Environmental Justice DefinedObservations/Thoughts Regarding Environmental Justice
I'm embarrassed to admit that prior to taking this course, I was unaware of the term environmental justice and what the definition of that phrase meant. The United States (U.S.) Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) provides the following definition: "Environmental justice is the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income, with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies." Sadly, after learning further about environmental justice, I've found that it is easier to find examples of environmental injustices. Glaring examples of this include places like Flint Michigan, that have predominately low income black communities that are being adversely effected by lead in their water. Locations such as Flint, that are made up of poor and minority communities, shoulder the largest share of environmental harm.
Additionally, I've observed that, like most areas of public health, environmental justice crosses many boundaries and address multiple issues that affect health. Issues include police brutality, inadequate housing, and exposure to toxic chemicals/substances. This is not unlike when looking at the social determinants of health. Both are made up of many factors that affect an individual's overall health and quality of life.
"8 Horrifying Examples of Corporations Mistreating Black Communities With Environmental Racism"
While reading the above titled article, I thought about the connection that the "Black Lives Matter" movement has with the fight against Environmental Racism. The "Black Lives Matter" movement is working to change the conversation regarding what is considered acceptable treatment of Black communities. Similarly, the fight against environmental racism is working to change, "policies or practices that differentially affects or disadvantages (intentionally or unintentionally) individuals, groups or communities because of their race and/or class." By continuing to have these conversations, we are moving in a positive direction, but we still have a long way to go before true environmental justice is fully realized.
References:
- Environmental Health News. 2016 and Beyond: Justice jumping genres. Retrieved from: http://www.ehn.org/2016_and_beyond_justice_jumping_genres-2497235332.html
- Atlanta Black Star. 8 Horrifying Examples of Corporations Mistreating Black Communities With Environmental Racism. Retrieved from: http://atlantablackstar.com/2015/02/12/8-horrifying-examples-of-corporations-mistreating-black-communities-with-environmental-racism/4/
- United States Environmental Protection Agency. Environmental Justice. Retrieved from: https://www.epa.gov/environmentaljustice
Hello Angie! I am on the same boat as you I did not know anything about Environmental Justice before this course. In fact I am sure that many people are the same way. This is not a topic many people are aware about because usually these things happen behind the curtain. It is important that we educate people about this issue and get the government to bring equality back into our neighborhoods.
ReplyDeleteHi Navleen! Thank you for your comment. I agree that this is a topic that not many people are aware of, and I'm glad that it is getting the much need attention it deserves. Now that it has, corrective action needs to take place immediately. Everyone deserves to live in a healthy community.
DeleteI agree, the Black Lives Movement does tie into Environmental Racism in that it is working towards educating others on the injustices of the systems like police brutality, poor black communities like you mentioned in Flint. It is scary and a shame that we are in the year 2018 and Black people and Black communities in this country are still dealing with these forms of oppression. In my opinion, it is just another form of institutional racism.
ReplyDeleteHi Elesia! Thank you for posting your comment. I too think it's a shame that in 2018 we're having to still have the conversation about racism that Black communities face. It will take continued action and reform on our part to fix this issue.
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