Natural disasters are not truly “natural”- they’re human-driven.
Droughts, floods and hurricanes are exacerbated by climate change and disproportionately impact vulnerable communities- those with fewer resources to adapt and recover.
A natural catastrophe may be the most visible and tragic example of environmental risk being socially produced- but it is far from the only one. Just-as-deadly chemicals accumulate in the air we breathe, the water we drink and the soil that feeds us. What’s worse, not all communities experience the same level of exposure- some are hit much harder.
Ethnic minorities, people of colour and low-income communities are at greater risk from the pollution created by industrial and commercial activities. Subtle forms of environmental harm might not make the headlines, but their impact is widespread and equally damaging as they severely affect health and reinforce the injustices of socioeconomic disparities.
Environmental inequality isn’t just about natural disasters- it’s a systemic issue that affects millions of people every day, often taking the form of environmental racism.
Black communities have long been targeted as sites for toxic facilities and waste disposal- a pattern rooted in old discriminatory land-use policies that made it easier for companies to acquire land in Black neighbourhoods. These industrial plants release harmful pollutants like nitrogen oxides (NOx), carbon monoxide (CO), and sulfur dioxide (SO2). Today, people of colour are exposed to 38% higher levels of nitrogen dioxide, resulting in a greater incidence of cardiovascular and respiratory illnesses.
Firms hold significant power in shaping environmental outcomes, especially when it comes to formulating sustainability strategies. Yet, as sociologist Ulrich Beck puts it, they tend to be 'blind and deaf to [the] consequences’ of their practices, particularly when it comes to the environmental and social risks they create. Additionally, vulnerable communities are often the ones whose voices go unheard in the decision-making process, making them the most impacted by measures that neglect their interests.
Environmental and social issues are often treated as separate concerns. In reality, they are indivisible. It is crucial to integrate both aspects, as disregarding their interdependence results in fragmented environmental solutions and the perpetuation of social injustice.
The right questions must be asked to guide sustainability strategies towards addressing the environmental challenges faced by marginalized communities, for example: What are the implications of our actions on environmental injustice? Which communities are most affected by the carbon emissions of our industrial plants?
In a world where consumers are increasingly aware of the social and environmental impact of their choices, advocating for socially just sustainability strategies is beneficial not only for the community, but for the company too.
Embrace environmental justice, or risk being left behind by those who recognize its power to drive remarkable change.
Email us to help you with your ESG Journey: hello@communique.global