Exploring Environmental Injustice and Discrimination

by Mia de Castro

September 20, 2020

The concept of “environmental racism” finally received more attention during June, when the Black Lives Matter protests revived around the country. But what does it mean, why is it important, and what can we do about it?

Environmental justice is the disproportionate pejorative impact of environmental hazards towards people of color (BIPOC) and the poor. It occurs because government or corporate groups target specific communities by implementing lax regulations on their land. The concept of environmental racism originated in 1978, upon discovery that from 1930-1978, 82% of all Houston waste was being dumped in black neighborhoods, even though only 25% of the population was black. Even today, black people are exposed to 1.5 times more particulate matter (air pollution) than white people, and Hispanic people have 1.2 times the exposure to particulate matter than non-Hispanic whites. Although it is difficult to separate racial and socioeconomic discrimination in this case, it is clear that both are large factors. Low-income communities are also disproportionately discriminated against, especially when states, counties, or cities lack zoning laws that prevent, for instance, an oil refinery from being located very close to a school. Moreover, toxic waste sites are predominantly located in communities of people of color and/or low-income communities.

Exposure to large amounts of air pollution has a number of negative health effects from hypertension to asthma. In addition, these health risks thereby exacerbate the impact of COVID-19 among people of color; people of color are 4-5 times more likely to be hospitalized than non-Hispanic white people due to long-standing inequalities. Chemicals released by waste treatment plants or oil refineries (often located in BIPOC or low-income communities) are often carcinogens, and exposure to high amounts of air pollution leads to about 200,000 premature deaths per year in the US.

Environmental discrimination is a key part of racial and socioeconomic discrimination that is often looked over because its effects are not as direct. Whereas job discrimination has an instantaneous impact and direct source, environmental discrimination is much more ellusive, as there are multiple factors to blame and its effects are long-term and thus blurred.

It is therefore vital to discuss and highlight these issues, so that low-income and BIPOC communities are not alone in taking a stand against this discrimination. We must VOTE, especially since we have such an important election approaching. The Green New Deal addresses the issue of climate and environmental injustice, and I will be sure to provide a more in depth exploration of this legislation in the near future. However, beyond picking a candidate that is environmentally conscious, we must vote on smaller propositions or laws that will have a positive environmental impact. I hope to provide resources for all states in the coming weeks.

If you are interested in taking more immediate action, in addition to voting, please click here to support WE ACT For Environmental Justice.