On the Fence: Environmental Racism and Sacrifice Zones in Chicago

Environmental racism is systematic failure and a severely underestimated health crisis. In this capstone, through literature review and interviews with experts in the field, I uncover how the health impacts of environmental pollution are disproportionately targeted to Hispanic and Black neighborhoods in Chicago. Specifically, I investigate how discriminatory government housing practices and an industrial economy have led to segregation and targeted manufacturing facilities siting in predominantly minority communities. Despite clear evidence of the link between pollution and adverse health, corporations and governments continue to prioritize profits over the health of their communities, leading to a lack of informed consent and regulation. Additionally, I evaluate the social determinants that exacerbate the health consequences of pollution, including delayed diagnosis and distrust in the healthcare system. Finally, I highlight grassroots organizing pressuring the Chicago city government to prioritize the health of communities disproportionately burdened. Overall, my findings show the pervasive and insidious problem of environmental racism and the need for united community activism.