policy makers must master the legal frameworks and community-driven strategies that drive environmental justice. This course provides a clear, structured path through the legal, social, and policy landscapes that shape our built environment today. You will learn how to analyze urban policies, evaluate environmental regulations, and apply advocacy frameworks to protect vulnerable communities. What you'll learn: Understand the foundational concepts, history, and legal definitions of environmental justice; Analyze federal, state, and local environmental protection laws and civil rights statutes; Evaluate urban planning policies, zoning regulations, and their impact on community health; Practice designing advocacy strategies, collaborative policy solutions, and community-led initiatives; Explore modern environmental challenges including climate adaptation planning and clean energy equity. This course starts with essential terminology and the historical foundations of environmental justice before guiding you through real-world legal cases, planning policies, and advocacy frameworks. This text-based program is designed for beginners, community advocates, policy students, and urban planners looking to build a strong foundational knowledge of environmental law and social equity with no prior legal experience required. Begin your journey toward creating healthier, more equitable communities today.