In my last post on this topic, I talked about the effects of colonization on global environmental politics, but, for those of us living in the US, or other “developed” countries, we don’t have to look outside of our own borders to observe the plethora of environmental injustices that exist within even the most affluent nations. As people are becoming increasingly aware of pollution and its negative effects on the environment and human health, many governments are working to curb emissions. However, communities of color are often left out of this move towards a cleaner environment; due to the racism that’s embedded in our country’s structure and government, these communities tend to be neglected when it comes to enforcing environmental standards and pollution regulations, allowing for fracking, powerplants, and other sources of pollution to be placed in close proximity to neighborhoods that are mainly comprised of people of color. This means that people of color are disproportionately affected by the health hazards pollution poses, while more privileged communities get to enjoy products like oil and manufactured goods without facing the effects of their production. When people of color are affected by the pollution they’re exposed to, they’re often not given the proper attention needed to address the medical problems or natural disaster destruction they are suffering from, leading to further inequity and injustice.
Environmental justice is not a new concept - the term arose in the 1980s, and since then many activists have used it as a way to bridge the gap between environmentalism and social justice, acknowledging the fact that they must be fought for side by side. In 1991, the First National People of Color Environmental Leadership Summit created the Principles of Environmental Justice, which provides a blueprint for the movement and its demands for the world. Although it was written nearly thirty years ago, many of the issues this document discusses still remain prevalent today, making it clear that not enough change has been made - we must continue to fight for environmental justice, always remembering to amplify and listen to activists of color along the way.