Calculating Inequities

Session Objective: to realise how racialised patterns feed into unjust outcomes as the direct result of environmental harms

This session on “Calculating Inequities” examined demographic trends and inequalities in the environmental, residential, and employment sectors. Class discussion unpacked how our economic systems make it possible for those with privilege to reap the benefits of environmental access and resource use without being exposed to any of the accompanying harms. This leads to acute forms of environmental injustice for individuals and communities, and further allows for more long-term problems like climate change to go unaddressed by people in power.

  • Identify: some of the factors contributing to the inequalities shown below through Sergio Maciel’s depiction of environmental segregation in Chicago, especially any we might have missed during our class discussion.

A piece by Sergio Maciel. The image features a circle in the center with two young children with their backs to one another, each facing different realities on their backgrounds. The child on the left is white wearing a white shirt with red long sleeves and looks out to a clear skies while they blow bubbles. Behind them are green pastures and exciting city in the distance with clear and calm waters below. On the right is a Black child wearing an oversized pink t-shirt. While wearing a black hazmat mask they look out to a wasteland. There appears to be a landfill in the background and a run down baseball field. Outside of and surrounding this circle are clear skies and a group of people walking with signs in protest of the location of the landfill.
Chicago Segregation

Sergio Maciel grew up in Chicago, a city that is no stranger to environmental racism and unequal experiences. Maciel’s work is influenced by his Hispanic culture and life experiences, as well as the people and cultures around him.

As an artist, Maciel believes there is a responsibility to create and connect with the viewer as a form of communication. The intention of his work is to question stereotypes within society, to receive a better understanding of the commonalities between ideas, respect the differences, and admire the beauty. These issues and stereotypes have forged Maciel into who he is. “They are not meant to celebrate, disapprove, or stand in judgement, they are merely a catalyst of my work.”

(Photograph by Sebastian Hidalgo for NRDC)

photograph of Sergio Maciel

  • Review: the Course Slides, summarising our community conversation on environment risks and hazards.

Class Slides - 22 September.pdf