Minorities Experience Pollution Inequity Caused by White People
Articles/Websites
Grades6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12Geography, Health
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Provided by The Guardian
What it is
- This article describes environmental racism in the Bronx, including details about high levels of air pollution and high rates of asthma in neighborhoods that are primarily populated by people of color.
Teaching tips
Positives
- The study cited in this article is very clear, showing that "...black Americans are exposed to about 56% more pollution than is caused by their consumption, and Hispanics 63% more. Meanwhile, non-Hispanic whites breathe about 17% less air pollution than they cause, earning a 'pollution advantage.'"
Prerequisites
- Mott Haven is a neighborhood in the South Bronx in New York City, New York. It may be best to familiarize yourself with the area before sharing the article with students.
Differentiation & Implementation
- Social studies and geography classes could use this at the beginning of a class, using the guiding question "How does where you live affect your health?".
- Your students could explore the EPA's EJSCREEN tool, where students can click anywhere in the USA to see 11 environmental justice indicators.
- Related resources include this text explaining environmental justice, this video explaining environmental justice, and this lesson plan on Cancer Alley, Louisiana.
From the scientist review
The resource underscores pollution inequity among black, Hispanic, minority, and low-income populations in Mott Haven, South Bronx. It describes how the emissions from diesel trucks and other activities have affected and endangered the lives of residents. The resource also points to the fact that it is important to increase research output on air pollution and other environmental inequities to deepen awareness and accelerate actions against environmental injustices. This is recommended for teaching.
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