Vermont Law School will be hosting a Solutions Conference called Eco-Equity: The Crossroads Between Cultural Diversity and Environmental Health on Friday, March 28, 2014 from 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Students interested in environmental justice issues are encouraged to attend ($10.00 fee, includes breakfast and lunch). Attached is a full description of the conference; below is a description of the conference from their Facebook page:

Environmental justice promotes a fair distribution of environmental benefits and burdens. Eco-Equity will revolve around the ability of all communities to protect their health, safety, and economic interests from unjust environmental degradation. Historically underprivileged populations and minorities are survivors of cultural genocide. The loss of these communities impacts all of humanity.

Through five panels, experts and practitioners from all over the country will explore the many current legal issues sparked by Environmental Justice. First, attendees will consider Indigenous Rights and the Environment through discussion of the advocacy tools available to indigenous people and how these tools may be implemented in other communities. The second panel, Civil Rights and Environmental Justice, will provide a legal advocacy cookbook. Speakers on this panel will provide guidance on how to motivate the public to take action against environmental injustices, prove standing in environmental justice litigation, and what remedies are available through an environmental law suit. The third panel will consist of several case studies where communities have successfully risen against the threats of industrialization and poor waste management planning. The fourth panel, will focus on Developing Natural Resources, weighing economic rights against impacts on culture, health, and the e! nvironment. Finally, the fifth panel will consist of a debate between Vermont Law School’s own Professor Betsy Baker and Sea Shepherd Founder, Captain Paul Watson. The debate will focus on promoting environmental justice on an international scale, and striking a balance between environmental advocacy and the promotion of cultural traditions.

To register, go to: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/eco-equity-the-crossroads-between-cultural-diversity-and-environmental-health-tickets-10593837453

Courtesy of Tracey Tsugawa