Essay Sample on Environmental Racism

Environmental racism is typically defined as where inequality and discrimination are portrayed within low-income neighborhoods. Minorities such as Black and Hispanic people are often targeted as they usually live in areas surrounded by pollution, pipeline systems, toxic waste, dirty water, and even food deserts. Environmental racism is one of the most major issues in today’s society. Many black neighborhoods within NYC such as Harlem, Bedstuy, and the Bronx are heavily impacted by environmental racism. Segregation and redlining play a major role in environmental injustice as the government does not want to use its money to focus on creating a better environment for the black community. There can be many things that can be done to help the environment and change environmental racism but the government intentionally chooses to ignore it. Environmental racism has impacted black neighborhoods in NYC through the exposure to a toxic environment and the development of many health problems. 

One way environmental racism is impacting black neighborhoods in NYC is individuals becoming sick due to being in unhealthy conditions. As many may know, Nyc is a huge city where there are many buildings and transportations such as trains and buses and there is rarely any greenery such as trees and grasses to be around. This is very common in poverty areas as many more white people live in suburban areas where they have more green land and cleaner air quality while people of color live in unsanitary and dirty neighborhoods with moderate to bad air quality. Nissel and Andrews give a thorough description of how environmental racism has heavily impacted those in poverty in NYC by stating  “Around the city, more green space and greener ways of getting around are necessary to decrease the urban heat island effect. Extreme heat leads all other extreme weather events to cause an average of 450 emergency room visits each year in New York City, mainly in communities of color with less vegetation to counteract the rise in temperature induced by asphalt”. In other words, many African Americans have been getting ill and have been in and out of hospitals due to them not being surrounded by greens such as grass and trees which helps with air pollution and encourages motivation/mental health. Because of the lack of nature and greenery, the black community is exposed to higher temperatures which increases the risks of a heat stroke. If individuals continue to ignore this problem and not take action now, the black community is in danger as many people of color have been more likely to die from health complications. The government can help combat this situation by using their funding in creating more green spaces such as building more parks and helpful resources in black neighborhoods and educating individuals about recycling to reduce littering which causes garbage waste. 

Another way environmental racism is hurting black people is through exposure to a toxic environment. One prime example of this is the pipeline system. The pipeline system is where the pipes transport gases, liquids, oils, and even solids. However, the pipeline system has proven to be extremely harmful to the environment such as the Flint Michigan situation where there was filthy and contaminated water. The author Aisha Rodriguez explains the pipeline system’s impact on NYC residents by stating “Many have protested the construction of the North Brooklyn Pipeline, as fracking is known to increase risk of groundwater contamination, increase toxin exposure via leaks, and risk explosions at and/or near the pipeline site”. In lower-income areas in NYC where the majority of people of color reside, individuals live in or have a pipeline system that has done more harm than good. The pipeline system has been known to cause much  harm towards sea life, animals and the ecosystem. The pipeline system has had a history of creating many explosions and leakages such as gas leaks and oil spills. Gas leaks can eventually cause major explosions and can cause death and severe burning within an individual. There have also been many situations where there has been contaminated water found in the pipelines which many NY citizens have been consuming. Consumption of contaminated water can cause lead poisoning and even health issues such as respiratory issues, stomach issues, mental illnesses, and even cancer. Many new yorkers have been upset and expressed their concern and anger through protesting against the pipeline system. As a solution, the government should honestly shut down the pipeline system as it has caused many disadvantages and controversy.

Overall, the reason why this essay is on environmental racism is to inform and educate readers about the meaning and history of environmental racism and how it harms marginalized communites such as those living in poverty areas. Environmental racism is a serious issue that needs to be adressed more as it continues to worsen overtime. Environmental racism mainly impacts people of color in  NYC which is an issue. Redlining and segration plays a major role in this issue as the government cares more about making NYC a better place and focuses more on the predominately white areas rather than focusing and spending their funding on improving the black community and providing better resources. A suggestion to reduce environmental injustice is to build a more diverse community, plant more greenery, reduce pollution and educate privileged people for them to take part in giving environmental justice. If these solutions do not happen now and there isnt a change, the black community can be in danger as more people will start to become ill and even become deceased due to neglect.