Abstract: The classic theory of sustainable development is primarily focused on the environmentally sustainable development. As a result of its elitedominating pattern， the sole orientation of environmental protection and a lack of social justice concerns， it has become “the politics of nobility”. Therefore， the American scholar Julian Agyeman incorporates environmental justice， which is socially equityoriented， into the sustainable development theory. He proposes a new research paradigm and theoretical framework called “just sustainability” for the first time， which emphasizes that environmental justice is the prerequisite for achieving sustainable development. Moreover， the new paradigm could add inclusiveness and accessibility to the discourse system of sustainable development. Some international organizations and the UK and US governments have already incorporated “just sustainability” into their policy designs and actions.

Key words: sustainable development, environmental justice, social equity, environmental right