‘Sacrifice Zones’: The New ‘Jim Crow’ That’s Sickening and Killing People of Color
"Sacrifice zones" are communities of color located near pollution hotspots. These areas have been permanently affected by concentrated industrial activities such as factories, power plants, and chemical plants. Sacrifice zones are a result of systemic racism and environmental injustice, where vulnerable communities bear the burden of environmental hazards due to factors like weak regulations, corporate negligence, and limited access to healthcare.
Living in sacrifice zones exposes people of color to polluted air, contaminated water, and toxic chemicals. More than 50 percent of residents near hazardous waste sites belong to minority groups, and people of color have a higher likelihood of dying from environmental causes compared to white individuals. The proximity of coal-fired power plants to these communities is also alarming, with African American, Latino, Indigenous, and poor communities being more likely to live near these facilities.
Sacrifice zones are a consequence of inequitable land-use decisions that prioritize attracting big industries over community well-being. The coexistence of heavy industries and residential areas without sufficient buffer zones leads to elevated rates of respiratory diseases, cancer, reproductive disorders, and other health issues among residents. These communities are disproportionately affected due to redlining, low property values, and cumulative exposure to multiple pollutants released by nearby facilities.
President Joe Biden has prioritized environmental justice in his administration and issued executive orders to address systemic racism and promote equity. The infrastructure plan includes provisions to address racial inequities and invest in disadvantaged communities. Biden’s Justice40 Initiative aims to consider the impact on historically disadvantaged communities in renewable and fossil fuel projects funded by the Department of Energy.
However, critics argue that federal regulators need to do more to protect impacted communities and avoid approving projects that worsen pollution in minority neighborhoods. Calls for legislation to protect communities of color from environmental degradation have been made, emphasizing the need for strong laws at the local, state, and federal levels.
Environmental racism and sacrifice zones contribute to racial inequalities and health disparities. Studies have shown that people of color are more likely to live near polluters, leading to negative health impacts such as respiratory issues and premature death. Eliminating sacrifice zones requires sustained efforts through legislation and systemic changes to address environmental injustice and promote equitable access to clean and healthy environments for all communities.
🔭 This summary was human-edited with AI-assist.
