Hello everyone, we are back at it and halfway through the summer!! This week our main focus was exploring Environmental Justice through the Charlestown Navy Yard, and a boat tour led by the one and only David Coffin. Environmental Justice, to me, is the inclusion of all people regardless of race/origin and socioeconomic status, in regards to environmental laws around a neighborhood or town. This was especially interesting to look at from Charlestown, with the population of 17,000, 75.3% being white.
Exploring the Navy Yard!
Throughout the Navy Yard (with a smaller population of about 3,000), it was evident that a lot has been done to the neighborhood. Places like fancy hotels and townhouses have been added as the years go on, and as more minority groups move into Charlestown. This makes it harder for these minority groups to find affordable housing. These public health insecurities arose in the 1960s, and for this reason, Environmental Justice came about by a group, primarily of color, who wanted to find a way to solve the inequalities and injustices around their neighborhoods.
Furthermore, food inequality is a prominent issue around most neighborhoods. Food desserts flood these areas and cause residents to shop at convenience stores such as 7/11, and eat solely from fast food restaurants. Environmental Justice is the right to equal resources and involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies. Boston, as one of the most segregated cities, has to do a better job at eliminating these hardships for all communities, and hopefully will see a better quality of life in people from all backgrounds.
Sea you next time,
Aleena Mangham
Sources: https://www.epa.gov/environmentaljustice
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| Fishing on The Belle |
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