Example of a Reflective Essay on Environmental Injustice

This essay is based on Imperial Valley College’s (IVC) Professor Cynthia Spence’s lecture on environmental injustice. A complete essay will include sources, quotes, and in-text citations that follow the professor’s criteria. This essay is written in the style of MLA, 9th edition.

Exploring Environmental Injustice

Addressing environmental racism is a crucial aspect of understanding the intersectionality between environmental issues and social justice. Environmental racism refers to the disproportionate impact of environmental hazards on marginalized communities, particularly black, low-income, or minority neighborhoods. Exploring environmental racism reveals the impact of the EPA, environmental justice, pollution, pesticide use like DDT, and their harmful consequences on marginalized communities, particularly children.

Robert Bullard, a prominent figure in the environmental justice movement, highlights the insidious factors that contribute to environmental racism. Two significant factors identified by Bullard are the lack of political will to address environmental disparities and the historical legacy of discriminatory practices that have left certain communities vulnerable to environmental harm.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) plays a central role in regulating environmental policies in the United States. However, the effectiveness of the EPA has been a subject of debate. While the EPA has implemented regulations to protect the environment, it has also faced criticism for inadequately addressing environmental injustices, particularly in disadvantaged communities. The agency’s track record in enforcing environmental regulations in marginalized areas has been called into question, raising concerns about the equitable distribution of environmental resources and protections.

Environmental justice is a key principle in addressing environmental racism. It advocates for fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people, regardless of race or income, in environmental decision-making. Achieving environmental justice requires a comprehensive understanding of how pollution and environmental toxins disproportionately impact vulnerable populations. This includes the harmful effects of pesticides like DDT, which have been linked to long-term health problems, particularly in children exposed to these chemicals.

In the context of environmental racism, black or low income/minority neighborhoods are often the most affected by environmental hazards. The siting of polluting industries and waste facilities in these communities perpetuates environmental injustices and exacerbates existing health disparities. The case studies of Flint, Michigan, and Cancer Alley in Louisiana serve as stark reminders of the devastating consequences of environmental racism on public health.

Throughout recent history, administrations under Bill Clinton, George H.W. Bush, George W. Bush, Barack Obama, and Donald Trump have shaped environmental policies that either advanced or neglected the issue of environmental racism. Budget cuts to the EPA under certain administrations have undermined environmental protections and marginalized the voices of communities impacted by environmental injustices.

In conclusion, addressing environmental racism requires a multifaceted approach that acknowledges the interconnectedness of social and environmental issues. As Robert Bullard contends, environmental justice is a fundamental human right that must be upheld to ensure the well-being of all communities. By advocating for equitable environmental policies and accountability from governmental agencies, we can strive towards a more just and sustainable future for generations to come.

Works Cited

Carson, Rachel. “Title of Rachel Carson Article.” Publication Name, vol. X, no. X, Year, pp. XXX-XXX.