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"The people most responsible for climate change historically — globally, as well as domestically — are not the same people who are feeling the pain first, worst and longest” (Dr. Robert Bullard). It is apparent that throughout history, racial justice and climate justice have been viewed as separate matters, but it is time that we notice the signs and realize that these two issues are very much related. When reflecting on natural disasters, global warming and many more, since the 1980’s, studies show that, “Communities of color are disproportionately affected by levels of climate change.”
The murder of George Floyd sparked rage and a mentality around the globe that resulted in the Black Lives Matter movement to gain more momentum to bring heat to the numerous issues of racial injustice. “I can’t breathe:” These three words said by the late George Floyd, have acted as a wake-up call to the world to stop ignoring the issues of oppression. “Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness:” A phrase that has not been demonstrated to be applicable to all. Connecting the dots of climate crisis and institutionalized racism will allow the entire puzzle to form. Looking at the bright side of our current climate, the COVID-19 has forced us into a quarantine that allowed people to ponder and reflect on their lives and the world, acting as our own enlightenment period. Escorted by people having more time for themselves, we as a community, also have more time to notice and change the way this country was built on the objective of white supremacy. “This conversation is a police brutality conversation on top of a COVID-19 conversation, and it all adds up to a devaluation of black life,” said Ms. McGhee of a nonpartisan research and advocacy group. She also states, “That’s what climate change is as well, because of environmental racism. We’ve got to divest from systems that are killing us and costing us, and invest in our people and our planet.” This seizure-and-snatch mentality of America, has allowed companies and organizations to dump waste in communities of color that pave the way for pollution to cause illness in those communities, as they have been able to do for decades. In a case study of environmental racism, in the state of Alabama, a landfill is spilling toxic waste near a predominantly African American town and the EPA rejects and dismisses it as a case of civil rights.
BIPOC communities across the nation share the same problem of the inability to breathe, because of toxic pollution strategically located in communities of color. Black, Indigenous, and people of color in these communities are more likely to suffer health complications such as asthma, heart disease, and cancer at higher rates than the national average because of the heightened level of air pollution in these areas. Through racist laws, red-lining, and city codes, localities have encouraged polluting industries to operate without regard to the truth that black lives and black health matters. While the climate crisis affects everyone, it does not do so equally.
Further, communities of color have less access to green spaces such as city, state and national parks which were initially built with racist intent. Predominantly white neighborhoods have better access to public parks and even tree cover. By looking at a map that accounts for temperature, people can see how neighborhoods of color reach scorching temperatures while predominantly white neighborhoods do not heat up as quickly. The outdoors should be safe and available to everyone. Access to the outdoors is an environmental and racial justice issue.
This country is rooted in and built by power and money. But most importantly, it is built on the ideals of white power. Racism overall, makes it impossible for many to live feasibly. We as a society have moved past trying to be comfortable. It is the conversations that are uncomfortable and difficult to hear that create change and a new perspective in people’s hearts. It is not the time to blame past generations, but to move forward in showing the new generation what is right and how to fight for what is right. The topic of racism is just the start of the conversation. Elements like cultural appropriation, colorism, and the modern-day lynching of African Americans, are other components of oppression that have only reached the surface of very difficult conversations.
Peaceful protesting for equal rights within the black community has not been effective. On March 17, 1965 from Selma to Montgomery around 200,000 people peacefully marched in protest for civil rights. On September 1, 2016 then quarterback of the 49’ers and eleven other NFL stars, took a knee during the national anthem in protest against the racial injustice of African-Americans as well as other minorities. There had been over 51 years of peaceful protesting and people are still fighting for the same thing-- equality. Around May 26, 2020, riots broke out in response to the killing of George Floyd and police brutality against Black people as a whole. People questioned, “Why can’t they peacefully protest?” Nelson Mendela once said, “If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his own language, that goes to his heart.” If violence, fire, and rage is the language of the people, that is the way we will fight for equality to speak to the hearts of people.
The suffocating racial inequality in America will hopefully be no more. The chains tied with pure hatred and dehumanization put on African Americans, Native Americans, and other minorities, in hopes will be no more. The issue of climate injustice in hopes will be no more. In order for justice to happen, it is crucial for us to start within our communities. Attend City Council meetings and address the issues of our climate within the community. Vote for local positions, and use your voice to vote for those that will make a difference. Once change happens in our communities, we can work towards making change throughout the world.
Cover photo courtesy of qz.com.
About the guest contributor:
This letter has been sent as a "Letter to the Editor" by Keturah Prothro-Harris. You can view our policy on Letters to the Editor here.
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