Environmental Justice describes the act of providing the same environmental laws, regulations, and policies for everyone regardless of race, income, or national origin in order for everyone to have equal access to a clean, safe, and healthy environment.
Growing up in South Los Angeles I noticed several ways in which cities like mine were disproportionately more exposed to chemicals and pollutants compared to other cities like Beverly Hills and Brentwood. Close proximity to freeways, industrial sites, and recycling centers are only some of the ways that low-income cities with large minority populations are unfairly exposed to pollutants on a daily basis. This is a form of environmental racism which happens when environmental injustice occurs in areas that are predominantly inhabited by minority populations.
Back in LA whenever I walk my dog in different neighborhoods, I notice that some cities have dog waste stations (these are the dog waste bag dispensers with built-in disposal) and others do not. Those that don't have these stations across the city have greater rates of dog feces on the streets which leads to dirtier sidewalks and increased contamination. This is just one example of how environmental injustice exists among low-income communities.
Hi Syria,
ReplyDeleteEnvironmental 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. We see that in the most cities, people with color, low-income families, and minorities are more vulnerable to expose with chemicals and pollutions because of the unfairly distribution of social and environmental justice. I have recently noticed that EPA provides funding to community-based organization working with vulnerable, low-income, minority, tribal and indigenous communities to address their environmental and health concerns. I think, it is a good opportunity for local communities to encourage the community-based organizations within their cities or its neighborhoods in providing demand driven programs rather than to let the organizations to select programs for their own interests. I think, for this kind of movement, people needs awareness to know their rights.
Thank you,
Sayed