What does the environmental justice concept encompass? What are its underlying causes and what can be done to stop intentional discrimination? How can awareness of these concerns be raised to prevent unintentional discriminatory practices? Have efforts to address environmental issues further perpetuated this shameful phenomenon? What are the implications of the decisions environmental policy-makers, professionals, and activists are making? What can be done to ensure that the many facets of environmental justice are fully incorporated in decision-making venues and strategic planning sessions throughout our societies?

Climate experts around the globe are speaking out on the urgency of action, even going so far as to quantify their calls for action in terms of years, arguing that the window for change is now open, and that major efforts must be made within the next decade to prevent further catastrophic climate change. As those who will pay the price for our collective action or inaction in response to these warnings, we must shoulder this responsibility and move forward proactively on these pressing issues. Concerted, collective efforts must be supported and empowered, taking full advantage of the synergies such cooperative endeavors embody, employing the most effective tools and up-to-date information available.

At the same time, we must ensure that holistic approaches are used to analyze and address the underlying issues at the heart of the decisions now being made. Options that appear ideal in one light may appear much less so in another. Our task, our moral responsibility as human beings, is to ensure that this discrimination does not continue. We must address the challenge of climate change with a concerted front, working together to identify ways and means that fully incorporate the issues of social equity and environmental justice.

These and more topics will be under discussion from April 11-24, 2008, in the virtual dialogue Environmental (In)Justice: Sources, Symptoms and Solutions, the second in a series of online discussions hosted by the EcoRes Forum, a nonprofit, nonpartisan platform dedicated to the free exchange of information and education on the sociocultural aspects of climate change. This e-conference will focus on the central role that social and environmental justice issues must occupy, arguing that the principles of self-determination and participation in decision-making are vital to these discussions, and that failure to actively address these perspectives is in itself indicative of a choice made, for which our times will be judged by future generations.

Aspects to be considered include fair access to resources, protection from pollution, preventing social conflict, discrimination and racism in decision-making, and alleviating the 'not in my backyard' philosophy that has far too often set the tone for problem-solving discussions. Plenary sessions are being designed to reach those at the forefront of the environmental movement: educators, activists, and the researchers and scientists whose technologies and findings are guiding climate change efforts. Breakout groups will center around the different roles these concepts play in academic, activist, policy development and decision-making platforms.

Registration is now open: Join us! Proposals for panel discussions are being accepted at ej-econf@eco-res.org. Participation is free of charge and open to all concerned citizens. For more information, please write info@eco-res.org or visit the EcoRes Forum website at www.eco-res.org.