What is Environmental Racism? by Christienid Betancourt Sanchez Betancourt

betancc — 2025-05-07 02:06:18 UTC

The unequal exposure of minority groups to hazardous waste, pollution, and poor living circumstances is known as environmental racism. I chose this subject because it demonstrates the pervasiveness of racism in environmental policy. Millions of people are still impacted by this problem today, particularly in low-income Black and Latino communities.

“Environmental justice is the civil rights issue of the 21st century.” (Robert Bullard)

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Communities of color are still more likely to reside close to highways, chemical factories, and landfills. Asthma, cancer, and even newborn death rates rise as a result. The system's continued disregard for the views of these groups is the source of the problem.

Discriminatory laws and procedures that increase pollution exposure in underprivileged areas.

betancc — 2025-05-07 02:33:27 UTC

Structural Racism

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practices and procedures that, whether on purpose or not, promote racial inequality.

Disparities

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Disparities in resources, safety, and health.

Children's health and academic performance are frequently worse in polluted surroundings.

Intersectionality

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The most severe environmental problems are frequently found in low-income communities of race.

Marginalization

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Locals are frequently excluded from discussions about environmental policies that impact their communities.

Where Did This Begin?

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"Father of Environmental Justice," Dr. Robert Bullard

A historic demonstration against the disposal of PCB garbage in a Black community.

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What Has the Law Done?

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Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 forbids discrimination in programs receiving federal funding, particularly those related to the environment.

Federal agencies are required by Executive Order 12898 (1994) to take environmental justice into account when making decisions.

These laws are in place but aren't always administered equitably.

betancc — 2025-05-07 03:06:56 UTC

Flint, Michigan – A Crisis Ignored

betancc — 2025-05-07 03:14:19 UTC

To save money, Flint changed its water supply in 2014. For more than a year, the primarily low-income and Black residents were exposed to lead-contaminated water. The situation became into a national emblem of environmental racism when complaints went unanswered.

Quick Fact: Lead exposure can result in long-term health issues for more than 12,000 youngsters.

Environmental racism is about whose life is valued, not only about pollution. Everyone is entitled to healthy water and clean air. Communities working for justice need our support, our voices, and our attention.

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Bullard, R. D. (2000). Dumping in Dixie: Race, Class, and Environmental Quality. Westview Press.

Mohai, P., & Saha, R. (2015). Which came first, people or pollution? Environmental Research Letters, 10(11). https://doi.org/10.1088/1748-9326/10/11/115008

Wallace, M. E., & Wallace, R. (2021). Structural racism as an environmental justice issue. Journal of Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities, 8(4), 905–917. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40615-021-01215-0