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Environmental Justice - Coggle Diagram
Environmental Justice
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Many low-income families live in close proximity to Superfund Sites, leading to higher exposure to deadly pollutants.
During the 1970's, the community of St. Louis suffered from lead poisoning. This community was mostly made of black families. During this time, there was a movement for black power.
The incident of Love Canal was a case of low-income, blue collar workers suffering from pollution. This case would eventually become a Superfund Site.
Low-income communities are generally more exposed to pollution than wealthy communities. Much of the time, these low income communities have a high population of people of color.
Although this is slowly starting to change, most politicians do not have the interests of POC in mind. This has lead to racist policies, leading to further environmental racism.
Places like Whole Foods and Co-Ops are generally located within middle/high income communities. This makes it harder for low-income families to have access to healthier options.
The cheapest and most affordable food is made from the most unhealthy substances. This directly results in poorer health among low-income families.
Major contributors of climate change are oil and gas companies. These companies are led by white men and have very little representation of POC. Once again, POC are facing consequences they have very little to do with.
Many Farmers Markets accept things such as WIC checks, which give low-income families the opportunity to purchase healthier and more natural food products.
There exists a false narrative that all families have equal access to healthy foods. This relates to the similar narrative that all Americans have equal access to a good education.
Communities of color are more exposed to the dangerous effects of climate change. This is due to systemic racism and the racist policies put into place by our country.
As shown in a NY Times article, black residents in Richmond, VA reside in neighborhoods that were "redlined." This puts them at danger during the summer months because of the intensely hot weather. White communities do not suffer from the same problem.
Much of the causes of climate change are caused by wealthy oil producing companies. Low-income families and communities of color tend to face the effects of climate change more than the people responsible for causing it.
Although POC and low-income families are most affected by climate change and pollution, they are underrepresented within legislation. How are they to advocate for themselves if they don't even. have the opportunity?
The story of polluted water in Flint, Michigan is a great example of communities of color being exposed to toxic and deadly pollution.
Indigenous people rely the most on the environment and the Earth's resources. Because of this, they are the most at risk of the dangers of climate change.