Environmental Racism

The EPA defines environmental justice as “the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people … with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies”.  Catholic Climate Covenant adds: “It will be achieved when everyone enjoys the same degree of protection from environmental and health hazards and equal access to the decision-making process to have a healthy environment in which to live, learn, and work.”  Environmental racism refers to the disproportionate and overwhelming impacts of environmental degradation on communities of color.

You can learn more about this topic at the following links:

https://www.ncronline.org/blogs/eco-catholic/laudato-si-putting-faith-frontline-climate-justice-fight

https://www.pbs.org/wnet/amanpour-and-company/video/robert-bullard-how-environmental-racism-shapes-the-us/ Video (17 minutes) of Robert Bullard (known as the father of environmental justice) describing environmental racism in general and looking at issues in Houston, specifically.

https://catholicclimatecovenant.org/resources/gods-creation-needs-you-a/ “God’s Creation Needs You” Video series features several videos addressing environmental justice

Video #5: ”Inspired by Faith to Protect Their Community” focuses on the environmental and health issues impacting communities in “Cancer Alley” Louisiana.

Video #6:  “Faith-Driven Environmental Justice” shows how Catholic Social Teaching calls the Diocese of Stockton, California to confront the environmental challenges harming poor and vulnerable communities