Exploring the Lasting Impact of Environmental Injustice on Climate Change in the Caribbean

Academic experts gathered on June 4 at the Brooklyn Public Library’s Center for Brooklyn History to discuss environmental justice. They talked about the effects of slavery, segregation, and colonialism on who lives near toxic areas like landfills and highways.

Vann R. Newkirk II, a senior editor at The Atlantic and host of the podcast Floodlines, led the discussion. The panel included Dr. Robert Bullard, often called the father of environmental justice, along with Jacqueline Patterson, who once directed the NAACP’s Environmental and Climate Justice Program, and climate journalist Kendra Pierre-Louis.

Bullard began by emphasizing the fight against environmental harm, mentioning that the movement strives for healthier communities. He noted, “It’s not just about survival; it’s about progress.” His optimism springs from the involvement of multiple generations in this cause.

Pierre-Louis shared her personal experience during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic in New York City. She noticed how racial disparities affected health outcomes. While many believed that the high death rates among Black and brown individuals were due to a personal defect, she highlighted that these issues stemmed from systemic racism. “People confuse wellness culture with a personal responsibility issue, overlooking the social and policy problems,” she said.

Patterson illustrated how global efforts connect with local issues. She recalled receiving messages from groups around the world, including one in Barbados seeking help against Shell Oil’s environmental impact. “There are gender justice groups in places like the Niger Delta, fighting against the same corporate giants,” she said.

The conversation highlighted the need for collective action. “We must work together to overcome challenges like those posed by COVID-19 and defend our environments,” Patterson added.

According to a report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, communities of color are still disproportionately affected by pollution and health issues. This stark reality calls for urgent changes in policies and practices.

For ongoing updates on environmental justice dialogues, check out the Center for Brooklyn History’s website and sign up for their newsletter.

Issues of environmental justice are not confined to the past; they are pressing today. With a united front, progress can be made to ensure that everyone has the right to a healthy environment.

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