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Name: Jake Head
How did I get involved in IMPACT?
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Name: Emma Kate Beckwith
How did I get involved in IMPACT?
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ABOUT ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE
https://www.goldmanprize.org/blog/environmental-racism-in-america-an-overview-of-the-environmental-justice-movement-and-the-role-of-race-in-environmental-policies/
- Miami-Dade area is likely to suffer from an average of 134 days a year with temps above 100 degrees within the next two decades which would negatively impact many immigrants who work as laborers
- Miami-dade county is surrounded by very fragile wetlands. These wetlands are extremely vital to the health and safety of South Floridians--they purify the drinking water for many of South Florida’s cities, and they serve as a habitat for many Native plant and animal species. Because of Miami’s large population, these wetlands are often in danger of pollution and degradation.
- Florida has the nation’s third highest CO2 emissions rates, and among Florida cities, Miami residents are some of the most negatively impacted by poor air quality. This is an issue that disproportionately affects individuals of a lower socioeconomic class. People who walk for transportation, have labor-intensive outdoor jobs, or those experiencing homelessness in Miami are at risk for health problems caused by air pollution.
- the EPA is currently working on an Everglades restoration project as part of its Florida Environmental Justice movement. The goal is to restore and rehabilitate the flora and fauna of the region in an effort to reshape a more sustainable region and economy.
- Pahokee, Florida has a 56% Black & 29% Hispanic population. Citizens had to confront the sugar industry, which was polluting the nearby Lake Okeechobee and endangering drinking water, fish safety and property values.
- South Florida is at high risk for hurricanes. These hurricanes disproportionately affect poor areas in Miami’s inner-city. Low-income families do not have the same access to shelters, money to cover expenses and damage, or ability to go without work for days due to extreme weather.
- University of Miami Environmental Justice Clinic: https://www.law.miami.edu/academics/clinics/environmental-justice-clinic
TERMS TO KNOW:
- Environmental Justice: The protection and inclusion of all individuals (regardless of race, class, age, citizenship status) when it comes to environmental issues and policies.
- Exclusionary zoning: Urban zoning tendencies that disproportionately affect marginalized communities.
- EPA: The environmental protection agency; government organization that enforces environmental regulations and seeks to protect “human and environmental health” (EPA website)
- Everglades: One of the nation's largest natural wetlands. Home to thousands of native plant and animal species; completely vital to clean drinking water and protection against coastal erosion.
- Environmental racism: Environmental policy that disproportionately affects communities of racial minorities.
- Fair Treatment: “Fair treatment, in regards to EJ, means, no person or group should bear a greater share of negative environmental impacts that result from environmental programs.”
- Meaningful Involvement: “The National Environmental Justice Advisory Council (NEJAC) suggestions for public involvement include: (1) Encourage public participation in all aspects of environmental decision making. (2) Encourage active community participation. (3) Institutionalize public participation. (4) Recognize community knowledge. (5) Utilize cross-cultural formats and exchanges.”
- Disproportionate Impact: “Refers to communities of low income and/or color and in the presence of high-risk environmental hazards. Those communities in the presence of environmental and human health hazards are more at risk of developing chronic health problems or experiencing environmental racism due to their surroundings than other parts of the country.”
MORE ABOUT ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE In South Florida
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