Environmental justice in the neighborhood

Information about the event

The one-day hybrid congress invites representatives from politics, administration, civil society, research and practice to inform themselves about the topic of environmental justice in Berlin, to exchange ideas and to explore interfaces for future cooperation.

As part of a keynote speech by Prof. Dr. Henrike Knappe (TU Berlin and Research Institute for Sustainability (RIFS) (formerly IASS Potsdam)), keynote speeches, expert forums and other exchange formats, overarching issues at the interface of justice and sustainability will be discussed and key findings of the updated report on environmental justice in Berlin will be presented. There will also be room for exchange and collaboration on topics such as “Health promotion, equal opportunities and environmental justice”, “Shaping environmental justice in a participatory way”, the “Berlin Environmental Justice Atlas” and the interim status of a practical guide that the Independent Institute for Environmental Issues (UfU) is currently developing with Berlin neighborhood managers to promote environmental justice on the ground.

This is because the quality of life and the environment in the capital’s neighborhoods varies greatly. In many parts of Berlin – especially in the high-density inner city area – there is a concentration of health-related environmental pollution, such as traffic noise, air pollutants, insufficient green spaces and bioclimatic stress. At the same time, many areas have high social problems and are disproportionately affected by multiple burdens. For example, people with low incomes and low educational opportunities are often exposed to higher health risks. It is important to counteract this and develop integrated strategies to promote sustainability and climate protection in the capital, while at the same time creating healthy living and housing conditions for all and equitable access to environmental resources. Following the first Berlin Congress on Environmental Justice in 2020, this congress once again offers the opportunity to discuss current issues, further develop options for action for Berlin and network.

The congress will be rounded off with “Spoken Words” by Jessy James LaFleur. The spoken word activist, entrepreneur, workshop leader and rapper was born in East Belgium and is known for her socially critical and stirring stage performances.