At a microeconomic level, inequality increases ill health and health spending and reduces the educational performance of the poor. These two factors lead to a reduction in the productive potential of the work force. At a macroeconomic level, inequality can be a brake on growth and can lead to instability.

How are social inequalities connected with the causes and consequences of environmental problems?

But if there is inequality within the group that is managing a shared resource, this may lead to an erosion of trust, less cooperation, and the unsustainable use of the resource. Finally, market concentration can cause inequality which could benefit or harm a natural resource.

What is inequality between rich and poor?

Economic inequality (also known as the gap between rich and poor, income inequality, wealth disparity, or wealth and income differences) consists of disparities in the distribution of wealth (accumulated assets) and income. The Gini coefficient is a statistical measure of the dispersal of wealth or income.

How do you explain disparity?

Disparity is the condition of being unequal, and a disparity is a noticeable difference. Disparity usually refers to a difference that is unfair: economic disparities exist among ethnic groups, there is a disparity between what men and women earn in the same job.

How are health disparities related to environmental justice?

Environmental Health Disparities and Environmental Justice. Environmental factors such as air and water quality are fundamental determinants of our health and well-being. Environmental factors can also lead to disease and health disparities when the places where people live, work, learn, and play are burdened by social inequities.

How does NIEHS help reduce environmental health disparities?

NIEHS supports research and activities that aim to reduce environmental health disparities and promote environmental justice through a variety of programs, which are made up of interdisciplinary teams of researchers and medical professionals.

Who are the centers of Excellence on environmental health disparities?

The Centers of Excellence on Environmental Health Disparities Research (EHD Centers) program is a collaborative effort supported by NIEHS, the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

How is the University of New Mexico addressing environmental health disparities?

Grantees at the University of New Mexico are addressing environmental health disparities through biomedical and environmental research and culturally appropriate community engagement methods. The researchers are focused on exposures to metal mixtures from mining sites.