Pandemic shutdowns give window into environmental racism in California’s air pollution policy. (2022, April 7). Yale School of the Environment. Retrieved July 16, 2022, from https://environment.yale.edu/news/article/pandemic-shutdowns-give-window-environmental-racism-californias-air-pollution-policy

This article explains findings from a study about how the greatest reductions in pollution during the pandemic in California came from less transportation as people were less likely to travel or leave their homes. Based on data on where pollution declined the most, researchers found that communities most affected by pollution from transportation, such as those near highways, were disproportionately communities of color, particularly Asian and Hispanic communities. Low-income communities were also more likely to be in highly polluted areas, but race proved to have a greater correlation. 

Despite California having some of the strictest air pollution policies in the country, these lasting inequalities point to environmental injustice in California’s policy. While the reduction in transportation and subsequently air pollution in these communities may be good for health in the short-term, this is not a long-lasting change, and disproportionate air pollution in minority neighborhoods is only continuing. From an environmental justice perspective, California needs a more equitable way of addressing air pollution so that regulations can protect these communities too. This article makes me wonder how we can change pollution regulations or infrastructure planning so certain groups are not disproportionately breathing polluted air and suffering from the health issues that causes. This is an important consideration for the field of environmental science; human development has led to pollution that devastates not only the natural world, but communities of people as well. As we consider scientific ways to improve our technology or reduce our environmental impact, it’s critical to consider how to amend the harms done to minority communities too.