What is environmental racism?

Question

Samuel Albin · Accepted Answer

Environmental racism is the term used to describe when environmental injustices are unequally distributed and unfairly fall on one or more race, ethnic group, or minority.

For example, in the United States, nuclear waste is disproportionately dumped on Native American reserves. In January 26th, 2016, the United Nations reports (also about the US) that "the highest polluting industrial facilities, across a range of sectors from farming, mining to manufacturing, are more likely to be situated in poor and minority neighbourhood, including those of people of African descent."

It is a widespread problem and is created and/or reinforced by discriminatory policies, regulations, and practices.

Here's a good video:

Minority groups are often disadvantaged in that they do not have the means to fight racist environmental policies: they may not have the time to read about and fight these ideas and practices, they may not have the money to hire lawyers, to pay babysitters to watch their children, they may not have the education and experience of wealthier politicians, they may not be able to take time off work to attend meetings and hearings and to protest, and so forth.

Here's a nice article about coal plants and environmental justice.
Another one entitled, 5 Things to Know About Communities of Color and Environmental Justice.
The Wikipedia article on environmental racism is also very extensive.
You can read about specific case studies here.

Julia Acosta · Answer

undefined Environmental racism refers to the disproportionate burden of environmental hazards, pollution, and degradation experienced by marginalized communities, particularly those inhabited by people of color. This phenomenon occurs due to systemic inequalities in resource allocation, land use planning, and environmental policymaking, which result in the siting of polluting industries, waste facilities, and hazardous sites in these communities. Environmental racism perpetuates and exacerbates social, economic, and health disparities, leading to increased exposure to toxins, higher rates of respiratory illnesses, cancer, and other health problems among affected populations.