Environmental Justice
Environmental challenges do not affect all people and communities equally. Communities that have historically experienced social and economic inequities are often disproportionately exposed to pollution, climate risks, and other environmental harms—and may have fewer resources to respond to those challenges.
Rooted in our Jesuit commitment to social justice and care for our common home, Loyola University Chicago approaches sustainability with both environmental and human well-being in mind. Across academics, research, community partnerships, and campus operations, Loyola works to better understand environmental inequities, reduce environmental impacts, and contribute to more just and resilient communities.
Environmental Justice Stories
Environmental justice takes many forms across Loyola. Explore examples of research, programs, conversations, and initiatives examining the connections between environmental and social challenges.
The Air We Breathe
Researchers at Loyola investigate the stark difference in air quality on Chicago's South and North Sides
Correcting the Record
With so much climate misinformation circulating, how can you separate fact from fiction?
Walk Softly
Loyola alums running a farm and retreat center in West Virginia live in harmony with the earth - and their community
Through the Loyola Lens
Savannah Webb ('16) worked at the Global Gardens Refugee Training Farm on Chicago's NW Side which help provide new refugees access to farm land and fresh produce
Unequal Impact: Environmental Racism and Faith Based Resources in Restorative Justice
A panel discussion from the 2022 Climate Change Conference hosted by Loyola University Chicago's School of Environmental Sustainability and Hank Center for the Catholic Intellectual Heritage
Environmental Justice Work on the Southside of Chicago
A panel discussion from the 2022 Climate Change Conference hosted by Loyola University Chicago's School of Environmental Sustainability and Center for Urban Research and Learning (CURL)
Loyola Centers & Programs
Environmental justice work extends across Loyola. Centers, institutes, and programs contributing to related research, education, advocacy, and community engagement include:
Chicago Environmental Justice Organizations
Chicago has a long history of community-led environmental justice advocacy. Loyola students, faculty, staff, and community members can learn more about this work through organizations including:
Chicago Environmental Justice Network
The Chicago Environmental Justice Network (CEJN) is a coalition bringing together BIPOC-led, neighborhood-based, grassroots environmental justice organizations working throughout the Chicago metropolitan area in frontline communities.
Little Village Environmental Justice Organization
After twenty years working for environmental justice in Little Village, LVEJO continues to organize for a healthier community in Little Village and beyond.
Equiticity
Equiticity is a racial equity movement. We move through time and space, programming and advocating for racial equity, increased mobility and racial justice to make lives better for Black, Brown and Indigenous people of color across the United States.
Elevated Chicago
Elevated Chicago is a multi-sector collaborative that promotes more equitable development of public spaces, buildings and vacant land around Chicago’s public transit infrastructure.
Blacks in Green
Blacks In Green (BIG™) serves as a bridge and catalyst among communities and their stakeholders in the design and development of green, self-sustaining, mixed-income, walkable villages in communities owned and populated by African Americans.
Elevate
Elevate seeks to create a just and equitable world in which everyone has clean and affordable heat, power, and water in their homes and communities — no matter who they are or where they live.
Center for Neighborhood Technology
CNT is committed to improving cities’ economic and environmental sustainability, resilience, and quality of life.
Chicago Wilderness Alliance
At Chicago Wilderness, our collective goals and action plans to preserve and protect nature can only happen if people of all backgrounds and races have an equal opportunity to experience and access the outdoors, parks and open spaces safely and without barriers
Environmental Justice Resources
Looking to learn more about environmental justice? Explore these resources, case studies, and tools.