Understanding Environmental Racism
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Medically reviewed by Ivy Kwong, LMFT
Environmental racism is the disproportionate impact of environmental hazards on people of color due to racial discrimination in policy-making, directives, and the enforcement of regulations and laws that intentionally or unintentionally disadvantage individuals, groups, or communities based on race.
Usually, when people think of racism, most solely think of the prejudices individuals have toward a particular group of people or the systems of power and oppression. However, environmental racism is an important aspect of this broader system of oppression. In the United States, environmental racism disproportionately affects Black Americans, Asian Americans, Native Americans, Pacific Islanders, and Latino populations.
For example, industrial infrastructures are often placed in proximity to communities of color as they lack the resources to fight back. In contrast, communities with high numbers of White residents tend to receive health-protective infrastructure, like green places (land in urban areas that is reserved for greenery, trees, shrubs, or other vegetation).
This finding was supported by a 2019-study that found that environmental racism was instrumental in developing White spaces. The researchers of this paper coined the term “creative extraction” to describe the process of taking resources from Black places to invest in White places. The study highlighted how development, infrastructure, and environmental harm were linked through political and legal contestation and resource distribution. Thus, creative extraction involved multiple seemingly unconnected interests working towards a mutual goal.
Often, communities of color face cumulative health impacts from multiple co-occurring exposures, yet they are regularly excluded from participating in decision-making boards, commissions and regulatory bodies.
This article discusses environmental racism and its impacts on BIPOC communities, the history of environmental racism, examples of it, and what can be done to mitigate this issue.
The History of Environmental Racism
The effects of environmental racism were first recognized by the United States General Accounting Office’s 1983 report. They compared people living near plastic plants, power stations, and highways, finding that 75% of communities near these sites were predominately Black.
Since then, newer research has found that the consistent proximity of communities of color to these hazardous environments is a systemic civil rights issue.
Redlining
For example, in the 1930s, redlining — a discriminatory mortgage appraisal practice by the federal Home Owners’ Loan Corporation (HOLC) — denied people of color (who were located in urban areas) mortgages. This meant that they were prevented from buying homes in certain locations and unable to secure loans to renovate their houses. In the end, many individuals from these communities secured housing in areas classified “D” for hazardous.
This policy was repealed; however, its effects are still felt today. For instance, a 2022 study found a strong correlation between air pollution levels in 2010 and the historical patterns of redlining.
But that is not all; researchers have pointed to redlining as one factor behind the wealth disparities between Black and White Americans today. It has also been estimated that Black families have lost at least $212,000 in wealth over the past 40 years due to the discriminatory housing practice.
Consequently, this shows how this practice has continued to shape environmental exposure disparities in the United States.
Nevertheless, while wealth does contribute to an individual’s exposure to these pollutants, research suggests that the association between race and environmental hazards is much stronger.
This means environmental racism is primarily a race issue. After all, the geographical segmentation (and segregation) of communities is a fundamental part of racism.
Impact of Environmental Racism
When it comes to environmental racism, communities of color primarily bear the disproportionate brunt of the air, water, and waste problems. As a result, these communities are more likely to experience drinking water violations in the United States when compared to White communities.
Research into this has shown that these toxins threaten these individuals’ endocrine, neurological, respiratory, and cardiovascular health.
Sperm Quality
Environmental exposure has also been found to negatively affect sperm quality. The research is not conclusive; however, it is suspected that environmental toxins such as pesticides, lead, air pollution and plasticizers are the cause.
Unfortunately, even though the burden of (exposure) risk is higher for men of color, research in this area is primarily conducted on White men, which highlights the limits of research in this field.
Children
Environmental racism also substantially impacts children due to their biological vulnerabilities. For example, a landmark 2007 study found that Black children were five times more likely to experience lead poisoning from proximity to waste than White children.
In addition, a different study found a higher prevalence of asthma, lead poisoning, and obesity in children exposed to environmental hazards.
Related:Air Pollution Exposure in Childhood Linked to Mental Health Concerns at Age 18
Examples of Environmental Racism
Below calls out two higher profile instances of racism in the United States.
The Flint Water Crisis
In April 2014, Flint, Michigan, switched to the Flint River as a temporary drinking water source without implementing corrosion control. Within ten months, water collected by residences for sampling was discolored and showed rising water lead levels.
In September 2015, a blood analysis conducted on the children of Flint showed spiking lead levels, and a state of emergency was declared. However, within the 18 months it took for any action to be taken, at least 12 residents died from Legionnaires’ disease (a type of pneumonia), and many others experienced hair loss, skin conditions and other symptoms.
Flint's Water Crisis continued until the boil filtered water advisory was lifted for the city of Flint on February 13, 2023.
Dakota Access Pipeline
The Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL) is a 1,172-mile pipeline used to transport crude oil in the northern United States. It was announced to the public in June 2014 and construction began in June 2016. However, the pipeline’s proposed location was just half a mile from the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe.
The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe argued its construction violated Article II of the Fort Laramie Treaty, which guaranteed the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe “undisturbed use and occupation” of reservation lands surrounding the pipeline.
Initially, it was reported that the pipeline would cross the Missouri River near Bismarck; however, it was moved over concerns that an oil spill would contaminate the state capital’s drinking water.
Therefore, the pipeline was considered to pose a serious risk to the Tribe’s survival due to water contamination. In addition, building the DAPL would require the digging up of old burial grounds, sacred spots, and cultural resources.
Mass protests occurred from 2016 to 2017, however, the Tribe and its allies was unable to stop the pipeline and it was built, desecrating the Tribe's ancestral burial grounds for the benefit of majority White crude oil customers at the expense of an Indigenous community's health and well-being.
Related:How Native Americans Are Healing Despite Ongoing Settler Colonialist Trauma
Environmental Racism Is a Global Issue
While the examples above speak to the American context, it’s important to recognize that due in part to globalization and technological advancements; environmental racism is a global issue. However, responsibility is far from equal.
After all, the Global North is responsible for 92% of excess global carbon emissions. Nevertheless, while they may carry more responsibility, many of the countries in the Global North are instead using the Global South as a dumping ground for toxic waste.
Take the disposal of waste electronic and electrical equipment (e-waste) as an example. The process is hazardous if not done correctly due to the toxins released. However, a 2014 study estimated that 75% to 80% of the 20–50 million tons generated yearly would be shipped to either Asia or Africa for recycling and disposal.
A different 2021 study focusing on the African context found that when these products were dismantled for valuable metals in informal settings, it resulted in significant human exposure to toxic substances. They also found that e-waste dismantling (and burning) was often conducted at e-waste sites located either inside or near homes.
As a result, children and other residents close to these activities continue to be exposed to toxic substances. Therefore, while environmental racism does impact communities of color across the world, those located in the Global South are facing even more harm.
How to Combat Environmental Racism
Action needs to be taken on both the national and global stage to tackle environmental racism. But what does this look like?
Financial help: Firstly, both the public and global government bodies must accept that environmental and social issues are inextricably linked. From here, legal and financial resources need to be made available to those most affected by environmental exposure.
Greater inclusivity in the environmental movement. In addition, more effort needs to be made to make the environmental movement more inclusive — including academic studies into the effects of environmental exposure. Engage and involve those most affected.
Support grassroots organizations. Lastly, more support needs to be given to grassroots movements fighting for environmental justice. After all, a global issue can not be solved alone. Look into sites like Grassroots International or GreenAction to donate or spread awareness on these causes. You can also take a stand and raise proceeds on your own through special events or through sales of your own goods.
Inform others. Educate and increase awareness about environmental racism and the importance of climate justice
Collaborate across industries to scale impact. Have businesses center climate justice and racial equity in climate activities.
Practice intersectional environmentalism. Intersectional environmentalism seeks justice for the colonization of stolen land, an end to environmental racism, equitable access to green space, and equitable representation and access for the LGBTQIA+ and disabled communities in the outdoors. Intersectional environmentalism advocates for the protection of both people and the planet. This form of activism recognizes that climate justice requires social justice, and vice versa.
Summary
The fight for climate justice can feel like a tall order, but it’s important not to underestimate the impact you can have. Feelings of hopelessness are valid, but it’s important to know that you are not in this battle alone. If you’d find it more beneficial to have support in your activism, it may be helpful to pursue collective environmental action, such as outreach and advocacy.
In addition, if you are someone who has been impacted by environmental racism, it may be beneficial to contact a mental health professional for emotional support. In addition, you can reach out to others in your community for advice, support or perhaps start your own movement.
