Environmental Racism In New Orleans

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One of the most devastating natural disasters to this date is undoubtedly Hurricane Katrina. Destroying the populated city of New Orleans, the city was left in a state of chaos, where thousands lost their homes, jobs, and loved ones. In addition, this demoralizing event that took place not only caused physical desolation, but emotional anguish as well. When the city tried effortlessly to recuperate, the standard of environmental racism had ascended. Environmental racism is a form of discrimination against minority groups and people from poor countries who are subjected to disproportionate share of environmental hazards and polluting industries (Ravelli & Webber, 2013). Comparing this to the situation in New Orleans, citizens were threatened by discrimination and the dangers of residing in areas that are threatened by natural disasters. Consequent to Bullard’s notion of environmental justice partakes in the way New Orleans decided to restructure itself. As stated, “the guarantee of the right to environmental protection, preventing harm before it occurs, shifting the burden of proof to polluters as well as redressing existing inequities” (Ravelli & Webber, 2013). With this, New Orleans could have executed this theory to counteract catastrophe before it even occurred. Due …show more content…

Stated in History, “a significant factor in creation of effective environmental segregation is the fact that low-income communities lack the organization and political power to resist introduction of dangerous technologies, as well as greater mobility of richer citizens away from areas falling into industrial and environmental decline” (History, 2005). With adequate environmental safety, the reduction of discrimination towards minorities will emerge society closer towards environmental legislation and sheltered

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