EJFC Scheme: Environmental Justice for Children

Abstract

Humanity is currently facing a triple planetary crisis, climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution, which, in interaction with social inequalities, gives rise to syndemic scenarios that disproportionately affect children. This study examines child environmental injustice from a syndemic perspective and introduces the EJFC framework (Environmental Justice for Children) as a comprehensive intervention strategy. The proposed framework integrates human rights principles, transgenerational and intergenerational equity, the precautionary principle, normative anti-ageism, and a caring civic ethic. The JAPI framework was applied in a brick-making settlement, where environmental exposure pathways, social determinants of health, and violations of fundamental rights were identified. Findings indicate that the convergence of environmental and social risks produces sites of child environmental injustice that negatively impact children’s development. The study concludes that the JAPI approach constitutes a useful and replicable analytical and practical tool for making child environmental injustice visible and for promoting preventive actions aimed at safeguarding present and future generations.