This week we learned quite a bit about the environmental justice movement—from the documentary A Fierce Green Fire, from the articles by Thomson and Gioielli, and from a handful of primary sources that document in different ways the disproportionate impact of environmental pollution on working class or poor people and on communities of color.
QUESTION
This week we learned quite a bit about the environmental justice movement—from the documentary A Fierce Green Fire, from the articles by Thomson and Gioielli, and from a handful of primary sources that document in different ways the disproportionate impact of environmental pollution on working class or poor people and on communities of color. We also read a recent article from the New York Times about the exposure of workers at a meat processing plant in Iowa to covid-19. These stories are all essentially about who gets put in at risk, whether that means being exposed to air pollution or lead paint or toxic waste or coronavirus. We know that Black and Latino communities are at greater risk of for all of these (there’s been lots of reporting to bear this out) so we know that there’s some relationship between risk and race or ethnicity, but why is that? What specific actions, processes, phenomena, and policy decisions are driving these disparities? Be sure to support your answer with evidence drawn from our readings for this week.
ANSWER
Environmental Justice Disparities: Unraveling the Intersection of Risk, Race, and Policy
Introduction
In recent times, the environmental justice movement has shed light on the disproportionate burden of environmental pollution faced by marginalized communities. Through various sources, such as the documentary “A Fierce Green Fire,” articles by Thomson and Gioielli, and primary sources, we have gained insight into the impact of pollution on working-class, impoverished, and communities of color. Furthermore, the New York Times article on COVID-19 exposure among workers in an Iowa meat processing plant underscores the intersection of risk, race, and policy. This essay aims to explore the underlying factors driving these disparities and examine the specific actions, processes, phenomena, and policy decisions that contribute to environmental injustice, utilizing evidence from our readings.
Historic Legacy and Systemic Racism
The environmental justice disparities experienced by Black and Latino communities can be traced back to a historic legacy of systemic racism. Communities of color have been subjected to discriminatory policies such as redlining, which confined them to environmentally hazardous areas (Roberts et al., 2022). This practice perpetuated social and economic inequalities, creating an environment where these communities are disproportionately exposed to pollution (Thomson). Evidence from the readings highlights how discriminatory zoning laws and housing practices concentrated industrial facilities and waste sites in low-income neighborhoods populated predominantly by people of color.
Unequal Distribution of Environmental Hazards
Communities of color often bear the brunt of industrial pollution, hazardous waste sites, and toxic releases due to the unequal distribution of environmental hazards. This phenomenon, known as environmental racism, arises from decisions influenced by socioeconomic factors and political power (Mohai et al., 2009). For instance, the case of the Love Canal in Thomson’s article exemplifies how the disposal of toxic waste in a predominantly white community was swiftly addressed, while similar incidents in minority communities faced prolonged neglect and indifference.
Lack of Political Representation and Voice
The limited political representation and marginalized voice of communities of color play a significant role in perpetuating environmental injustices. These communities often face barriers in participating in decision-making processes and lack access to channels that allow them to voice their concerns. Gioielli’s article highlights the need for inclusive and participatory governance, wherein marginalized communities have equal opportunities to influence policy decisions, advocate for their rights, and demand equitable environmental standards.
Economic Disparities and Labor Exploitation
The New York Times article on COVID-19 exposure in the Iowa meat processing plant draws attention to the link between economic disparities, labor exploitation, and environmental risks. Low-wage workers, often from marginalized communities, endure hazardous working conditions with inadequate protective measures. These workers face a higher risk of exposure to pathogens, such as the coronavirus, due to cramped working environments, limited access to healthcare, and the inability to take time off work (New York Times).
Inadequate Enforcement of Regulations
The failure to enforce environmental regulations effectively contributes to the disparities observed in environmental justice (Desai et al., 2022) Regulatory agencies often exhibit a lack of oversight in enforcing pollution control measures, thereby allowing industries to operate with minimal regard for the health and well-being of nearby communities. This lax enforcement disproportionately affects marginalized communities, who may lack the resources to challenge regulatory agencies or pursue legal action against polluters (Thomson).
Conclusion
The environmental justice disparities experienced by Black and Latino communities result from a combination of historical, socioeconomic, and political factors. The evidence presented in our readings underscores the intersection of risk, race, and policy decisions that drive these disparities. To address these inequities, it is imperative to combat systemic racism, promote inclusive governance, and ensure equitable enforcement of environmental regulations. By understanding the underlying causes of environmental injustice and taking decisive action, society can strive towards a future where all individuals, regardless of their race or ethnicity, enjoy a clean and safe environment.
References
Desai, M., Njoku, A., & Nimo-Sefah, L. (2022). Comparing environmental policies to reduce pharmaceutical pollution and address disparities. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(14), 8292. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19148292
Mohai, P., Lantz, P. M., Morenoff, J. D., House, J. S., & Mero, R. P. (2009). Racial and socioeconomic disparities in residential proximity to polluting industrial facilities: Evidence from the Americans’ Changing Lives Study. American Journal of Public Health, 99(S3), S649–S656. https://doi.org/10.2105/ajph.2007.131383
Roberts, J., Dickinson, K. L., Hendricks, M. D., & Jennings, V. (2022). “I Can’t Breathe”: Examining the legacy of American racism on determinants of health and the ongoing pursuit of environmental justice. Current Environmental Health Reports, 9(2), 211–227. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40572-022-00343-x

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