Air Pollution and Environmental justice
Transcript
Poppy:
Hi, welcome to The Poppy Podcast. I’m your host, Poppy. In this episode, I talk to Michael Newman, an environmental scientist who studies the impact of air pollution on people of different races, ethnicities and income levels. We will explore how air pollution disproportionally affects low-income families and people of color.
(dial tone)
Poppy:
Hi, Michael. Thank you for speaking with me on this very important matter. We all know that air pollution can cause severe health issues like asthma, heart disease and lung cancer. Does air pollution affect some people more than others? Who exactly are these people? What does your research tell you?
Michael:
Hi, Poppy. Thanks for having me. Well… air pollution, intensified by climate change, does affect people differently. Many studies show that children, the elderly and people from low-income families are the most affected. Those living close to sources of pollution like fossil fuel power plants are also more vulnerable to air pollution related health problems. And when we look at people’s exposure to air pollution based on who they are — like their race, ethnicity and income level — we find that people of color have a much higher exposure rate than white people.
Poppy:
Why do you think people of color face disproportionate exposure to air pollution?
Michael:
Well, this is a result of systemic racism in this country. Racism, discriminatory housing practices and real estate costs have pushed people of color into areas that are more polluted. Fossil fuel power plants that contribute to fine particle air pollution tend to be located near disadvantaged communities because of low land costs and regulatory loopholes.
Poppy:
This is so unfair! These communities are the least prepared to cope with long-term health problems like asthma and cancer! How can they afford the extra medical bills?
Michael:
You hit the nail on the head. Low-income communities are even more susceptible because they don’t have access to proper medical care, healthy grocery options, and safe working conditions. Many people have to work outdoors in heat or on smog days, which increases their exposure to ozone and particulate matter pollution.
Poppy:
And I guess it is not easy to take sick days, either. You painted a very grim picture. Is there any hope at all for disadvantaged communities? What can we do to address these problems?
Michael:
The short answer is yes. There certainly is hope; 28% of the coal-fired power plants operating right now are scheduled to be retired by 2035. But this isn’t enough. More power plants that run on fossil fuels need to be closed. The conversion to clean energy needs to be accelerated, too. To protect public health, higher standards need to be set for pollutants like nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxides.
Poppy:
A lot needs to be done. I think we should all take an active role in shaping air pollution-related regulations that affect the well-being of our communities.
Michael:
Absolutely.
Poppy:
That’s all we have time for today. Thank you for listening to The Poppy Podcast. I’ll see you next time.