Given what you know of the history of racial segregation and racial capitalism in US cities, what are the important structural factors that should be taken into account when determining whether a specific event is a case of environmental racism? Exploring the Structural Factors of Environmental Racism in US Cities

Exploring the Structural Factors of Environmental Racism in US Cities

                                                                                                                                 Environmental racism is a term used to refer to situations where environmental hazards are disproportionately concentrated in communities of color. As the history of racial segregation and racial capitalism in the US has shown, African Americans have been subjected to systemic mistreatment and discrimination. To fully understand environmental racism, it is important to take into account the structural factors that contribute to its emergence. For example, the legacy of redlining has been a significant factor in the creation of environmental disparities in US cities. Redlining, which refers to the practice of denying services and investment to people of color, has created conditions under which communities of color are more likely to be exposed to environmental hazards (Gilliam and Evans, 2017). Additionally, African Americans are more likely to live in areas that are zoned for industrial development, making them more susceptible to health risks posed by hazardous chemicals (Chetkovich and Johnson, 2018). The effects of systemic racism can also be seen in the lack of investment in green infrastructure in communities of color. This lack of investment often prevents communities of color from having access to green spaces and other amenities that would provide them with relief from air and… Cont…