Environmental justice: key data sources
The report by Fairburn et al on environmental justice in Scotland (published in 2005 by SNIFFER - Scotland & Northern Ireland Forum For Environmental Research) presents not only a detailed analysis of the subject , but also includes a table of all relevant data sets evaluated as part of the study.
The 2004 Scottish Social Attitudes Survey included a module on environmental justice. A recent report (October 2005) entitled Public attitudes and environmental justice in Scotland which presents results of the analysis of the module is available from the Scottish Executive website.
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) website allows access to a range of environmental data sets.
Scottish Neighbourhood Statistics hosts a number of environment related indicators including proximity to derelict sites and landfill sites, and air quality.
The Environmental Health Surveillance System for Scotland (EHS3), maintained by Health Protection Scotland, collates a variety of environmental indicators from Scottish local authorities including air quality levels, radiation, noise complaints and water quality.
The Scottish House Condition Survey collates in-depth information on a national sample of over 20,000 dwellings in Scotland. This includes details of properties below tolerable standard, in disrepair, with relevant amenities, as well as information on dampness and condensation, energy efficiency and fuel poverty.
A recent (November 2005) report by the Health Protection Agency for England & Wales entitled 'Health Protection in the 21st century - understanding the burden of disease, preparing for the future' includes a wealth of relevant information and data on environmental related factors including a section on 'environmental inequalities'. It can be downloaded from the relevant page of the Health Protection Agency website.
Note also that some limited environment related data (e.g. vacant dwellings, overcrowding, access (drive-time) to GP/dentist/hospital) are included within NHS Health Scotland's Community Profiles (now held on this website).
Environmental and socio-spatial and economic data are also available from:
Edinburgh University data library
National Atmospheric Emissions Inventory
Natural Environmental Research Council
Strathclyde Passenger Transport
sites