Environmental justice and social vulnerability in climate governance: legal and institutional responses to inequality in developing societies

Abstract

Climate change and ecological decline serve as core societal crises, revealing stark disparities in how environmental hazards and resources are shared. This study investigates the intersection of environmental policy, social vulnerability, and justice. It particularly highlights emerging nations, where marginalized groups disproportionately endure ecological dangers. Using a multidisciplinary and socio-legal framework, the research evaluates how current environmental regulations and institutional designs succeed or stumble in mitigating climate-driven social impacts. It contends that environmental rules must transcend mere regulatory compliance. Instead, they should integrate core values of fairness, transparency, and the defense of vulnerable demographics. The paper examines the capacity of public policies, legal systems, and grassroots involvement to drive inclusive environmental sustainability aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals, primarily SDGs 10, 13, and 16. By proving that environmental fairness is a fundamental matter of governance, inequality, and human advancement rather than an isolated ecological issue, this study substantially enriches wider dialogues on societal transformation