Authors: Galindo Danna / Mercado Torres Ligia
June 25th, 2026
Environmental justice, also known as “ecojustice,” is a term that refers to the idea that all people, regardless of race, sex, identity, or social standing, deserve protection from environmental risks. Environmental justice also seeks to ensure respect for people’s right to make informed decisions about their communities and activities that may affect them or benefit them. Thus, with the goal of making environmental justice attainable for all, the 17 principles of environmental justice were established during the National Environmental Leadership Summit of People of Color, held in October 1991 in Washington, D.C. These principles highlight the importance of a respectful relationship between humans and the environment, the conservation and proper use of natural resources, emphasizing their equitable distribution, and the understanding that sustainability can only be truly achieved through environmental justice.
Therefore, in this blog, we will explore some of the most controversial cases of environmental injustice in recent years in different regions of the world.
Mitikah
A high-profile case in recent years is that of the Mitikah Tower in Coyoacán, Mexico City. Since its construction in 2019 by the developer Fibra Uno, with the participation of companies such as CBRE, Gensler, Well Building Institute, and the foundation company CIMESA, the environmental impact has been significant.
The Ministry of the Environment, through its General Directorate of Environmental Impact Assessment and Regulation, sanctioned the project with a fine of $29,662,326.75 (twenty-nine million six hundred sixty-two thousand three hundred twenty-six pesos 75/100 M.N.) after the felling of 80 trees without the necessary permit.
It is estimated that the tower consumes 6 million liters of water every two months, equivalent to 12% of the total water supply for the area, which has only four water connections. This results in the lack of water of the indigenous community of Xoco.
Figure 1. Mitikah Tower, Mexico City, Mexico
Centro Urbano. (s.f.). Reactivarán la construcción del proyecto Mitikah [Image]. Centro Urbano.
https://centrourbano.com/revista/inmobiliario/reactivaran-la-construccion-del-proyecto-mitikah/
This case demonstrates the lack of commitment to upholding Article 4, paragraph 6 of the Constitution of the United Mexican States, which guarantees the human right to access to drinking water, and the harsh reality faced by many people not only in Mexico but around the world, where access to vital resources like water is being treated as a privilege rather than a right.
Zibatá
Another example of environmental injustice can be found in Querétaro, Mexico, through the development of Zibatá, a large-scale residential project covering more than 1,500 hectares. Promoted as a model of modern and sustainable urbanization, the project includes golf courses, commercial areas, and recreational spaces. However, behind this vision of urban development lie significant environmental concerns. From its early planning stages, concerns were raised regarding the availability of water for the project, leading to proposals involving groundwater extraction and the conversion of agricultural water use to urban consumption
The construction and expansion of Zibatá have transformed extensive natural areas, generating pressure on local ecosystems and increasing demand for already limited water resources.
Citizen groups and environmental advocates have raised concerns regarding land-use changes, vegetation removal, and biodiversity loss in areas that previously served important ecological functions.
These concerns are particularly significant because Querétaro already faces water stress due to aquifer overexploitation and growing urban demand.
Nearby communities such as Jesús María and Saldarriaga, as well as the protected natural area of Peña Colorada, have reportedly experienced environmental pressures associated with rapid urban expansion.
As a result, the benefits and environmental costs of development have not been distributed equally among local populations.
Zibatá, Querétaro, Mexico
Zibatá. (s.f.). Esto es Zibatá [Imagen]. Zibatá. https://zibata.com/esto-es-zibata/
The case also highlights issues of distributive environmental justice. While Zibatá offers high-quality infrastructure and services to its residents, neighboring communities continue to face limitations in access to basic resources and public services. Although the project received international recognition, including the 2013 International Property Award for Best Mixed-Use Residential Development, its environmental consequences continue to generate debate regarding the true value of natural resources and the long-term impacts of urban expansion on ecosystems and local communities. The case demonstrates how environmental burdens and access to resources are often distributed unequally, reinforcing patterns of environmental injustice.
Shein
As previously mentioned, this is a global problem, as the poorest countries are often the most exposed to pollution and are now the most vulnerable to climate change. However, this isn’t just about the significant pollution generated by large industries, but also of severe human rights violations, as exemplified by the successful company Shein. Actually, the pollution caused by fast fashion has unfortunately increased year after year. The textile sector is responsible for 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions and generates 92 million tons of textile waste annually.
Shein exploits its employees with excessive workdays of 11 to 12 hours with only one day off per month, working up to 75 hours per week.
Most of the people working in Shein's factories are migrants, reinforcing the fact that the most vulnerable sectors are always the most affected.
Due to its business model, 'fast fashion,' has contributed to hyper-consumerism and, consequently, the generation of tons of textile waste, as well as CO2 emissions.
In 2024, the clothing giant Shein alone produced 11 million tons of CO₂ in its supply chain, plus an additional 11,201,419 tons of CO₂ in the manufacturing, dyeing, assembly, and transportation of materials and products. Taking into account product distribution and returns, the total reaches 8,519,829 tons, representing a 13.7% increase compared to 2023.
For all the above reasons, it is extremely important to implement a circular economy that would be one of the most important steps, as this would involve using more durable, yet sustainable materials like cotton, making garments last longer and extending their life cycle, as well as incorporating more recycling.
Conclusion
As we’ve discussed on this blog, what might superficially appear to be a major step forward for one segment of the population can also represent a setback and detriment to others, often the most vulnerable. Therefore, it’s crucial to question our consumption habits and the recreational spaces we frequent to become more aware of what’s happening in the world and in our own homes. Because when the progress of some depends on the sacrifice of others, we’re no longer just talking about development; we’re talking about justice.
References
Noriega, A., & Noriega, A. (2025, 26 junio). Las emisiones de Shein se disparan un 9,7%: El modelo que contamina el planeta. Driving ECO. https://www.drivingeco.com/emisiones-shein-disparan-97-modelo-contamina-planeta/
Cuesta, L. (2022, 25 octubre). Las duras condiciones de trabajo detrás de Shein. La Vanguardia. https://www.lavanguardia.com/vida/junior-report/20221025/8579264/shein-duras-condiciones-trabajo-detras-marca-ex ito.html
Challenge validation. (s. f.). https://www.gob.mx/imta/articulos/el-agua-en-la-constitucion
Estrada, D. (2025, 28 noviembre). Habitantes de Xoco denuncian falta de agua y encarecimiento de la vivienda a causa de la Torre Mítikah. OEM. https://oem.com.mx/elsoldemexico/metropoli/habitantes-de-xoco-denuncian-falta-de-agua-y-encarecimiento-de-la-v ivienda-a-causa-de-la-torre-mitikah-27018347
H&Co. (2025, 29 julio). Tratado fiscal entre Estados Unidos y la India. Tratado fiscal entre Estados Unidos y la India. https://www.hco.com/es/insights/tratado-fiscal-entre-estados-unidos-y-la-india
Rogers, J., & Jonker, A. (2025, 27 noviembre). Justicia ambiental. ¿Qué es la justicia ambiental? https://www.ibm.com/mx-es/think/topics/environmental-justice
La India supera a China en mano de obra barata. El Universal. https://archivo.eluniversal.com.mx/finanzas/48856.html
Admin, & Admin. (2019, 20 agosto). ≫ Qué es la Justicia Ambiental: Principios, importancia y ejemplos – Planeta-Tierra. Planeta-Tierra. https://planeta-tierra.info/energia/que-es-la-justicia-ambiental-principios-importancia-y-ejemplos/
