Earth Day is a time when we come together to celebrate our beloved planet, reflect on its beauty and the need to protect it. However, this year, Earth Day has also served as a chilling reminder of America’s failing approach to racial justice. As Jerel Ezell so eloquently puts it, it is a stark reminder of how far we still have to go in achieving true equality and justice for all.
It is no secret that the environmental movement has often been criticized for its lack of diversity and inclusion. This is especially evident in the United States, where communities of color have been disproportionately affected by environmental issues such as pollution, climate change, and lack of access to clean water and air. And yet, they are often left out of the conversation and decision-making processes.
In his powerful piece, Jerel Ezell highlights the intersectionality of environmentalism and racial justice, and how they cannot be separated. He reminds us that the fight for a healthier planet cannot be achieved without addressing systemic racism and inequality.
As we celebrate Earth Day, we must also acknowledge the deep-rooted environmental racism that exists in our country. For far too long, communities of color have been burdened with the consequences of our unsustainable practices, while bearing the brunt of the effects of climate change. From toxic waste sites being disproportionately located in low-income communities of color, to indigenous lands being exploited for resources without their consent, the list goes on.
It is time for us to acknowledge that the environmental movement has often been a privileged one, with the voices and experiences of people of color being silenced or ignored. But we cannot continue to ignore this reality. As Jerel Ezell states, “There is no true environmentalism without racial justice.”
We must also recognize that the impact of environmental degradation is not felt equally. The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed the stark disparities in access to healthcare, clean air, and safe living conditions between communities of color and their white counterparts. This is not a coincidence, but a result of years of systemic racism and neglect.
But there is hope. The Black Lives Matter movement and the youth-led climate strikes have shown us that the voices of marginalized communities can no longer be ignored. They have brought much-needed attention to the intersectionality of social and environmental justice and paved the way for a more inclusive and diverse environmental movement.
This Earth Day, we must use our voices and actions to demand for a more just and equitable world. We must advocate for policies that prioritize the needs and voices of communities of color and indigenous peoples. We must support and uplift the work of environmental justice organizations that are fighting for a healthier planet and a more just society. And we must hold ourselves and our leaders accountable for addressing the intersection of environmentalism and racial justice.
As Jerel Ezell reminds us, “A true revolution in thinking and practice is necessary to fully address the interconnected issues of race, class, and the environment.” It is up to each and every one of us to be a part of this revolution. Let us not shy away from the uncomfortable conversations and actions that are needed to achieve true equality and justice for all.
So, as we celebrate Earth Day, let us also reflect on our responsibility to create a more just and sustainable world for everyone. Let us honor the voices and experiences of marginalized communities, and use our privilege and platform to amplify their voices. And let us remember that the fight for a healthier planet cannot be won without also fighting for racial justice. As Jerel Ezell concludes, “Earth Day is not just about the environment, but it is also a call to action for all of us to work towards a better and more just world.”
