Hazardous Footprint: Toxic Risks in Richmond, California
Luna Angulo has witnessed the impact of industrial hazards firsthand in Richmond, California. As a child, she experienced the aftermath of a massive explosion at the Chevron refinery. The 2012 incident filled the sky with thick black smoke, forcing thousands of residents to seek medical help for ailments like headaches and asthma. It was a turning point, inspiring Luna and her peers to take up the mantle of climate activism.
Angulo grew up with asthma but didn’t connect her breathing issues to the pollution in her city until that day. Now 25, she sees oil tanks and old refineries as symbols of harm in her community, predominantly made up of Black and Latino residents.
According to a recent study from Climate Central, University of California, and China’s Nanjing University, rising sea levels could worsen flood risks for hazardous sites in places like Richmond. The researchers found that low-income neighborhoods bear the brunt of these dangers, with many at risk of flooding by 2050 due to climate change.
Rachel Morello-Frosch, an environmental health expert, notes that flooding from higher seas poses both immediate and long-term health risks. Toxic floodwaters can carry harmful substances like petroleum and sewage, adding to the existing health challenges faced by Richmond residents.
The study identified nearly 5,500 U.S. facilities likely to flood by 2100 if current emission trends continue, including many in key states like Louisiana and Florida. In Richmond, hazardous sites include chemical plants and a sewage treatment facility, all within a flood-prone zone.
The dangers are compounded by historical inequalities. Communities of color often find themselves living near industrial sites due to decades of discriminatory policies. Angulo points out that neighborhoods like North Richmond were historically the only places where Black and brown people could buy homes, creating a legacy of neglect and exposure to environmental hazards.
Local leaders like Doria Robinson are fighting back. She runs Urban Tilth, a community project in North Richmond aimed at promoting sustainability and health. Following advocacy efforts, Robinson helped secure a $19 million grant intended for disaster preparedness in her community, although funding has faced political hurdles.
The consequences of neglect are clear. Richmond residents experience asthma rates double the state average. With pollution from industry constantly looming, more toxic threats from flooding appear to be an alarming reality for those who have already suffered from environmental injustice.
As sea levels rise and more weather extremes hit, the urgency to act becomes even more pressing. Morello-Frosch believes data from recent studies should bring focus and resources to at-risk communities, enabling better planning and resilience against the compounding impacts of climate change.
In the community, awareness is key. Angulo hopes that by sharing her story and highlighting the inherent risks, more residents will recognize the potential health dangers lurking beneath the surface.
Ultimately, as climate change continues to shape the future, cities like Richmond are left grappling with a complex web of old hazards and new emergencies. The time to act is now—not just for climate justice, but for the wellness of entire communities.
For more information, check out the research published in the journal Nature Communications.
Source link
Chevron,flooding,groundwater,hazardous sites,health disparities,Richmond refinery,sea-level rise,volatile organic compounds
