Environmental Racism

Environmental Racism refers to the disproportionate exposure of marginalized racial and ethnic communities to environmental hazards, pollution, and harmful living conditions due to systemic inequalities. This phenomenon includes practices like placing toxic waste facilities, factories, or landfills near low-income, predominantly minority neighborhoods, while wealthier, predominantly white communities are often spared. Environmental racism is perpetuated by discriminatory policies, economic inequality, and lack of political representation. In sociology, it is a critical concept for understanding how structural racism intersects with environmental issues, exacerbating health disparities and limiting access to clean air, water, and safe living environments. Addressing environmental racism involves advocating for environmental justice, which seeks to rectify these inequalities by ensuring equitable environmental protections for all communities.