Matthew Yager says that while it is possible to combat environmental issues if proper funding is available, low-income communities often go unaided, leading to health disparities and poor quality of life.
Yager, a sophomore environmental studies major said that while we know there are ways to fight environmental issues, we have done it in rich neighborhoods. Why shouldn’t we do them in the poorer areas?
Students in R. Ward Allebach’s geology course, Sustainability, are asked to create a semester-long project that focuses on sustainability or environmental issues on campus. Martina Frederick, a sophomore environmental studies major in environmental studies, said that her group, The Ecojustice Allies dedicated the semester to addressing environmental racism on campus and in Pittsburgh.
Frederick stated that environmental racism, or environmental injustice, is any environmental discrimination that occurs in a minority group, even if it’s not intentional, but which could have been prevented. Flint Michigan’s water crisis, which is a great example, is another example of lead in soil around low-income housing.
According to the Natural Resources Defense Council, the Flint Michigan water crisis began in 2014 when the city switched its drinking water supply from Detroit’s system to the Flint River to cut costs. Residents suffered from discolored, foul-smelling water for years and health problems. Government officials ignored complaints.
Frederick stated that the group was formed in Instagram pageThey see this page as their first step towards raising awareness about environmental racism. This page is where they publish weekly infographics that address environmental injustices in Pittsburgh. Clairton Coke Works factoryThe Homewood-Brushton region.
Frederick said that the long-term goal of The Ecojustice Allies is to create an environment justice collective on campus. She stated that the group is currently conducting research on how other universities structure their collectives and that they are now partnering with the Student Office of SustainabilityThis is their mentorship throughout the process.
Fredrick said that we are currently working to create a collective that meets bimonthly and talks with other environmental groups like Epsilon Eta, Free the Planet and others on campus. They would have a representative who would meet with them and discuss ways to address environmental injustice.
Lauren Posey, a sophomore environmental studies student, said that demonstrations in person are an important part of their project. The Ecojustice Allies will be present at the William Pitt Union Plaza Friday to raise awareness about the problems surrounding Clairton Coke Works. They will also discuss the general theme of large industrial polluters throughout the city.
Posey stated that we will have a model factory that emits fake smoke and a sign that warns against drinking coke, as it is a coke plant. Steel is made from coke. These eye-catching items will hopefully draw college students in, so we can have a conversation with them.
Clairton Coke Works has the LargestThe United States has a coke-making plant. The ProcedureCoke, a form of pure carbon, is made from hazardous air pollutants. Allegheny County residents are up to 20 times more susceptible to developing cancer than those living in rural areas. These pollutants increase the risk for lung disease, heart disease, and asthma.
Posey stated that their group plans to host another demonstration, which will be focused on water quality. They will host a leadmonade booth at an undetermined time, where they will not only have lemonade but also offer lead-contaminated water.
According to the Environmental Health News, a 2019 AnalysisReleased by the non-profit advocacy organization Women for a Health EnvironmentThe report found that over 80% of Allegheny County’s drinking water has detectable levels. The report also mentions research that has shown lead exposure is more severe in communities of color than in low-income communities.
Posey claims that Pittsburgh is more susceptible to environmental issues than other cities. RankingOne of the top cities in the country for poor air quality and deaths from air pollution. She stated: The Allegheny County Toxic Ten10 industrial facilities are currently in operation. 83% Pittsburgh’s air pollution.
Posey stated that they want to make campus environments more inclusive and that everyone has the right to speak up. Posey stated that there are many environmental advocacy groups on campus and that no prior knowledge or experience is necessary to get involved.
We [Pitt] Although they aren’t as affected as those in areas closer to the industrial facilities, it still impacts us and impacts student health, Posey stated. It is not good for students or the community, as they are still young and developing.