This module emphasized the lack of environmental justice for certain communities within our country and in some parts of the world. It is unfortunate that within our recent history that certain communities and areas are subjected to environmental hazards. The debacle in Flint Michigan and other areas of the country demonstrate the lack of environmental justice for primarily poor and black communities; and also validate their social determinants. It is sad and unfortunate to realize that there are social determinants at this point in history. The concept of social determinants connect to the "Black Lives Matter" movement by urge to push back against on the structural and societal framework that is predominantly within their community. It is a movement to resist the determinants, particularly the socioeconomic and environment factors within their community.
Also, this module points out the future of environmental issues for the country and the rest of the world under President Trump. His agenda along with his cabinet disavow climate science and promote the fossil fuel industry. The idea that the administration is pushing more fossil fuel development and not renewable energy demonstrates their lack of concern for the environment as a whole.
It is really sad that after a long history of social disparities, lack of environmental justice prevails in poor communities and communities of color. Environmental hazards appear to be the norm in minorities and disadvantaged communities. You made a great point about the current political debate and environmental issues. The new administration may try to stop the progress made in issues such climate change, global warming, and fossil fuels. But environmental health doesn’t concern to the government only, rather to all of us. There are several steps that we can take at the personal, professional, and community level to take action and produce real and lasting change.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you in everything you mentioned. There are many communities across the U.S being exposed to toxic chemicals. It makes you wonder, how is the U.S considered a developed country, but yet we have cities that look like those of undeveloped countries. In a recent article by the Washington Post, the life expectancy of U.S ranked 32nd out of 35 developed countries. Even though, many factors contribute to our life expectancy, the environmental factors we are exposed play an important role. Not many things have been done to help with the water crisis in Flint since it started in 2014. Flint residents are being exposed to high levels of lead and to see the U.S government not proving a basic necessity of life; water, it's pretty upsetting. With this current administration, it has become very clear that their main priority will be increasing the economy by helping oil companies increase their profits rather than to assure the well being of all individuals.
ReplyDeletehttps://www.washingtonpost.com/news/to-your-health/wp/2017/02/21/us-life-expectancy-will-soon-be-on-par-with-mexicos-and-croatias/?utm_term=.59d0b98ee034