Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsHistoryImpactExamplesA Global IssueCombatting Environmental Racism
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Table of Contents
History
Impact
Examples
A Global Issue
Combatting Environmental Racism
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Environmental racism is the disproportionate impact of environmental hazards on people of color due to racial discrimination in policy-making, directives, and the enforcement of regulations and laws that intentionally or unintentionally disadvantage individuals, groups, or communities based on race.
Usually, when people think ofracism, most solely think of theprejudicesindividuals have toward a particular group of people or the systems of power and oppression. However, environmental racism is an important aspect of this broader system of oppression. In the United States, environmental racism disproportionately affects Black Americans, Asian Americans, Native Americans, Pacific Islanders, and Latino populations.
For example, industrial infrastructures are often placed in proximity to communities of color as they lack the resources to fight back. In contrast, communities with high numbers of White residents tend to receive health-protective infrastructure, like green places (land in urban areas that is reserved for greenery, trees, shrubs, or other vegetation).
Often, communities of color face cumulative health impacts from multiple co-occurring exposures, yet they are regularly excluded from participating in decision-making boards, commissions and regulatory bodies.
This article discusses environmental racism and its impacts on BIPOC communities, the history of environmental racism, examples of it, and what can be done to mitigate this issue.
The History of Environmental Racism
A Civil Rights IssueSince then, newer research has found that the consistent proximity of communities of color to these hazardous environments is a systemic civil rights issue.
A Civil Rights Issue
Since then, newer research has found that the consistent proximity of communities of color to these hazardous environments is a systemic civil rights issue.
Redlining
This policy was repealed; however, its effects are still felt today. For instance, a 2022 study found a strong correlation between air pollution levels in 2010 and the historical patterns of redlining.
But that is not all; researchers have pointed to redlining as one factor behind the wealth disparities between Black and White Americans today.It has also been estimated that Black families have lost at least $212,000 in wealth over the past 40 years due to the discriminatory housing practice.
Consequently, this shows how this practice has continued to shape environmental exposure disparities in the United States.
Nevertheless, while wealth does contribute to an individual’s exposure to these pollutants, research suggests that the association between race and environmental hazards is much stronger.
This means environmental racism is primarily a race issue.After all, the geographical segmentation (and segregation) of communities is a fundamental part of racism.
Impact of Environmental Racism
When it comes to environmental racism, communities of color primarily bear the disproportionate brunt of the air, water, and waste problems.As a result, these communities are more likely to experience drinking water violations in the United States when compared to White communities.
Research into this has shown that these toxins threaten these individuals’ endocrine,neurological, respiratory, and cardiovascular health.
Sperm Quality
Environmental exposure has also been found to negatively affect sperm quality.The research is not conclusive; however, it is suspected that environmental toxins such as pesticides,lead, air pollution and plasticizers are the cause.
Unfortunately, even though the burden of (exposure) risk is higher for men of color, research in this area is primarily conducted on White men, which highlights the limits of research in this field.
Children
Environmental racism also substantially impacts children due to their biological vulnerabilities. For example, a landmark 2007 study found that Black children were five times more likely to experience lead poisoning from proximity to waste than White children.
In addition, a different study found a higher prevalence of asthma, lead poisoning, and obesity in children exposed to environmental hazards.
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Examples of Environmental Racism
Below calls out two higher profile instances of racism in the United States.
The Flint Water Crisis
In September 2015, a blood analysis conducted on the children of Flint showed spiking lead levels, and a state of emergency was declared. However, within the 18 months it took for any action to be taken, at least 12 residents died fromLegionnaires’ disease (a type of pneumonia), and many others experienced hair loss, skin conditions and other symptoms.
Flint’s Water Crisis continued until the boil filtered water advisory was lifted for the city of Flint on February 13, 2023.
Dakota Access Pipeline
The Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL) is a 1,172-mile pipeline used to transport crude oil in the northern United States.It was announced to the public in June 2014 and construction began in June 2016. However, the pipeline’s proposed location was just half a mile from the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe.
Encroachment on Native TerritoryThe Standing Rock Sioux Tribe argued its construction violated Article II of the Fort Laramie Treaty, which guaranteed the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe “undisturbed use and occupation” of reservation lands surrounding the pipeline.
Encroachment on Native Territory
The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe argued its construction violated Article II of the Fort Laramie Treaty, which guaranteed the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe “undisturbed use and occupation” of reservation lands surrounding the pipeline.
Initially, it was reported that the pipeline would cross the Missouri River near Bismarck; however, it was moved over concerns that an oil spill would contaminate the state capital’s drinking water.
Therefore, the pipeline was considered to pose a serious risk to the Tribe’s survival due to water contamination. In addition, building the DAPL would require the digging up of old burial grounds, sacred spots, and cultural resources.
Mass protests occurred from 2016 to 2017, however, the Tribe and its allies was unable to stop the pipeline and it was built, desecrating the Tribe’s ancestral burial grounds for the benefit of majority White crude oil customers at the expense of an Indigenous community’s health and well-being.
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Environmental Racism Is a Global Issue
While the examples above speak to the American context, it’s important to recognize that due in part to globalizationand technological advancements; environmental racism is a global issue.However, responsibility is far from equal.
After all, the Global North is responsible for 92% of excess global carbon emissions.Nevertheless, while they may carry more responsibility, many of the countries in the Global North are instead using the Global South as a dumping ground for toxic waste.
Take the disposal of waste electronic and electrical equipment (e-waste) as an example. The process is hazardous if not done correctly due to the toxins released. However, a 2014 study estimated that 75% to 80% of the 20–50 million tons generated yearly would be shipped to either Asia or Africa for recycling and disposal.
A different 2021 study focusing on the African context found that when these products were dismantled for valuable metals in informal settings, it resulted in significant human exposure to toxic substances.They also found that e-waste dismantling (and burning) was often conducted at e-waste sites located either inside or near homes.
As a result, children and other residents close to these activities continue to be exposed to toxic substances. Therefore, while environmental racism does impact communities of color across the world, those located in the Global South are facing even more harm.
How to Combat Environmental Racism
Action needs to be taken on both the national and global stage to tackle environmental racism. But what does this look like?
Summary
The fight for climate justice can feel like a tall order, but it’s important not to underestimate the impact you can have. Feelings ofhopelessnessare valid, but it’s important to know that you are not in this battle alone. If you’d find it more beneficial to have support in your activism, it may be helpful to pursue collective environmental action, such as outreach and advocacy.
Collective Action Could Relieve Climate Anxiety
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Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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