Environmental justice in a VUCA world

It is increasingly apparent that environmental damage resulting from globalized corporate activity has disproportionately impacted marginalized communities. What may not be readily apparent is the positive correlation between vulnerable populations and environmental hazards not only in emerging economies, but also in developed countries. The environmental justice movement suggests a framework to help address this issue. However, without understanding some of the underlying causes of environmental in justice, applying the framework meets with limited success. This paper looks at how the theory of stakeholder identity and salience, a commonly applied management approach—particularly in a VUCA world—contributes to environmental injustice. Following the tenets of this theory can logically lead to vulnerable populations being considered as very low-priority or less salient stakeholders. Thus their interests are subjugated to those of more powerful and visible stakeholders. Drawing on a Canadian example, this paper goes on to describe how an industry-government partnership may help mitigate these concerns.