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Developing an Environmental Justice Index for Small Island States: The Case of Malta

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  • Maria-Stella Portelli

    (Institute of Earth Systems, University of Malta, Msida, MSD 2080, Malta)

  • Elisabeth Conrad

    (Institute of Earth Systems, University of Malta, Msida, MSD 2080, Malta)

  • Charles Galdies

    (Institute of Earth Systems, University of Malta, Msida, MSD 2080, Malta)

Abstract

By focusing predominantly on cities or larger regions, environmental justice (EJ) studies have tended to overlook the challenges faced by small island states. This study explores the feasibility of constructing an EJ index for Malta, as a case study of these territories. EJ issues were identified by consulting relevant literature and local experts. Based on this, five environmental variables (air pollution, noise pollution, lack of greenery, overcrowding and overdevelopment, and proximity to locally unwanted land uses) and three social variables (education, unemployment, and health) were selected for inclusion in the index. For the identified variables, indicators were chosen and calculated for each locality, while using a Geographic Information System to process and visualize spatial data. Cumulative environmental burden and social vulnerability scores were calculated based on quintile ranking of indicators. After normalization, cumulative scores were aggregated to derive the EJ index. The preliminary evaluation of EJ distribution in Malta demonstrated significant spatial differences. A statistically significant positive correlation of moderate strength between cumulative environmental burden and social vulnerability scores showed that EJ issues are present in Malta, notwithstanding its small size. Despite limitations, this exploratory index provides a basis for further EJ research in small island states.

Suggested Citation

  • Maria-Stella Portelli & Elisabeth Conrad & Charles Galdies, 2020. "Developing an Environmental Justice Index for Small Island States: The Case of Malta," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(22), pages 1-20, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:12:y:2020:i:22:p:9519-:d:445594
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Evan J. Ringquist, 2005. "Assessing evidence of environmental inequities: A meta-analysis," Journal of Policy Analysis and Management, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 24(2), pages 223-247.
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    3. Benedict W Wheeler, 2004. "Health-Related Environmental Indices and Environmental Equity in England and Wales," Environment and Planning A, , vol. 36(5), pages 803-822, May.
    4. Jason Corburn & Alison K Cohen, 2012. "Why We Need Urban Health Equity Indicators: Integrating Science, Policy, and Community," PLOS Medicine, Public Library of Science, vol. 9(8), pages 1-6, August.
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    6. Godfrey Baldacchino, 2004. "The Coming Of Age Of Island Studies," Tijdschrift voor Economische en Sociale Geografie, Royal Dutch Geographical Society KNAG, vol. 95(3), pages 272-283, July.
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    1. Bakkensen, Laura A. & Ma, Lala & Muehlenbachs, Lucija & Benitez, Lina, 2024. "Cumulative impacts in environmental justice: Insights from economics and policy," Regional Science and Urban Economics, Elsevier, vol. 107(C).

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