"Environmental (in) Justice: Educating, Advocating and Addressing Marginalized Communities"
Around my Way (Freedom Ain’t Free)
“Crucifixes, racism and a land grab Katrina, FEMA trailers, human body sandbags”
“And we marvel at the state of Ottoman Then turn around and treat Ghana like a garbage can”
“So absurd, word to Chief Bone Necklace Down at the Lakota Sioux Casino A whole culture boiled down to giving you pokeno"
"I go as left as a heart in the chest Cause the Horn of Africa is now starving to death”
“It's parts of Manila like the video for "Thriller"
"But the US Embassy is reminiscent of a villa”
?-Excerpts from Song by Lupe Fiasco[1]
?INTRODUCTION
As an immigration attorney, I have always focused on refugees' human rights issues within the United States immigration statutes. During my previous semester in graduate school, I became aware of refugees displaced by extreme weather events caused by human-induced climate change. This semester, I have also realized the existence of “environmental justice,” which I had never contemplated before. One of the first courses I took in Law School was Constitutional Law, where I was introduced to Richard Posner’s economic analysis of our legal system.[2] According to Posner, economic analysis can be applied to our judicial system to make it more efficient and equitable. My opinion of Posner’s theory is that the party with the most resources is more likely to win in our judicial system. Environmental injustices are a prevalent issue and should not have come as a surprise. As my education evolves, it becomes fundamental to understand definitions and terms clearly. This blog defines “environmental (in) justice,” provides examples, and proposes solutions for this social issue.
ENVIRONMENTAL (IN) JUSTICE
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) defines environmental justice as the fair and equitable treatment of all people, regardless of race, color, national origin, or income, concerning creating, implementing, and enforcing environmental laws, regulations, and policies.[3] “Environmental injustice” refers to the unequal distribution of pollution and contamination disproportionately affecting minority and low-income communities. It also includes communities impacted by climate change and extreme weather events[4]. Neglecting environmental disparities can lead to over-exploitation of natural resources, ecosystem degradation, and social degradation. As our civilization expands, habitable zones become saturated by human growth. Areas with industrial sites grow, emitting higher air, water, and soil pollution concentrations. Higher concentrations of pollutants affect the quality of life, health, and well-being of residents who live in or close to these areas. Communities impacted by climate change and extreme weather events[5] and disadvantaged communities face a higher rate of pollution and environmental hazards that lead to health problems, burdened systems, displacement, loss of culture and ancestral lands, and diminished social well-being.[6]
Historically, environmental injustice is rooted in discriminatory practices, land dispossession, and socioeconomic status. In many countries, including the United States, segregation and housing policies systematically confined color and low income to specific neighborhoods with limited resources and high levels of pollution. Low-income individuals, people of color, and indigenous communities are particularly vulnerable to the negative impacts of extreme weather events, resource extraction, waste disposal, pollution in their neighborhoods, and workplace hazards.[7] Racist housing policies, zoning manipulation, and deficient government control has been place with those of less socioeconomical status.[8] Economically disadvantaged neighborhoods have limited access to parks, green spaces, and recreational areas.[9]Access to parks and green areas significantly affects physical and mental health.[10] Pollution exposure causes health issues, increasing medical expenses and reducing earning capacity. Environmental injustice causes financial inequality for those impacted.[11] These communities are often excluded from environmental processes, leading to policies that prioritize economic interests over public health and environmental protection.[12] Simultaneously, affluent communities can afford to avoid or remediate environmental risks, exacerbating the economic gap.[13] Essentially, those in positions of economic authority profit off the misfortunes of those in less advantageous circumstances. Discriminatory practices perpetuate economic inequalities. In other words, the ones that contribute the least suffer the most. This disparity contributes to a cycle of poverty, diminished property values, and reduced economic opportunities for marginalized populations living in polluted areas.[14] Minorities with limited economic resources are disproportionately affected by environmental hazards and extreme weather events caused by climate change.
Environmental justice has evolved since the environmental movement began in the 1950s. Initially, it was sparked by grassroots activities highlighting the unequal distribution of environmental hazards.[15] In the 1980s, a civil rights campaign for environmental justice emerged in the US due to growing concerns about unequal environmental burdens and evidence of racial and economic injustices.[16] Sociologists and economists developed a more scientific approach in the 1990’s. David Schlosberg stated 2007 that environmental justice involves distributive justice, recognition, participation, and capabilities of marginalized communities.[17] Research on environmental issues has grown to include climate change impacts, access to green spaces, and the intersection of environmental injustices with social factors like race, income, and gender.[18] Also, research has evolved to inform policies and advocacy efforts to address environmental hazards and social justice inequalities. Identifying and addressing the environmental impact on marginalized communities and equipping them to adapt and become resilient to environmental hazards and extreme weather events is crucial for achieving environmental justice.
EXAMPLES OF ENVIRONMENTAL INJUSTICE
Our civilization has many examples of environmental recklessness and, more recently, extreme weather events that have caused harm to vulnerable communities. Identifying hazardous environmental situations and socio/economic conditions is the first step in addressing environmental injustice.
Race is the most significant factor in determining where commercial hazardous waste treatment, storage, and disposal facilities (TSDFs) are located in the United States. A study found that zip codes with no TSDFs had 12.3% minority population, while zip codes with one TSDF had about 23.7%, and zip codes with more than one TSDF or with one of the five largest landfills in the United States had the highest proportion of people of color at 37.6%.[19] Hurricane Katrina is another example of environmental injustice where the vast majority of affected were minority groups.[20] The situation in Flint, Michigan, is yet another example where social/economic and race were a shared variable for deficiency of government oversight.[21] “Over 1 million African Americans face an increased cancer risk due to unclean air caused by natural gas facilities. They are also 75% more likely to live in areas directly affected by commercial facilities' emissions, noise, odor, or traffic. 13.4% of African American children have asthma compared to 7.3% of White children.”[22]?Another example is the Alabama Byproducts Corporation plant r of foundry coke, alongside other factories, is the primary source of benzene contamination for Tarrant, Harriman Park, and surrounding predominantly Black neighborhoods. Residents have cancer, asthma, and lung diseases due to the polluted environment.[23]?Yet another example is Western companies dumping toxic e-waste in countries in the Gulf of Guinea (Nigeria, Ghana, and C?te d’Ivoire) despite knowing the harmful effects it has on both people and the environment.[24] Factories emitting excessive air pollutants, irresponsible hazardous waste handling, noncompliance with regulations, and oil spills cause environmental damage, health risks, and economic disruptions in our society's most vulnerable socio/economic sector.
Environmental injustice transcends political boundaries. Extreme weather caused by Climate change will affect exposed communities. Between 2008 and 2016, an average of 21.5 (twenty-one point five) million people were displaced each year due to weather-related events such as floods, storms, wildfires, and extreme temperatures, according to the UN Refugee Agency. Climate migration is predicted to increase significantly in the coming decades. Other forecasts are that by 2050, climate change and natural disasters could displace around 1.2 (one point two) billion people worldwide.[25] Displaced refugees suffer from psychological issues related to losing ancestral land.[26] Around 3.6 (three point six) billion individuals in low-income countries are at high risk of experiencing the worst effects of human-induced climate change, including natural disasters and extreme weather conditions.[27] Around 2 billion people in China, India, and sub-Saharan Africa struggle with water and food insecurity due to climate change.[28] Ship scrappage operations in third-world countries are a significant source of marine pollution. Not appropriately recycled, toxic chemicals can be released and pose significant environmental and public health risks.[29] Indigenous communities worldwide have been negatively impacted by land dispossession and extreme weather events caused by colonization, industrialization, and development. This forces them out of their ancestral lands, causing economic hardship, loss of self-determination, and social and health disparities.[30]
These examples illustrate how socioeconomic status, disregarding regulations, and greed result in environmental hazards that harm ecosystems, human health, social welfare, and the well-being of communities.
ADDRESSING ENVIRONMENTAL (IN) JUSTICE
Environmental justice can be advanced through a range of actions. The most important step is education. Another is policy reform, which prioritizes equity. It involves enforcing environmental regulations more strictly, implementing ecological justice policies, and including marginalized communities in decision-making. Social society can help by educating, participating, and advocating for sustainable practices. Governments and institutions should prioritize addressing environmental justice by identifying and enacting public policy statutes to promote public health, reduce economic disparities, and ensure sustainability and adaptability by the affected communities. This issue requires immediate attention and collective action, regardless of race, class, or geography, as environmental degradation and extreme weather events are existential threats to humanity. We need to work together to solve this problem.
As with many environmental/social issue, education and awareness is the cornerstone to address this issue. Educate yourself about the disparities and impacts of environmental injustices on marginalized communities. Visualizing the harm done is more effective than conceiving it as an abstract idea. Research peer-reviewed studies on the consequences of environmental hazards and climate change on different sectors of society. The best way to educate on a subject is to avoid relying solely on mainstream media for information. Share information and personal stories about environmental injustice on social media, blogs, and community forums. For example, have group chats on Facebook or WhatsApp. Support initiatives that promote environmental education in schools and communities about environmental hazards related to socio/economic issues. Write to your local Educational Board stressing the importance of educating on environmental issues. Assist in public forums and provide your point of view as a private citizen. Staying informed about environmental justice issues is essential for sustained advocacy. Read reports from human rights organizations. Keep yourself updated and persevere in advocating for change, even when progress is slow.
The next step is to advocate for policy change and support the environmental movement.? Get involved in organizations that fight environmental injustice. Lobby for stronger environmental regulations and enforcement and advocate for implementing environmental justice policies at all levels of government. Collaborate with community members, environmental organizations, and government agencies. For example, assist in public hearings or write a letter to your elected representatives. Support local grassroots organizations tackling environmental injustice by attending community events.
Finally, we need to encourage sustainable practices. Promote sustainable living in your community by reducing waste and supporting renewable energy sources. Consider adopting sustainable practices in your daily routine. ?Promote sustainable policies and minimize environmental harm. For example, advocate for recyclable practices and waste disposal management. Also, support for policies that ensure a transition, such as the shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy.
CONCLUSION
Environmental justice refers to the equitable distribution of environmental benefits and burdens. It seeks to ensure that no community is mistreated and subjected to disproportionate ecological harm. Every human should have unrestricted access to clean air, water, and a safe environment regardless of socioeconomic status. Furthermore, social welfare shouldn’t be compromised for the benefit of a few. Only through a collective effort can our civilization address this social issue.
Since the dawn of civilization, privileged sectors of society have “dumped” on the less fortunate sectors. For example, the tribe/city upstream significantly affects a river that serves other communities downstream. Or the pillage of natural resources from one conquering nation to another. Recently, we have seen the rise of environmental calamities and extreme weather events since the Industrial Revolution. Communities at a lower socio/economic level have suffered the most while having the least legal or financial recourse. Specifically, “race” can be connected to environmental injustices in the United States.
Addressing environmental injustice requires identification, sustained effort, collaboration, and commitment. By holding polluters accountable and addressing regulatory gaps, we can reduce the disproportionate burden of environmental harm on disadvantaged populations. Environmental education programs should be accessible to all, focusing on underserved areas. We can support this social issue by educating on environmental justice, advocating for change, and transitioning. Grassroots organizing and community engagement can help solve environmental problems by amplifying voices and building adaptability through local solutions. Environmental justice requires sharing knowledge, resources, and decision-making. We can work towards a more just and sustainable future by strengthening communities and promoting inclusivity.
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Footnotes
[1] Fair Use Act Disclaimer: I do not own this content.?All credits go to its rightful owner.
[2] Richard A. Posner, Economic Analysis of Law (5th ed.) (Aspen, 1998).
[4] Id 2.
[6] Gonzalez, C. G. (2015). Environmental justice, human rights, and the global south.?Santa Clara J. Int'l L.,?13, 151.
[7] Chakraborty, J., Collins, T. W., Grineski, S. E., Montgomery, M. C., & Hernandez, M. (2014). Comparing disproportionate exposure to acute and chronic pollution risks: a case study in Houston, Texas.?Risk Analysis,?34(11), 2005-2020.
[8] Race, Ethnicity, and Discriminatory Zoning, Allison Shertzer, Tate Twinam, and Randall P. Walsh, NBER Working Paper No. 20108May 2014, Revised October 2014
[9] Robinson T, Robertson N, Curtis F, Darko N, Jones CR. Examining Psychosocial and Economic Barriers to Green Space Access for Racialized Individuals and Families: A Narrative Literature Review of the Evidence to Date. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022 Dec 31;20(1):745. doi: 10.3390/ijerph20010745. PMID: 36613069; PMCID: PMC9819928.
[10] Liu, Z. et al. (2023) "Green space exposure on depression and anxiety outcomes: A meta-analysis",?Environmental Research, p.116-303.?https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0013935123011076
[11] Alvarez, C.H. Structural Racism as an Environmental Justice Issue: A Multilevel Analysis of the State Racism Index and Environmental Health Risk from Air Toxics.?J. Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities?10, 244–258 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40615-021-01215-0
[12] National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine; Health and Medicine Division; Board on Population Health and Public Health Practice; Committee on Community-Based Solutions to Promote Health Equity in the United States; Baciu A, Negussie Y, Geller A, et al., editors. Communities in Action: Pathways to Health Equity. Washington (DC): National Academies Press (US); 2017 Jan 11. 3, The Root Causes of Health Inequity.
[13] Feng, Y., Hu, J., Afshan, S., Irfan, M., Hu, M., & Abbas, S. (2023). Bridging resource disparities for sustainable development: A comparative analysis of resource-rich and resource-scarce countries.?Resources Policy,?85, 103981
[14] Volodzkiene, L., & Streimikiene, D. (2023). Energy Inequality Indicators: A Comprehensive Review for Exploring Ways to Reduce Inequality.?Energies,?16(16), 6075.
[15] Alejandro Colsa Perez?et al?2015?Environ. Res. Lett.?10?105002
[16] Bullard, R.D. Unequal protection: environmental justice and communities of color. Random House. (1994)
[17] Schlosberg, D. Defining Environmental Justice: Theories, Movements, and Nature. Oxford University Press. (2007)
[18] Carmichael, R., Exploring Environmental Inequalities among Marginalized Communities across the World.?International Journal of Humanity and Social Sciences,?1(1), 30-40. (2023).
[19] Mascarenhas, M., Grattet, R., & Mege, K. (2021). Toxic Waste and Race in Twenty-First Century America: Neighborhood Poverty and Racial Composition in the Siting of Hazardous Waste Facilities.?Environment and Society,?12(1), 108-126. Retrieved Oct 19, 2023, from?https://doi.org/10.3167/ares.2021.120107
[20] Njoku, A. U., & Sampson, N. R. (2023). Environment Injustice and Public Health.
[21] Id 19.
[26] Potts, G. W., & Abadal, L. M. (2023). Moral Injury in Refugee Communities: The Connection Between Displacement and Disorientation. In?The Great Power Competition Volume 5: The Russian Invasion of Ukraine and Implications for the Central Region?(pp. 239-253). Cham: Springer Nature Switzerland.
[27] IPCC, 2023: Summary for Policymakers. In:?Climate Change 2023: Synthesis Report.Contribution of Working Groups I, II and III to the Sixth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change [Core Writing Team, H. Lee and J. Romero (eds.)]. IPCC, Geneva, Switzerland, pp. 1-34, doi: 10.59327/IPCC/AR6-9789291691647.001
[28] Salgado Baptista, D. M., Farid, M., Fayad, D., Kemoe, L., Lanci, L. S., Mitra, P., Muehlschlegel, T. S., Okou, C., Spray, J. A., Tuitoek, K., & Unsal, F. D. (2022). Climate Change and Chronic Food Insecurity in Sub-Saharan Africa,?Departmental Papers,?2022(016), A001. Retrieved Oct 18, 2023, from?https://doi.org/10.5089/9798400218507.087.A001
[29] Zheng Wan, Likun Wang, Jihong Chen, Daniel Sperling, Ship scrappage records reveal disturbing environmental injustice, Marine Policy, Volume 130, 2021
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