What Is Environmental Racism?

Environmental racism refers to the disproportionate impact of environmental hazards on marginalized communities. These communities, often made up of people of colour or those with lower socioeconomic status, face greater exposure to toxic waste, pollution, and other environmental dangers that harm their health and quality of life. This essay examines case studies from India and abroad to understand who typically lives near landfills, polluting industries, and toxic water sources.

Understanding Environmental Racism

Environmental racism is deeply rooted in historical and systemic inequalities where profit is prioritized over the well-being of marginalized populations. It occurs when certain communities bear an unfair burden of environmental hazards because of their race, caste, or economic status. Despite significant evidence that racism is a root cause of environmental injustice, many people remain unaware of this issue.

Case Studies from India

In India, environmental racism manifests through the disproportionate impact of industrial pollution and resource extraction on marginalized communities. This injustice often intersects with caste and socio-economic status, with Dalits (lower caste groups), Adivasis (tribal populations), and economically disadvantaged communities suffering the most.

These communities frequently find themselves living near hazardous waste sites, polluting factories, and contaminated water sources. For example, many lower-income neighbourhoods in India's rapidly industrializing areas face severe air and water pollution from nearby factories, while more affluent neighbourhoods remain relatively unaffected.

Case Studies from Abroad

In the United States, multiple examples of environmental racism have been documented. Hispanic communities working in agricultural fields are regularly exposed to harmful pesticides, with workers carrying these chemicals on their clothes. In some areas, schools neighbouring oil refineries report mass student illnesses when the facilities conduct "tests".

In Oakland, California, one of the poorest neighbourhoods is located near the port, where diesel trucks idle all day. The result is alarmingly high asthma rates among children at local elementary schools, where teachers keep "shoeboxes full of inhalers" for affected students.

Another disturbing example comes from Santa Clarita, California, where residents near a landfill report serious health issues. Methane and other toxic gases seep through the ground for miles, entering homes through foundation cracks. Residents experience spontaneous nosebleeds and persistent ear, nose, and throat infections from airborne bacteria originating from the landfill.

In Delaware County, a possible cancer cluster has emerged near a former landfill. Some families have lost multiple members to cancer, raising serious concerns about the connection between the toxic dumpsite and these devastating health outcomes.

Impact on Communities

The health effects of environmental racism are severe and far-reaching. Communities near pollution sources experience higher rates of respiratory diseases, cancer, and other serious health conditions. Children are especially vulnerable, with many developing asthma and other chronic conditions at young ages.

Beyond physical health, environmental racism creates economic burdens through medical expenses and decreased property values. It also perpetuates social inequalities by limiting access to clean air, water, and safe living conditions – basic rights that should be available to everyone regardless of race or economic status.

A striking example is the PFAS or "forever chemicals" case, where water pollution affected countless communities, leading to a $10.3 billion settlement to help filter contaminated drinking water. However, such settlements rarely fully address the long-term damage to affected communities.

How Ikaya Earth helps

At Ikaya, we believe in empowering communities through education and advocacy around environmental justice issues. We provide resources that help identify environmental racism in local areas and connect affected communities with legal support and environmental experts.

Through our platform, we're committed to amplifying marginalized voices in the fight for cleaner, safer neighbourhoods for everyone.