Environmental Justice
Learning Objectives
Students will be able to:
- Define environmental justice and explain why it matters
- Identify factors that lead to unequal pollution exposure
- Analyze data showing disparities in air quality
- Discuss solutions that address environmental inequity
What Is Environmental Justice?
Environmental Justice = The fair treatment of all people regardless of race, income, or background with respect to environmental policies and practices.
This means no group of people should bear an unfair share of pollution, and all communities should have access to clean air, water, and land.
The Reality: Unequal Exposure
Not everyone breathes the same air. Research consistently shows:
- Low-income communities have higher pollution levels on average
- Communities of color are more likely to live near pollution sources
- These disparities exist even when comparing people with similar incomes
- The gap has persisted for decades despite overall air quality improvements
Why Does This Happen?
Historical Factors
- Redlining: Historical policies that segregated neighborhoods
- Zoning decisions: Industrial facilities placed in certain areas
- Highway construction: Often routed through minority neighborhoods
- Lack of political power: Less ability to oppose polluting facilities
Current Factors
- Housing costs: Cheaper housing near pollution sources
- Traffic patterns: Low-income areas have more truck routes
- Older housing: Poor ventilation, no A/C for filtration
- Less access: To air purifiers, healthcare, information
The Data: Pollution Disparities
| Finding | Source |
|---|---|
| Black Americans exposed to 56% more PM2.5 than they produce through consumption | PNAS study, 2019 |
| Hispanic Americans exposed to 63% more pollution than they produce | PNAS study, 2019 |
| White Americans exposed to 17% less pollution than they produce | PNAS study, 2019 |
| Low-income communities have 35% higher PM2.5 than high-income areas | EPA analysis |
| Schools in low-income areas more likely to be near highways | Multiple studies |
Health Consequences
Higher Pollution = Worse Health
- Higher asthma rates in polluted communities
- More ER visits and hospitalizations
- Greater rates of heart disease
- Lower life expectancy
- Higher COVID-19 death rates in polluted areas
Compounding Factors
- Less access to healthcare
- Less access to healthy food
- Higher stress levels
- Older, less healthy housing
- Less green space
Case Study: School Location
The question: Are schools in low-income areas more likely to be located near pollution sources?
Research findings:
- Schools in low-income areas are 2× more likely to be within 500 feet of a highway
- Children at these schools have higher pollution exposure during school hours
- This affects learning and health during critical development years
- Schools in wealthier areas more likely to have better HVAC and filtration
The irony: The students with highest pollution exposure often have the least access to solutions like air purifiers.
Solutions for Environmental Justice
Policy Solutions
- Stricter pollution standards in overburdened areas
- Buffer zones around schools and homes
- Community input on new facilities
- Investment in affected communities
- Transition to clean energy
Community Solutions
- Air quality monitoring networks
- HEPA filters in schools and homes
- Tree planting and green spaces
- Community organizing for change
- Education and awareness
Discussion Questions
- Why is it important that everyone has access to clean air, not just people who can afford to live in less polluted areas?
- What do you think could be done to reduce pollution disparities in your community?
- If you were in charge of deciding where to build a new factory, what factors would you consider?
- How might providing air purifiers to schools in polluted areas help address environmental injustice?
Key Takeaway
Environmental justice means everyone deserves clean air, regardless of income, race, or where they live. Unfortunately, pollution is not distributed equally—low-income communities and communities of color often face higher exposures due to historical and current factors. Addressing these disparities requires both policy changes and community-level solutions.