There is Only One Earth
Environmental Justice
Stephanie Rose Ortiz - November 2, 2020
Professor Aziz - Art 3170
There has been many impactful and negative changes in our environment which has led us to believe that global warming exists. Environmental abuse by big corporations has affected our health. It does not only affects us but it has shown in the declines of animals to the point where they are extinct or close to being extinct. Where the water we consume has caused us to be sick. The coral reefs are losing their beautiful colors and dying due to the warm temperatures of their habitat. The marine life that appear dead in the shore due to starvation or the consumption of plastic is also part of this issue. Even the rise of sea levels in Texas and other parts of the world is another sign that our Earth is fed up. Fed up of our irresponsibilities and bad habits we created since the Industrial Revolution began. Instead of corporations finding solutions to dispose their waste in a proper matter, they have ignored it. They have dumped it in our oceans and rivers causing pollution. They have left behind residues of hazardous waste in which affects many. It is time for a change. To save the beautiful gifts that nature provides us daily. By doing so, we can give an opportunity to animals to continue existing. To give our future generations a sustainable Earth where they can live in. But most importantly, to give our Earth a chance to strive. In fact, the only way we can do this is by creating changes that benefit the Earth, marine life, land animals, and us. Allow ourselves to become knowledgeable about the issue and find solutions. By doing so we have to support the movement of Environmental Justice.
What is Environmental Justice?
"Environmental justice is the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income, with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies. This goal 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." - US Environmental Protection Agency
Why is it Important? Standing in confinement to create a change in the community one lives in is important. Many minority communities suffer from injustice and one of those is Environmental Justice. Living in a community where it is seen as "unimportant" or a dumping ground allows big corporations to take the power to do what they want and dump waste or expose residents with hazardous materials. It is important to stand up and challenge them to find other solutions that are safer for the communities and for Earth. The city of Cudahy is very close to the area, in which I reside, that is being affected by lead in the city of Vernon. This company left many lead residue in which has affected many. It not only affected many but it has gone to court to prevent the clean up of the lead in the location they left. The judge eliminated the demand of the clean up. This has left the communities around the city of Vernon with concern and anger. Another reason why it is important is because there has not been enough policies or laws approved in which protect us. This allows many corporations to take advantage of the situation in order to affect those who are minorities. The health of everyone should not be at stake due to the irresponsible companies. There has been various situations like these before. In the 1980's, Aurora Castillo founded the group called Las Madres de East LA. These mothers took initiative to speak up for their community and the communities around the East LA area. In which were being affected by the construction of a pipeline that not only was going to pollute their community but will affect the health of many around the area of East LA. Castillo was able to stop the construction of this pipeline with the Mothers of East LA. When one stands up for what one believes in there can be change.
Who is Exposed to Lead?
In the United States the expose to lead is more common than one thinks. Distribution of lead is cause by the fuel, waste incineration, etc. and like the scenario in the city of Vernon, battery processing. The exposure of lead affects people and animals. Animals who are affected by it can be indirectly or directly exposed. Those animals can suffer from acute or more severe symptoms depending on the exposure of lead. People who are exposed to lead can have certain side effects.
Effects of Lead in Humans:
There are many negative effects by the exposure of lead. Those effects are harmful to our health. Those include behavioral problems, kidney damage, fatigue, etc. In worse case scenarios even cancer. The communities around the city of Vernon have been experiencing symptoms due to the exposure of lead. These symptoms may vary from new borns, children, and adults.
Environmental Justice is important to me because it has always affected communities of color and/or minorities. It has affected generation after generation and there has not been any major changes. It does not only affect humans but it also affects the Earth. It is something that has been important to me ever since there has been injustices upon the community where the corporations leave behind hazardous waste. In which it creates various health conditions upon my people. Not only do they created negative outcomes due to their irresponsibilities but it affects nature. Animals and people should not be exposed to these type of conditions. It is worrisome to know that these type of hazardous exposure can create a chain of negative side effects. In which not only affects population in the now but it affects future generations. As well as the thriving of a sustainable Earth. Where climate change has been one of the reasons why we should create change, be "woke," and stand up against injustices towards the environment. In order to create change, one has to educate one self upon the subject, inform and bring awareness to those in our communities, and create change as a whole group. Environmental Justice is a choice we have and an option in which we can rely on in order to bring a healthy environment for now, later, and forever.
Sources:
https://www.epa.gov/environmentaljustice
https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1989-08-13-me-816-story.html
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/lead-poisoning/symptoms-causes/syc-20354717
https://todaysveterinarynurse.com/articles/management-strategies-lead-toxicity-a-threat-to-wildlife/
Images:
https://phillys7thward.org/2019/10/environmental-justice-in-our-schools-is-social-justice/
https://undisciplinedenvironments.org/2019/10/31/environmental-justice-as-a-soundtrack-of-freedom/
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