Environmental Restorative Justice: An Introduction and an Invitation

Abstract

We are yet to develop meaningful accountability, justice and repair in cases of environmental harms, crimes, injustices and conflicts. This introduction invites us to consider what is lost in our current approaches to environmental harm, and what Environmental Restorative Justice (ERJ) can offer as a new framework for environmental justice. The first part provides an overview of the promises of ERJ for responding to and preventing environmental harm that are highlighted by the authors in this volume. This includes the expansive vision of harm and victimhood, restorative practices and processes that draw out multiple perspectives and valuing different systems of knowledge, and novel ways to ensure accountability of those who are responsible for harm in ways that are meaningful to those harmed and to Nature. The second part examines the challenges that remain to be addressed as this new domain is explored and developed. The chapter acts as an invitation to scholars, activists, regulators and policymakers, as well as concerned citizens, to further develop the agenda for ERJ.