"Wisdom begins in wonder" – Socrates
Tag: Environmental Justice
Soil Contamination
02/07/21
“What happens when the ground soil becomes contaminated?”
Soil is one of the most fundamental parts of our planet. However, human activities such as resource extraction and chemical storage can cause toxins to seep into it. This Soil Contamination is a major problem of modern-day human activity and holds intense environmental justice implications.
Environmental Pollution Burden Review
01/17/21
“How can we review the environmental pollution burden that a new project may bring to an already-polluted community?”
Certain infrastructure projects such as power plants and waste dumps are known to bring pollution along with them. Usually these are placed in communities that have little to no structural power to fight back. As a result, some states and countries are crafting Environmental Pollution Burden Review legislation that will force companies and municipalities to review if a community has been burdened by prior pollution and potentially deny the request to construct it. This will be vital for implementing environmental justice reforms and healing the world.
Why Factories Need Air Conditioning for Humane Working Conditions
09/12/20
“Why do factories need air conditioning for humane work conditions?”
Factories can be hot sweaty places. The output of the machines combined with all of the body heat from the people working inside can really make things uncomfortable. This pressure can take a toll on human health and result in severe complications for workers. To make things workable, air conditioning systems should be installed. This is Why Factories Need Air Conditioning for Humane Working Conditions.
How Pipeline Failures Harm Local Water Supplies
07/16/20
“How do pipeline failures threaten local water supplies?”
Pipelines are used to transport heavy, often-toxic fluids long distances. Although sturdy, these pieces of infrastructure are not invulnerable. In fact, if damaged, these toxic substances can spill out into localized water sources, contaminating them. This was one of the reasons for the blocking of the Keystone pipeline. This is How Pipeline Failures Harm Local Water Supplies.
Waste Treatment Centers and Inequity
05/19/20
“Why are waste treatment centers usually located closer to less-privileged communities?”
Although useful and necessary, waste treatment centers can be a burden on communities. They create volatile outputs, emit noxious smells, and are generally unpleasant. For this reason, communities with social and economic influence push to keep them away, often into areas with less clout. This means that more communities with less privilege have to take the burden of hosting these facilities. Scientific research has confirmed these findings, showing that there is a long history of discrimination in terms of environmental justice. This is why there is a connection between Waste Treatment Centers and Inequity.
The Energy Efficiency Coverage Gap
05/14/20
“Why is it that lower-income households have difficulty in obtaining the energy-efficient devices that they need?”
Energy-efficient appliances can save households a large amount on their utility bills. However, according to research done by the University of Michigan, the upfront investment required can be out of reach for lower-income households who would benefit the most from it. This Energy Efficiency Coverage Gap is an active problem that needs to be solved by society.
Why Climate Resilience and Adaptation Need to Recognize and Correct Past Injustices
03/10/20
“Why does anyone working in resilience and adaptation need to help recognize and correct past injustices?”
Great injustices of the past (and present) have thrust marginalized communities into shakier economic and environmental foundations. And with the advent of climate change, these inequities will only be amplified, whether it be through forced migrations of climate gentrification or inequal access to cooling. Because of this, resilience and adaptation professionals will need to understand what injustices have been caused and work to correct them. Only through this can we understand the problems that face communities and make a truly resilient and sustainable future.
Isaac's science blog 