Op-ed Essay

The climate crisis and the imperative for action: a focus on environmental racism

Alondra López de la Cruz

325324

Writing and rethoric

The global climate crisis is no longer a distant threat; It is a pressing reality that
demands urgent attention and concerted efforts. However, amid the discourse on climate
change, a critical aspect that is often overlooked is environmental racism: the
disproportionate impact of environmental degradation and climate change on
marginalized communities. As we grapple with the consequences of our unsustainable
practices, we need to be able to recognize the intersectionality of environmental issues
and address environmental injustices that perpetuate inequality.

But getting into the matter, what is environmental racism?

Environmental racism refers to discriminatory practices that result in the

disproportionate exposure of minority communities to environmental hazards. These
hazards include toxic waste sites, air and water pollution, and the adverse effects of
climate change. Indigenous peoples, low-income communities, and people of color are
often hardest hit and face greater health risks and economic burdens.

This is because marginalized communities are often found living in close proximity to
industrial zones and waste disposal sites. NIMBY (Not In My Backyard) syndrome has
caused the concentration of polluting industries in areas with predominantly minority
populations. This concentration exacerbates health problems such as respiratory
diseases, cancers, and developmental problems in these communities. A clear example
could be the problem that exists in the Maule region in Chile, where "the rural
population of the region is exposed to health risks because they live in an area of
important production of agricultural inputs for export through the use of pesticides in a
context of non-compliance or permissiveness of current regulations" (geomatico, 2023).
And like this there are thousands of cases that are registered in the environmental justice
atlas and reported by other means.
Then we can understand that climate change does not affect all communities equally.
Vulnerable populations are more susceptible to the impacts of extreme weather events,
sea level rise, and disruptions in agriculture. Hurricanes, floods and wildfires
disproportionately affect marginalized communities, causing displacement, loss of
livelihoods and increased levels of poverty.

This is why environmental racism is intrinsically linked to socioeconomic factors.

Poverty and lack of access to resources often force marginalized communities to live in
areas prone to environmental hazards. Limited resources also hamper their ability to
adapt to and recover from climate-related disasters.

Taking into account that the right to a healthy environment is a fundamental human
right. Environmental justice advocates maintain that all people, regardless of race or
socioeconomic status, have the right to live in a clean and safe environment.
Recognizing environmental justice as a human right is crucial to formulating policies
that protect the most vulnerable.

To address environmental racism, there must be a concerted effort to reform policies at

the local, national, and global levels. This involves stricter regulations on polluting
industries, equitable distribution of environmental resources, and the inclusion of
marginalized communities in decision-making processes. Grassroots movements and
community-led initiatives play a vital role in advocating for change and holding
industries to account.

The transition to a sustainable future must prioritize equity. Green solutions, such as
renewable energy initiatives, must be implemented in ways that benefit all communities,
particularly those that have borne the brunt of environmental degradation. This requires
intentional efforts to avoid replicating historical patterns of discrimination.

Starting at the base of everything, education, an informed public is essential to drive

change. Education and awareness programs can empower communities to defend their
rights and participate in sustainable policymaking. Additionally, fostering an
understanding of the intersectionality of environmental and social issues is crucial to
building a more inclusive environmental movement.

In conclusion, as the world grapples with the consequences of the climate crisis, it is
imperative to confront the reality of environmental racism. Ignoring the intersectionality
of environmental issues perpetuates systemic inequalities, making it difficult to achieve
sustainable and just solutions. To truly address the climate crisis, we must focus our
efforts on dismantling environmental racism, ensuring that no community is left behind
in the pursuit of a healthier, more sustainable planet. The time to act is now and it is our
collective responsibility to forge a path toward environmental justice.
Bibliography:

https://geomatico.es. (2023). Ej Atlas. Ejatlas.org. https://ejatlas.org/conflict/health-

impacts-of-organophosphate-pesticide-op-exposure-on-rural-populations-in-the-

maule-region

Redacción Carbono. (2020, August 18). El fenómeno NIMBY: “Queremos ese avance,

pero lejos de aquí.” Carbono.news; Carbono News.

https://www.carbono.news/activismo/el-fenomeno-nimby-queremos-ese-avance-

pero-lejos-de-aqui/#:~:text=El%20fen%C3%B3meno%20NIMBY%2C%20sigla

%20que,que%20est%C3%A1n%20tildadas%20como%20peligrosas.