Environmental Justice is a concept that I never deeply explored but I find really fascinating, and I enjoyed reading the Principles of Environmental Justice written in 1991 by the First National People of Color Environmental Leadership Summit. This runs closely with environmental racism, especially as I read about the impacts on low income communities of color and how they are further marginalized by corporate indifference and racism through production site pollution. This directly relates to Black Lives Matter. These communities are seen as less worthy or valuable and their health is overlooked. Furthermore, their voice is silenced when trying to advocate for their health and pursue justice.
This also fits into the concept of social determinants of heath. One determinant is location of where you live, which has an impact on health outcomes. For example, many individuals who live near the Chevron oil refinery in Richmond have increased asthma and hospital related visits since the air quality has been impacted by the refinery (https://atlantablackstar.com/
I connect with the EPA's definition of Environmental Justice. I think it is inclusive and thoughtful, but there is a gap in regards to accountability. I am not seeing the true consideration and implementation of EJ in communities of color and I wonder what more the EPA can do in order to uphold the true definition of EJ.
Hey Angela,
ReplyDeleteI hate how corporations specifically target these low income communities of color to have toxic facilities because they see them as not having a voice or being able to advocate for themselves. The Richmond refinery as well as other facilities in the cities around Richmond are notorious for being low-income predominantly African American, and it wasn't until I started learning more about public health that I saw the environmental injustice connection between the two.
it is sad that corporations target the low income communities! how do they sleep at night, don't they have a conscience? My cousin has 2 kids 13 and 7, and their dad lives in Richmond. somewhere by where there is water ( I haven't been there in a long long time) and I hate that my little cousins have been exposed to chevron oil refinery their whole lives! they go there every weekend. I bet the dad does not even know that it is there. they always talk up how nice it is where he lives because of the water and view. next time I hear them praise Richmond, I am for sure going to inform him. and the 7 year old has asthma. I am so sad about this!
ReplyDeletethanks for this post Angela!