Environmental Justice

This article examines the issue of environmental racism by arguing that certain communities, predominantly those populated by marginalized groups, often bear the heavy burden of environmental hazards and pollution disproportionately. They reveal how environmental racism has been a historical issue that continues to manifest in contemporary society, evident through inequality in environmental policies and interventions. They indicate that environmental racism can significantly impact the affected population, such as a high infant mortality rate, certain cancers, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and others. 

    This source is valuable for my project because it explores the health implications of environmental racism and why it is vital to incorporate social justice principles into decision-making surrounding environmental justice. It provides a historical perspective, underpinning discriminatory practices and systemic inequities. The article supports addressing environmental injustice by discussing the disproportionate exposure to environmental hazards that marginalized communities continue to face.    

Perry, M.J., Arrington, S., Freisthler, M.S., Ibe, I. F., McCray, N. L., Neumann, L. M., Tajanlangit, P., Trejo, Rosas, B.M. (2021). Pervasive structural racism in environmental epidemiology. Environ Health 20, 119. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12940-021-00801-3

The article examines the existence of structural racism in the field of environmental epidemiology. The author reveals the continued efforts to address environmental justice concerns, but structural racism is still pervasive in the implementation of epidemiological studies. Racial biases influence how epidemiology studies are designed, data collected, and environmental risks are identified. The article emphasizes the importance of increased diversity and inclusion in research teams and looks at various social determinants of health to effectively address environmental injustice. 

This source is relevant to the research since it focuses on structural racism within environmental epidemiology. It sheds light on the racial biases and systemic inequalities influencing such research methodologies and the interpretation of their findings.      

Hoffman-Hall, A., Gorris, M. E., Anenberg, S., Bredder, A. E., Dhaliwal, J. K., Diaz, M. A., Fortner, S. K., McAdoo, B. G., Reano, D., Rehr, R. C., Roop, H. A., & Zaitchik, B. F. (2022). A GeoHealth Call to Action: Moving Beyond Identifying Environmental Injustices to Co-Creating Solutions. GeoHealth, 6(11), e2022GH000706. https://doi.org/10.1029/2022GH000706

This article presents a call to action to shift from identifying environmental injustices to actively co-creating solutions. According to the authors, identifying disparities and injustices is critical, but effective solutions should be a priority. Achieving that requires collaboration with the affected communities, innovative methodologies, and interdisciplinary approaches. They emphasize the significance of engaging diverse stakeholders, leveraging technology for ongoing monitoring and communication, and incorporating local knowledge and values. The article calls for dressing environmental injustice and attaining more equitable outcomes through policy, research, and practice transformations.  

This source is valuable for the project since it calls for action in the field of GeoHealth to realize environmental justice. It guides the project toward impactful solutions and transformative change.

Moore, T., Payne-Foster, P., Oliver, J. S., Spears, E. G., Spencer, C. H., Maye, J., & Allen, R. S. (2022). Community Perspectives and Environmental Justice Issues in an Unincorporated Black Township. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(12), 7490. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19127490

This article focuses on the environmental justice issues that an incorporated Black township faces from the perspective of the community members. The study gives insight into the residents’ experiences of environmental hazards, concerns, and engagement in advocacy efforts toward environmental justice. The authors explore residents’ perspectives on inadequate infrastructure, pollution, and health impacts. They underscore the significance of seeking community voices and lived experiences in recognizing and tackling environmental injustice, particularly in communities populated by racial and ethnic minorities.

This source is highly relevant to my project as it offers useful insights into the environmental injustice issues that an unincorporated Black township faces. It offers a nuanced understanding of the challenges faced by marginalized populations by focusing on community perspectives.       

Donley, N., Bullard, R.D., Economos, J., Figueroa, I., Lee, J., Liebman, A. K., Martinez, D.N., & Shafiei, M. (2022). Pesticides and environmental injustice in the USA: root causes, current regulatory reinforcement and a path forward. BMC Public Health 22, 708. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-022-13057-4

This article examines the issue of environmental injustice in the U.S. associated with pesticides. The authors highlight the root causes of the disproportionate pesticide exposure that marginalized communities face, especially minority and low-income populations. They indicate the poor regulatory frameworks perpetuating environmental injustice by reinforcing existing disparities. Poor pesticide policies and regulations continue to impact vulnerable communities, which calls for comprehensive reform negatively. The article suggests a path forward, including promoting sustainable agricultural practices, strengthening regulatory measures, and empowering affected communities to understand effective ways of limiting pesticide exposure.      

This source is highly pertinent to my project since it particularly looks into the issue of pesticide exposure and how it intersects with environmental inequality in the U.S., It offers a comprehensive investigation of the root causes of pesticide exposure disparities that vulnerable communities face and practical solutions to tackling the issue.    

References

Donley, N., Bullard, R.D., Economos, J., Figueroa, I., Lee, J., Liebman, A. K., Martinez, D.N., & Shafiei, M. (2022). Pesticides and environmental injustice in the USA: root causes, current regulatory reinforcement and a path forward.  BMC Public Health  22, 708. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-022-13057-4

Hoffman-Hall, A., Gorris, M. E., Anenberg, S., Bredder, A. E., Dhaliwal, J. K., Diaz, M. A., Fortner, S. K., McAdoo, B. G., Reano, D., Rehr, R. C., Roop, H. A., & Zaitchik, B. F. (2022). A GeoHealth Call to Action: Moving Beyond Identifying Environmental Injustices to Co-Creating Solutions.  GeoHealth,  6(11), e2022GH000706. https://doi.org/10.1029/2022GH000706

Kaufman, J. D., & Hajat, A. (2021). Confronting Environmental Racism.  Environmental Health Perspectives,  129(5), 51001. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP9511

Moore, T., Payne-Foster, P., Oliver, J. S., Spears, E. G., Spencer, C. H., Maye, J., & Allen, R. S. (2022). Community Perspectives and Environmental Justice Issues in an Unincorporated Black Township.  International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health,  19(12), 7490. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19127490

Perry, M.J., Arrington, S., Freisthler, M.S., Ibe, I. F., McCray, N. L., Neumann, L. M., Tajanlangit, P., Trejo, Rosas, B.M. (2021) . Pervasive structural racism in environmental epidemiology.  Environ Health  20, 119. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12940-021-00801-3

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