In light of Trump's decision to pull the United States out of the Paris Agreement, a plan that would have worked to reduce our contributions to climate change, it is important to discuss who this effects. Of course eventually, everyone will be affected by climate change but there are particular populations that are consistently neglected and abused when it comes to environmental issues. Recently, I came across someone claiming that climate change was not a top priority because they believed we should be focusing on the violence towards marginalized groups. Many don't seem to realize that climate change and how it is handled can be a form of violence against poor, minority communities. This is called environmental racism — and it's nothing new.

Racism is an institutionalized prejudice that allows for the discrimination against and exploitation of people of color. Environmental racism can be defined as "placement of low-income or minority communities in proximity of environmentally hazardous or degraded environments, such as toxic waste, pollution and urban decay. While there are competing views as to an exact definition, the interplay between environmental issues and social indicators are key to its understanding." Not only is the placement of these communities in unsafe areas, but unsafe conditions being placed upon preexisting communities. It can also refer to how relief efforts are dealt out after natural disasters, or even what preventative measures are taken to protect an area's inhabitants. This can be chalked up to a combination of "discriminatory decision-making" and a lack of political knowledge and/or power to push back against these issues. The first reports of something like this occurring come from back in 1971, after being requested by protesters who were aware of what was happening.

Climate change is a social justice issue. Minorities and those living in poverty (especially those who fall into both categories) experience a disproportionate amount of environment-related problems and health issues. Research done by Dr. Robert Bullard found that throughout the United States, there were more environmental hazards (i.e. dumps and factories) where low-income and middle class Black communities lived. Areas where the population lacks the resources and/or experience to protect themselves from certain decisions and policies are placed in harm's way by groups who do not have to live in more polluted conditions with less access to clean air, water, or natural resources. It's important to note that while I am focusing on environmental racism within the United States, this country inflicts these problems onto impoverished areas internationally as well. Chances are, the technology you think is recyclable is getting dumped into what used to be a river in an African village. Though the landfill or factory may not be in your backyard, doesn't mean it isn't polluting and poisoning someone else's home.

Flint is a blatant example of environmental racism. This city, largely populated by African-Americans and people living below the poverty line, has been living without clean water for approximately three years. Yes, three years with lead-polluted water. This occurred when politicians decided to cut costs by switching from Detroit water to Flint River water in 2014, while a new pipeline from another lake was being constructed. This type of water was more polluted and corrosive (and untreated), allowing lead in the city's pipes to erode and contaminate the water supply. Lead is a neurotoxin. From the beginning, public officials were knowledgeable about the problems with the water — issuing various "boil water advisories" beginning in 2014. It has taken years for the government to take action, after spending far too much time trying to hide the problem. The government quite literally has been poisoning the people of Flint, Michigan. Recently, a public official was quoted saying the city's inhabitants — namely its Black population — were to blame for the water crisis. This was only further proof that these actions have been racially motivated. The current plan to fix the tragedy that has been unfolding in Flint will not be complete until 2020.

Another on-going example is what continues to occur in Standing Rock. Almost everyone has heard of the Dakota Access Pipeline and the protests that persist even as the pipeline becomes operational. What is happening to the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe is not an isolated situation. Communities throughout the country — the world, really —are fighting the construction of pipelines that are blatant dangers to their homes. Pipeline leaks are generally not a matter of "if," but "when." They decimate land and destroy water supplies, often at the expense of minority communities. The Dakota Access Pipeline is passing under the main water source for this Native American tribe, hence the use of "water protectors" and the "Water is Life" slogan. The fight against this pipeline's construction is based off of legitimate fears for the tribe's safety, but continues to fall on deaf ears. Not only is this disrespectful to the Native American people, but an obvious situation of prejudice. You see, there was another community the pipeline almost passed through. It was a predominately white town, and they fought against the DAPL construction. So, it was rerouted to pass through the Sioux Tribe's land. This is not the only instance of environmental hazards being moved from affluent and white neighborhoods/towns to ones that are predominately poor and/or people of color. There are already reports of oil leaks occurring from the DAPL.

There are plenty of cases just like Flint and Standing Rock to look into. American citizens are poisoned with lead or oil-contaminated water, left to deal with earthquakes caused by oil fracking, forced to migrate when their land is destroyed by the fossil fuel industry, unwillingly inhaling toxic fumes, and so on. Internationally, people are experiencing water and air pollution, famines, mass migrations, etc. A simple Google search or glance on a Wikipedia page can provide a list of places that have suffered at the hands of environmental injustice. The issues that contribute to climate change and the things that are the result of climate change, often hit vulnerable communities first — and few take notice. And, climate change contributes to other social issues around the world.

It is important that we understand the effects of climate change on these communities and motivations behind why they are the ones who consistently feel it first and see the worst of it. Some would like to believe that living in an unhealthy and unsafe environment just a part of being poor and a minority. However, there is something far more intentional about what is being done to these communities. Otherwise, why would middle-class communities of color be subjected to the same environmental injustices as those living in poverty? And, why would all of these communities struggle to win the same cases that affluent, White ones won easily? Just because you may not see the obvious effects of climate change where you live, doesn't mean they aren't being harshly inflicted upon those with less social influence or power. With the decision to exit the Paris Agreement, it is fair to assume these practices will not only continue but possibly worsen. The U.S. government has made a statement that we (as a whole nation) are unwilling to help create a healthier environment. As a result, the same populations will continue to suffer in this country without local governments and organizing working on the issues themselves.