Essay: Nhi-Ha Essay: Le
ESSAY: NHI-HA LE UNDER THE SAME SKY: AN ANALYSIS OF THE CONNECTION BETWEEN ENVIRONMENTAL INEQUALITY AND INCOME AND RACIAL INEQUALITY How important is it to live a sustainable lifestyle? The answer to this question may seem obvious to some but obscure to others; ultimately, the differences in each individual’s experiences cause such differences in opinions. Based on one’s access to housing in society, he/she may face environmental stressors more intensely or less intensely than others. In this case, those who experience environmental stressors such as air pollution or water contamination may feel compelled to live more sustainably because of their on-hand exposure to the influence of these issues. Conversely, those who are privileged enough not to experience the effects of these stressors may feel less compelled to live sustainability and see sustainable habits as less of a necessity. In order to analyze this issue, one must first understand what environmental inequality is and how it affects communities. Environmental inequality is systemic; environmental inequality proliferates by leaning on more significant issues such as red-lining and low intergenerational mobility. After understanding the concept of environmental inequality, one would go on to question the necessary degree to which each individual must practice sustainability so that the greater community can practice sustainability within their wealth constraints while also making an impact on the environment. Ultimately, it is the responsibility of the individual to be conscious of their choices regarding the environment (within their capacity), and it is the responsibility of larger, more powerful bodies (ex. government or large companies) to use their purchasing power to encourage sustainability and limit their environmental impact. What is environmental inequality? Environmental inequality is a phenomenon in which certain marginalized groups experience and are more negatively affected by environmental stressors; because each individual interacts with his/her community in different ways, each experiences a different degree of environmental stressors. These groups face disparate exposure, meaning they disproportionately experience higher exposure to environmental pollutants, and disparate health impacts, which are unequally distributed negative health consequences due to proximity to pollutants (Downey). For example, based on a recent report from the European Environment Agency (EEA), more impoverished regions of Europe experience higher risks of health problems, such as vector borne diseases or adverse reactions to heatwaves and floods, resulting from environmental stressors because they are more exposed to air pollution, noise, and high temperatures in urban areas than those with higher standards of living (Canzleben and Kazmierczak). This example illustrates the increased environmental stressors faced by the lower class. However, environmental inequality is not limited to the marginalization of lower-income classes; it can also affect minority groups negatively. In America, another example of compromised health resulting from environmental inequality exists; due to racial red-lining, Black and Hispanic citizens are typically constrained to specific neighborhoods
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