DSJSW Week Six, Post Two (Synthesis & Connection)

     One of the best ways to understand the extent of the inequities in a community is by understanding environmental injustices that are occurring  Oftentimes, it is minorities and poor people that are treated differently regarding environmental matter and are moved or forced into the more hazardous regions in their communities, cities, and states. These environmental hazards can include air pollution, lead in paint and water, and polluting industries, and all lead to exacerbation of poor health. 

    The most recent and prominent example of environmental injustice is that of the Flint Water Crisis, which began in the summer of 2014. When looking at the community as a whole, 50% of Michigan's black population was living under emergency management, meaning that they did not have elected officials that needed to answer to them and their needs. Over 40% of all residents lived at or below the poverty line, and the unemployment rate was up to 13%. Because of these factors, there was an increase in school closures, and a common underperformance of schools that remained open. When residents began to complain about the poor water quality, they were mocked by officials and those that were supposed to be taking care of them. This caused an internal investigation to be ordered by the federal government into their lack of upholding of the Clean Water Act. Overtime, there was an increase in illness amongst community members as well as chronic disease.

    Environmental racism is one of the most overlooked issues both in social justice and among those working to fight climate change. However, it is one of the most common forms of injustices in our communities across the United States. By keeping BIPOC in the most underserved, unprotected, lowest quality of living, it makes it much harder for them to thrive and have power and voice in their community. When looking at the world through a social justice lens, it is extremely important to keep environmental racism and injustice at the forethought of action, as fixing it is the first step to creating a higher quality of life for BIPOC and decrease health inequities in the long run.