Poisoned by Environmental Racism
Unmasking systemic racism in environmental policies.
Systemic racism is baked into America’s environmental policies.
“Environmental racism,” as it’s often called, is the discriminatory practice of subjecting marginalized communities — particularly many Black communities — to a disproportionate share of environmental hazards.
It’s deeply rooted in historical and ongoing policies that distribute environmental benefits and burdens differently when it comes to Black people. From discriminatory housing practices to the siting of hazardous facilities, these inequitble environmental policies have severe consequences for the health, well-being, and economic prospects of affected populations.
Historical Roots of Environmental Racism
Environmental racism isn’t new. It traces back to segregation and discriminatory housing practices in the United States.
“Redlining” is where banks and government agencies denied loans and insurance to residents in predominantly Black neighborhoods, which confined Black people to specific areas with limited resources and infrastructure. These neighborhoods were frequently located near industrial zones, highways, and waste disposal sites, exposing residents to higher levels of pollution and environmental…
