Understanding Environmental Racism: How Climate Change Disproportionately Affects Marginalized Populations

Environmental racism significantly impacts marginalized populations, particularly in Brazil, where over half of North region residents lack access to sanitation. Journalist Eduardo Nunomura emphasizes the need to address this issue despite its often overlooked status. Key solutions include global cooperation to tackle climate change, increasing public awareness, and addressing structural inequities. The need for visibility and empowerment of marginalized communities is critical to achieving equitable climate action.

Global discussions and agreements surrounding climate change, including COP-30, G20, the Paris Agreement, and the UNFCCC, often fail to address the specific populations most adversely impacted: marginalized communities. In Brazil, the 2022 demographic census revealed that fewer than half of residents in the North region have access to sanitary sewage facilities, a statistic that is worse than the national average from 20 years ago. This disparity highlights the phenomenon known as environmental racism, where marginalized groups suffer disproportionately from the effects of climate change.

The reality of environmental racism manifests in several detrimental ways. Firstly, there is a lack of resources that restrict these communities from accessing adequate health care, social services, and safe food. Secondly, climate change-induced conditions frequently force these populations to relocate from their homes, exacerbating their vulnerabilities.

In an interview for Her Campus at Cásper Líbero, journalist Eduardo Nunomura, who also teaches at Faculdade Cásper Líbero in São Paulo, states that environmental racism is often overlooked due to its association with both racism and environmental issues. He emphasizes that, although it may seem distant from everyday realities, it is readily observable. For instance, in 2024, Brazil experienced severe weather events, including significant floods in Rio Grande do Sul, which received extensive media coverage, while the consequential droughts in the Amazon region were largely ignored. Nunomura attributes this discrepancy to societal segregation and prejudice.

“Their homes were swept away by climate change, by floods,” Nunomura observes. He pointed out that the lack of coverage for the Amazonian droughts reveals a systemic bias – “People from the North are not as well-known, because it is racism. It is pure racism and it is environmental racism.”

The concept of invisibility further exacerbates the dire consequences of climate change for marginalized populations. As Francis Bacon noted, “Knowledge is power.” When journalists fail to report on the struggles of these communities, it perpetuates ignorance and inaction, allowing problems such as floods, droughts, and wildfires to escalate unchecked.

To mitigate these adverse effects, Nunomura emphasizes that climate change must be addressed as a global issue requiring collective action from all countries. He advocates for the promotion of renewable fuels and urges citizens to reconsider their consumption habits. Raising awareness is crucial: “It is important for us to have the pill of awareness – as in Matrix, with blue and red pills.” He encourages support for younger activists like Greta Thunberg and Autumn Peltier, who advocate for change. Finally, addressing structural issues such as racism and segregation forms a necessary step towards offering equitable solutions.

The insights provided illustrate the urgent need for increased awareness and action concerning environmental racism. Efforts must prioritize empowering marginalized communities, ensuring their struggles are visible, and enabling inclusive dialogues on sustainability and climate change.

In summary, environmental racism highlights the disproportionate impact of climate change on marginalized populations, particularly in Brazil. Key issues include inadequate access to resources and services, forced displacements, and media invisibility. Addressing these challenges necessitates a collective global effort, promoting renewable energy, increasing awareness, and confronting structural racism. Through empowering those affected and ensuring their voices are heard, we can work towards a sustainable future that includes all communities.

Original Source: www.hercampus.com