Environmental Justice and Climate Change

The environmental justice movement in the U.S. began in the southeastern states, evolving from the civil rights movement. A notable event was the 1982 protest in Warren County, NC, against a toxic landfill in a predominantly African-American area. Historically, segregation and redlining restricted people of color to certain neighborhoods, limiting their access to environmental services. Today, communities of color face new inequities, with infrastructure causing pollution often built in their areas, while lacking access to public amenities. Climate change will worsen these disparities, affecting low-income and minority communities disproportionately. Leaders are urged to pursue equal protection and participation in environmental decisions.

Where did the environmental justice movement in the United States primarily begin?

• Western states

• Midwestern states

• Southeastern states

• Northeastern states

What was the main concern of Warren County residents regarding the PCB landfill?

• Noise pollution

• Water safety

• Traffic congestion

• Air pollution

What was the practice called that restricted people of color to certain neighborhoods?

• Bluelining

• Greenlining

• Redlining

• Whitelining

Which of the following was NOT a consequence of redlining?

• Reduced political power

• Restricted living areas for people of color

• Limited access to environmental services

• Increased property values

What type of infrastructure is more likely to be built in communities of color?

• Parks

• Community centers

• Greenways

• Highways

Which public amenities are communities of color less likely to have access to?

• Museums

• Sports stadiums

• Greenways and parks

• Shopping malls

How will climate change affect environmental justice issues?

• It will reduce disparities

• It will solve all issues

• It will increase disparities

• It will have no effect

Which communities are expected to bear a disproportionate share of climate change costs?

• Rural communities

• High-income communities

• Low-income and minority communities

• Urban communities

What should leaders strive for according to the EPA's goal?

• Equal economic opportunities

• Equal protection from environmental hazards

• Equal access to education

• Equal employment opportunities

What is a potential health impact of climate change mentioned in the transcript?

• Decreased air quality

• Heat-related illness

• Increased allergies

• Increased water pollution