Earth Day: The Earth Is The Lord's, Environmental Racism, And Whatnot

Welcome to Porshanality Podcast! A curiously sermonic podcast playground for adulting over 30. Because let’s keep it real, life will keep life with swift transitions, but together we can honor the moments we are in and keep on living. I am your host, Porsha Williams Gates. I’m an entrepreneur, coach, ordained minister, spiritual advisor, writer, and so much more. Join me weekly on Wednesdays as we grow and live together in community.

The Earth is the Lord’s and everything in it.

This includes Black people, Brown People, Asain People, Indigenous People, Queer People, Trans people, Jewish People, Muslim People, and more. In light of Earth Day, in this episode, I want to talk about environmental racism.

Environmental racism refers to the disproportionate exposure of communities of color and low-income communities to environmental hazards and pollution and the lack of access to environmental resources and benefits. It is a form of systemic discrimination when these communities are subjected to higher levels of environmental risk and a lower quality of life due to discriminatory land use policies, zoning practices, and corporate decisions. Environmental racism can manifest in various ways, including but not limited to:

1. Siting of polluting industries: Toxic waste facilities, landfills, and factories that produce air, water, and soil pollution are often disproportionately located in communities of color and low-income areas. This results in higher exposure to hazardous pollutants for residents of these communities.
2. Lack of access to green spaces: Marginalized communities often have limited access to parks, green spaces, and recreational areas, negatively impacting their physical and mental health.
3. Food deserts: Low-income neighborhoods and communities of color may lack access to fresh, healthy food options, leading to higher rates of diet-related illnesses.
4. Poor air and water quality: These communities often experience higher air and water pollution levels, leading to increased health risks and a lower quality of life.
5. Climate change impacts: Vulnerable populations are often more susceptible to the impacts of climate change, such as extreme weather events, heat waves, and flooding, due to inadequate infrastructure and limited resources.
6. Exclusion from decision-making: Marginalized communities are often excluded from environmental decision-making processes, leading to a lack of representation and advocacy for their needs and concerns.

Those impacted by environmental racism typically include people of color, Indigenous peoples, and low-income communities. However, it is important to recognize that the impacts of environmental racism can be intersectional, affecting various marginalized groups differently based on factors such as race, socioeconomic status, gender, and ability. By addressing environmental racism and advocating for environmental justice, we can work towards a more equitable and sustainable future for all communities.

As always, I thank you for listening.

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PRODUCTION CREDITS

This podcast is hosted, edited, and produced by Porsha Williams Gates of Porshanality Media, LL