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When was "environmental racism" coined? -

The term environmental racism was coined by African-American civil rights leader Benjamin Chavis in 1982. He defined it as the disproportionate impact of environmental hazards on communities of color and low-income communities, often through the intentional siting of polluting and waste facilities in these areas.

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When was environmental racism recognized? -

The United States General Accounting Office first recognized the term environmental racism in a 1983 report that compared the racial distribution of people within hazardous waste environments. They found that 75% of communities near harmful landfill sites were predominantly black.

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Environmental racism since the report -

Since the 1983 report, researchers have found that communities of color disproportionately face poor water quality, inadequate sanitation, and exposure to high levels of pollution, including carbon dioxide emissions. These environmental factors contribute to health conditions such as cancer and respiratory illnesses like asthma.

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Why does environmental racism take place? -

Environmental racism is a systemic issue that is a matter of civil rights, as it is often cheaper for corporations to site industrial facilities in communities with fewer resources to resist or advocate for environmental protections.

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Wealth as a factor -

While wealth is a factor (low-income families of any ethnicity are at greater risk of exposure to pollutants than higher-income families), research suggests that the association between environmental hazards and race is stronger than the association between environmental hazards and wealth.

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Research -

A 2018 study carried out by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) analyzed emission particles to assess the environmental pollution burden on various communities across the US. The burden was 35% higher for people living in poverty in general and 28% higher for people of color. Black people had a burden level 54% greater than that of the overall population.

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Flint water crisis -

In 2014, officials in Flint, Michigan, switched the city's water source to the Flint River to reduce costs. However, the water was not treated adequately, leading to the exposure of around 100,000 residents—most of whom were black—to harmful contaminants, including E. coli, Legionella, and lead, a neurotoxin.

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Poor water quality -

The water in Flint was foul-smelling and discolored due to its poor quality. Despite residents suffering from significant health issues, including skin conditions, the city failed to take action for 18 months. During this time, 12 people died from Legionnaires’ disease.

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Flint's history -

The Michigan Civil Rights Commission found the crisis stemmed from a history of segregation in Flint, whereby communities of color were confined to living in areas with poor resources.

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From Michigan to California -

Environmental racism isn't just happening in Flint; it's also present in California's San Joaquin Valley, where 10% of drinking water wells have had arsenic concentrations above the US maximum contaminant levels since 2010.

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Arsenic contamination in San Joaquin Valley -

Arsenic is a chemical element that naturally occurs in groundwater but can reach elevated concentrations due to agricultural activities.

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Arsenic exposure -

Long-term exposure to arsenic from drinking water and food can cause skin, lung, kidney, and bladder cancer, as well as skin lesions. It has also been associated with cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

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Industrial uses and irrigation activities -

Industrial uses, such as wood treatment processes, add to the natural concentration of arsenic in San Joaquin Valley. Irrigation and drainage activities cause the arsenic to spread, collecting in shallower levels of groundwater.

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San Joaquin Valley's drinking water -

The main source of drinking water for around one million residents in San Joaquin Valley is ground water, with the worst exposure for low-income communities and communities of color.

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Findings from a 2012 study -

A 2012 study found that arsenic contamination was lower in areas with higher homeownership, while people of color were exposed to higher levels of arsenic.

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"Cancer Alley" -

In 2021, a report was published highlighting the concerns about industrializing the land (nicknamed "Cancer Alley") between Baton Rouge and New Orleans in Louisiana.

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"Cancer Alley" -

The report found that pollutants from the developments are putting locals, most of whom are black, at risk of cancer and respiratory conditions, highlighting that federal environmental regulations are failing to protect the residents.

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Industrialization is continuing -

Despite the report, industrialization continues in the area. Developer FG LA LLC has gained approval to begin the "Sunshine Project," which is estimated to more than double the risk of residents developing cancer.

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"Sunshine Project" -

The "Sunshine Project" is expected to generate carbon emissions so substantial that the annual carbon dioxide output for a single parish is projected to exceed the total emissions of 113 countries combined.

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The "Sunshine Project" and climate change -

Not only will the "Sunshine Project" sicken the surrounding community with its dangerous pollutants, but it will also accelerate climate change and contribute to the global plastic waste issue.

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A clear example of environmental racism -

The industrialization in Louisiana's Cancer Alley puts the African-American population at a disproportionately higher risk of developing health conditions, violating human rights.

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Global impact -

Environmental racism is not limited to the US; it is also occurring on a global scale. End-of-life electrical waste (e-waste) can be hazardous if not disposed of correctly, as these products can release toxins. Many countries address the problem of e-waste by shipping 75 to 80% of it to African and Asian countries for disposal.

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The United Kingdom and the US -

According to a 2014 report, the UK had been transporting undeclared e-waste to countries in Africa and Asia since 2003, while the US had been illegally disposing of 80% of its e-waste.

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Bhopal incident -

In 1984, a chemical plant in Bhopal, India, released a deadly gas called methyl isocyanate into the air, exposing hundreds of thousands of people to toxic fumes. The gas leak killed thousands of people immediately. It’s considered one of the worst industrial accidents in history.

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Bhopal incident -

The incident was caused by neglect of the factory, owned by the American corporation Union Carbide, as they did not maintain the plant. The corporation refused to face trial and never cleaned up the plant. The leak continues to affect the health of residents today.

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What can we do about environmental racism? -

Hold your community and representatives accountable for their environmental votes. Advocate for prioritizing environmental issues when permitting and land use plans arise, and demand transparency in the decision-making process.

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Support grassroots organizations -

Support grassroots organizations by lending your help as a volunteer, as volunteers are curial to efforts to make a positive impact in affected communities. Volunteer activities range from conducting research and supporting community outreach programs to canvassing and providing legal assistance.

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Boycott -

Before shopping, research the environmental practices of corporations. Rather than supporting large companies, choose to invest in your local economy.

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Raise awareness of environmental racism -

Amplify voices from organizations actively working to combat environmental racism on social media or spread the word among your friends and family. Educators can share resources with their students about the racist effects of environmental policy and decisions.

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Donate -

If it is feasible for you, consider donating directly to organizations advocating for environmental justice. Your contributions can help support their vital work in addressing the systemic issues affecting marginalized communities.

Sources: (Yale Sustainability) (Medical News Today) (NRDC) (World Health Organization)

See also: How to get educated on anti-racism

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