Environmental Justice within Roma Communities in the Czech Republic

Sofie Liborová

Bakalářská práce

Abstract:

This thesis examines whether and how Roma communities in the Czech Republic experience discrimination from an environmental justice perspective. The research focuses on the unequal distribution of environmental risks that affect the most socially vulnerable groups, who contribute the least to the climate crisis. Qualitative research was conducted in selected socially excluded localities in Ostrava and Brno. Open interviews with Roma communities, social workers, and volunteers from NGOs were used to find out what forms of environmental discrimination these communities experience. The findings indicate that Roma communities in the researched areas experience poor housing conditions, industrial pollution, inadequate waste management, vulnerability to natural disasters (such as flooding), and forced evictions due to urban redevelopment. To effectively address these issues, it is crucial to actively involve Roma communities in decision-making processes. Governmental policies play an important role, but a broader change in societal attitudes towards Roma communities is equally essential. Without this shift in perception, systemic discrimination is likely to persist.

Keywords

Environmental discrimination, Roma, Climate Change

Jazyk práce: angličtina

Datum vytvoření / odevzdání či podání práce: 30. 3. 2025

Obhajoba závěrečné práce

• Vedoucí: doc. Peter Kumble, Ph.D.
• Oponent: Daniel Rosenhaft Swain, Ph.D. MA

Česká zemědělská univerzita v Praze

Fakulta životního prostředí

Bakalářský studijní program:
Environmental Engineering