Environmental racism facts for kids

Environmental racism is when certain groups of people, often based on their race, color, or income, are unfairly affected by pollution and other environmental problems. This happens because policies or actions, whether on purpose or not, lead to their communities having worse environmental conditions than others.

What is Environmental Racism?

Environmental racism means that some communities face more pollution and environmental dangers than others. This often happens to people of color or those with lower incomes. For example, factories that cause pollution might be built closer to their homes, or they might not have clean water. This unfair situation can lead to serious health problems and a lower quality of life for these groups.

How it Started: The Term "Environmental Racism"

The idea of environmental racism became well-known in the 1980s. A man named thumb|Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr., who first used the term "environmental racism"Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr., who was a leader in civil rights, first used the term in 1982. He saw how a landfill for dangerous waste was planned for a mostly Black community in Warren County, North Carolina. This event helped people realize that environmental problems were often linked to race and fairness.

Why Does Environmental Racism Happen?

There are many reasons why environmental racism occurs:

• History: Sometimes, communities of color were forced to live in areas that were already polluted or were chosen for polluting industries.
• Lack of Power: These communities might not have a strong voice in government decisions. This means their concerns about pollution might not be heard or acted upon.
• Economic Reasons: Areas with lower income might be seen as easier places to build polluting facilities because land is cheaper or there's less resistance.
• Weak Laws: Sometimes, environmental laws are not strong enough or are not enforced fairly in all communities.

Examples of Environmental Racism

Environmental racism has happened in many places around the world.

The Flint Water Crisis

thumb|People protesting the water crisis in Flint, Michigan. A well-known example in the United States is the Flint water crisis in Flint, Michigan. In 2014, the city changed its water source to the Flint River without properly treating the water. This led to lead and other harmful chemicals getting into the drinking water. The people of Flint, many of whom are African American and have lower incomes, were exposed to this unsafe water. This caused serious health issues, especially for children.

Africville, Canada

thumb|The reconstructed Africville Church in Nova Scotia. In Canada, the community of Africville in Nova Scotia is an example. It was a historic Black community that faced many environmental injustices. Over the years, the city placed polluting industries, a dump, and even an infectious diseases hospital near Africville. The community did not get basic services like clean water or sewage systems. In the 1960s, the city decided to move the residents and tear down their homes, saying it was for "urban renewal." This destroyed a vibrant community and is seen as a clear case of environmental racism.

Indigenous Communities and Land

thumb|A pile of American bison skulls in 1892. The U.S. Army encouraged bison hunts to force Native Americans off their lands, an early example of environmental racism. Around the world, Indigenous (Native) communities often face environmental racism. Their traditional lands, which are important for their culture and survival, are sometimes targeted for mining, oil drilling, or waste disposal. For example, in the United States, the mass hunting of American bison in the 1800s was encouraged by the U.S. Army. This was done to remove a key food source for Native Americans, forcing them off their lands. This act is considered an early form of environmental racism.

Another example is the Panguna copper mine in Bougainville, Papua New Guinea. thumb|The Panguna copper mine under construction in 1971.This mine caused a lot of environmental damage and social problems for the local Indigenous people. The profits from the mine did not benefit the community, and the pollution harmed their land and water.

Oil Spills and Pollution

thumb|An oil spill polluting the environment. Oil spills and pollution from the oil industry can also be examples of environmental racism. In places like the Amazon rainforest, oil companies have sometimes caused severe pollution that harms Indigenous communities. The Lago Agrio oil field in Ecuador is a famous case where oil spills and waste disposal led to widespread contamination, affecting the health and livelihoods of local Indigenous groups. thumb|The aftermath of pollution from the Lago Agrio oil field.

Working for Environmental Justice

Many people and groups are working to fight environmental racism. This effort is called environmental justice. It means that everyone, no matter their race or income, should have the right to a healthy and safe environment.

What Environmental Justice Advocates Do

• Speak Up: They help communities speak out against unfair environmental practices.
• Research: They collect information to show how pollution affects certain groups more than others.
• Push for Laws: They work to create and enforce stronger laws that protect all communities from pollution.
• Support Communities: They help affected communities get resources and solutions for their environmental problems.

thumb|Canadian sociologist Ingrid Waldron lectures on Environmental Racism. Sociologists like Ingrid Waldron in Canada have done important work to highlight environmental racism and push for change. Activists and young people are also playing a big role in raising awareness and demanding action. thumb|A protester at the 2017 Climate March holds a sign about the Flint water crisis.

Images for kids

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  Allison Janae Hamilton in front of one of her works called "The peo-ple cried mer-cy in the storm"

See also

In Spanish: Racismo ambiental para niños