In thinking about the systemic marginalization of communities of color throughout the history of the United States, environmental justice movements play a significant role in the determination of our future policies and practices. When I moved to San Francisco, I couldn't help but notice that many of the city's industrial plants are located in the Bayview-Hunter's Point neighborhood. This was interesting to me, given the history of gentrification that's pushed people of color into these neighborhoods in the first place. I also noticed that the city's freeways are located in lower-income neighborhoods like the Mission, Bayview-Hunter's Point, and Visitacion Valley, as opposed to higher-income neighborhoods like the Marina, North Beach, and the Sunset. San Francisco has a clear record of marginalizing communities of color through environmental injustice that I didn't realize existed until I moved here. As I think of the previous cities that I've lived in, I can recognize similar trends that exemplify the need for a restructuring of our environmental policies to treat people of color fairly.
Anytime I drive on a highway/freeway and see that there are homes right near the on ramp or on the side, I always would say to myself, "Oh, I would never want to live by the freeway. The air quality and noise pollution would drive me crazy." As most people who have the privilege to live somewhere else would say. Why then do we allow these environmental injustices continue? Creating policies is one step, but how do we reach and help those currently in these situations?
ReplyDeleteThat is real Aika, how can we real time help people in these situations. There are programs that do support low income residents in the bay area to change out their old appliances and make their homes safe and more energy efficient. I think if more of these programs existed it could be a more immediate step in the right direction.
DeleteResource: https://www.pge.com/en_US/residential/save-energy-money/help-paying-your-bill/energy-reduction-and-weatherization/energy-savings-assistance-program/energy-savings-assistance-program.page