Fighting Climate Change Isn’t Just an Environmental Issue — it’s a Social Justice Issue Too
10 June 2020
Insights + Opinion
A coalition of NYC Black Lives Matter activists and environmental justice groups march on the 51st anniversary of the assassination of Malcolm X to demand justice for the people of Flint, Michigan in NYC on Feb. 21, 2016. Erik McGregor / Pacific Press / LightRocket / Getty Images
By Emily Dao
We constantly hear the narrative that climate change impacts us all. And while that's true, the issue is disproportionately impacting people of color, especially Black, Latino, and Native Americans. And when it comes to environmental justice, we just aren't talking about social equity enough.
<p>A decade ago, <em>Grist</em> reporter Alan Durning wrote on the topic of climate change and race, "It's 2010. Some things have changed; others have not. Racial discrimination has diminished but persists, often in hidden and even subconscious ways."</p><p>Even now, seemingly hidden barriers continue to burden marginalized communities with the effects of climate change.</p><p>So, even well-intentioned plans to adopt new eco-friendly practices could severely hurt vulnerable groups. The plea for environmental justice deals with ensuring basic human rights. This includes access to clean water, clean air, power, and shelter.</p>
Flint Serves as One of the Most Popular Instances of Denied Environmental Justice.
<p>Perhaps your first time being exposed to environmental racism was when you learned about Flint, Michigan. In fact, University of Michigan researcher Paul Mohai called it "the most egregious example of environmental injustice in recent U.S. history."</p><p>When residents complained about contaminated water supply, state officials quickly and publicly dismissed citizens' claims. Residents almost immediately noticed a change in their water supply back in April 2014. Flint is a city of nearly 100,000 people. But, the state waited over a year to address the issue, finally doing so in October 2015…a full eighteen months.</p><p>Let's look at some numbers. Black Americans made up <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2016/01/22/us/a-question-of-environmental-racism-in-flint.html" target="_blank">only 14% of Michigan</a>. However, the most heavily polluted zip code in Michigan is 84% Black. For Flint and their Republican-controlled state government, <em>NYT </em>report John Eligon said it meant the city had "little political power."</p><p>A state report by the Michigan Civil Rights Commission verified that racism was a contributing factor in the water crisis. Government inaction led to a major Legionnaire's outbreak from the poisoned water. This disease is a severe form of bacterial pneumonia. Michigan reported at least 90 citizens were sickened and 12 died. However, a PBS FRONTLINE investigation found that <a href="https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/interactive/how-we-found-dozens-of-uncounted-deaths-during-flint-water-crisis/" target="_blank">115 people actually died</a> in Flint.</p><p>In January, over 30,000 Flint residents have filed lawsuits against city and state regulators for reparations. But, <a href="http://unclear%20if%20anyone%20will%20ever%20face%20trial%20for%20the%20flint%20water%20crisis./" target="_blank">NPR says</a> it's "unclear" if anyone will ever face trial for this injustice.</p><p>"The people in Flint, in terms of justice, holding people accountable and compensation…we are batting zero," Flint resident Claire McClinton told NPR.</p><p>So, it's no surprise that people often refer to Flint when it comes to environmental racism.</p>Lacking Social Equity: Underserved Communities Experience More Exposure to Dangerous Air.
<p>Overwhelmingly, <a href="https://therising.co/2020/05/28/environmental-racism-covid-19/" target="_blank">Latino and Black Americans</a> live closer to toxic waste facilities, coal plants, or other areas not compliant with federal air pollution regulations. These instances, in turn, are associated with significant respiratory problems among these marginalized groups.</p><p>An analysis in California from the <a href="https://www.ucsusa.org/resources/inequitable-exposure-air-pollution-vehicles-california-2019" target="_blank">Union of Concerned Scientists</a> affirmed this idea. In the study, they found that U.S., Black, Latino, Asian, and low-income communities suffered the most from poor air quality — and impacted Black Americans the most.</p><p>They experience 43% more exposure to PM2.5 pollution than White Californians. (Fine particulates from PM2.5 pollution are smaller in width than human air and form from diesel exhaust, smokestacks, construction projects, etc. Exposure to PM2.5 pollution is actually the <a href="https://undark.org/breathtaking/" target="_blank">6th leading cause of death</a> in the world.) And you'd think that more would be done to fix this as a respiratory virus, COVID-19 ravaged the world. Instead, the EPA <a href="https://therising.co/2020/05/15/nine-states-suing-the-epa-covid-19/" target="_blank">stopped enforcing air pollution rules</a> during the virus. This, among other reasons, explains why people of color are at <a href="https://therising.co/2020/05/28/environmental-racism-covid-19/" target="_blank">higher risk</a> of contracting COVID-19.</p><p>Tragically, those hit hardest by pollution contribute the least. The same study found that California households without a personal vehicle were actually exposed to higher levels of air pollution. This is because these households are usually in urban areas, which are typically surrounded by heavy traffic.</p><p>Those living in low-income households already are at <a href="https://www.healthypeople.gov/2020/topics-objectives/topic/social-determinants-health/interventions-resources/poverty#:~:text=Residents%20of%20impoverished%20neighborhoods%20or,mortality%2C%20and%20lower%20life%20expectancy.&text=Some%20population%20groups%20living%20in,adverse%20health%20outcomes%20than%20others." target="_blank">increased risk</a> of a lower life expectancy. They're also more likely to contract chronic conditions like heart disease and diabetes. So, for poor communities, living near polluting facilities only makes them more vulnerable to dangerous health effects.</p>Low-Income Households, People of Color Are Left in the Dark.
<p>The transition to renewable energy revealed a lack of equity for the poor and people of color. (Minority groups often overrepresent impoverished neighborhoods. A study by the U.S. <a href="https://aspe.hhs.gov/report/overview-community-characteristics-areas-concentrated-poverty/racial-and-ethnic-minorities-are-overrepresented-concentrated-poverty-population-and-concentrated-poor-communities-metropolitan" target="_blank">Department of Health and Human Services</a> found that 40% of Americans living in poverty are black. Take in mind, Black Americans make up less than 20% of the U.S. population).</p><p><a href="https://therising.co/2020/04/15/energy-infrastructure-is-hurting-underserved-communities-most/" target="_blank">840 million people in the world</a> still suffering from energy poverty. Overwhelmingly in the U.S., those struggling to pay for rising energy costs tend to be low-income Black and Latino Americans.</p><p>Given that many underserved communities don't even have reliable power, it makes sense that they're also less likely to have access to clean or energy-efficient technologies.</p>Time and Time Again, Research Reveals Inequity in Clean Energy.
<p>University of Michigan Professor, <a href="https://e360.yale.edu/features/why-low-income-households-need-to-be-part-of-the-clean-energy-revolution" target="_blank">Tony Reames</a> found financial inequity in clean energy. His study revealed that upgrading to energy-efficient lightbulbs cost twice the amount in low-income neighborhoods compared to more affluent areas. And, for every dollar, Michigan spent on energy efficiency programs for low-income customers? The state spent $4.34 on high-income customers.</p><p><span></span>Additionally, in New Orleans,<em> Grist</em> reported that 20% of residents' income <a href="https://therising.co/2020/04/15/energy-infrastructure-is-hurting-underserved-communities-most/" target="_blank">went to their energy bills</a>. It's no wonder that the city, which has one of the nation's highest poverty rates, is also one of the least energy-efficient in the U.S.</p><p>And unfortunately, extreme rising temperatures due to climate change will only continue threatening power grids. This will result in heightened cases of blackouts. California's series of wildfires last year also hurt low-income households the most.</p><p>Last year, the <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/california-wildfires/article/Power-outages-hit-some-of-state-s-poorest-14804853.php" target="_blank">California Department of Social Services</a> reported that almost 51,000 households relying on food assistance lived in areas heavily impacted by planned outages to mitigate wildfires. For some, blackouts can definitely be an inconvenience. But, they can be devastating — and even deadly — to the poor and elderly.</p>Natural Disasters Disproportionately Impact Poorer Communities.
<p>Natural disasters caused <a href="https://therising.co/2020/01/07/natural-disasters-damages-2019/" target="_blank">over $80 billion in damages</a> in 2019. While disasters don't discriminate which areas they affect, recovery is much harder for the poor.</p><p>In times of despair, people tend to rally together. However, there's not an even dispersion of aid and attention. <em><a href="https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2019/01/why-natural-disasters-are-worse-poor/580846/" target="_blank">The Atlantic</a></em> pointed out that private and public aid often "accrue to the haves more so than the have nots."</p><p>Brad Kieserman, VP of Disaster Logistics and Operations at the American Red Cross, discussed this after the Camp Fire wildfire.</p><p>"Disasters, for most communities, exacerbate already existing issues, which is why we often see in shelters what we sometimes refer to as the least, the last, and the lost'," he told the Atlantic. "The people who had the least, who were the last to get services, who were already at the end, who were lost beforehand, especially financially."</p>Environmental Justice a Big Challenge for the Native American Community.
<p>According to <em><a href="https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/natural-disasters-by-location-rich-leave-and-poor-get-poorer/" target="_blank">The Conversation</a></em>, 90 years of data show poverty rates climbing by 1% after natural disasters, impacting the poor most. For them, resiliency after devastations might not be possible.</p><p>"Our research suggests that the rich may have the resources to move away from areas facing natural disasters, leaving behind a population that is disproportionately poor," it wrote.</p><p>Then, when applying for recovery aid, <a href="https://publicintegrity.org/environment/one-disaster-away/when-disaster-strikes-indigenous-communities-receive-unequal-recovery-aid/" target="_blank">Native Americans struggle most</a>. Extreme heat and droughts harm plants and wildlife. They also create higher risks of wildfires and habitat loss. Since Native Americans depend heavily on natural resources, plants, and animals, it makes them <a href="https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/2012/06/native-americans-and-a-changing-climate/" target="_blank">vulnerable to climate change</a>.</p><p>Yet, the National Congress of American Indians revealed that tribal citizens only received $3 on average for recovery efforts. Conversely, U.S. citizens received $26. Nelson Andrews Jr., Emergency Management Director for Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe discussed this with High Country News.</p><p>"It's basically like you're [Congress] setting us up to fail," he said.</p>The Importance of Your Vote in Achieving Environmental Justice.
<p>After the <a href="https://therising.co/2019/08/25/bernie-sanders-green-new-deal-is-the-most-ambitious-climate-change-stance-of-the-2020-race/" target="_blank">Green New Deal</a> was introduced back in 2019, AOC's sweeping proposal helped put climate policy on the map. One reason this outline got so much traction was that it heavily confronted social issues. This emphasis on social justice proved its important role in the climate narrative.</p><p>Although the Green New Deal did receive significant backlash over its feasibility, it did reinforce the idea that social justice and climate cannot exist as separate battles. In order for us to make significant progress in the fight against climate change, <a href="https://therising.co/2020/05/17/earthx-sustainability-event-trammell-crow/" target="_blank">everyone must reap the benefits</a> of a cleaner world.</p><p>The environment is the <a href="https://therising.co/2020/02/27/swing-voters-environment-presidential-election/" target="_blank">third most important issue</a> in swing states. However, just focusing on the environment is not enough. When creating these solutions, poor, vulnerable communities must also be taken into consideration. We must demand environmental justice to enact real change. </p><p>Now more than ever is the time to use your voice, get loud, and stand up for what you believe is right. Now is the time to vote for our future.</p>From Your Site Articles
- Environmental Racism in Action ›
- Environmental Negligence vs. Civil Rights: Black and Hispanic ... ›
- Lead Poisoning Reveals Environmental Racism in the US - EcoWatch ›
- Latino Voters Worried About Climate Change Could Swing 2020 Election ›
- Racism Is Adding to the Burden of Energy Bills, Report Finds - EcoWatch ›
- What Does Equitable Climate Policy Actually Look Like? - EcoWatch ›
- Federal Wildfire Responses Subject to Racism, Economic Disparities, Study Finds - EcoWatch ›
- Colorado Mural Project Hopes to Shift Climate Beliefs ›
- Assessing Social Equity in Disasters - EcoWatch ›
- 'Plastic Pollution Is a Social Justice Issue,’ New Report Warns ›
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Delta-8 THC is a cannabis product that has become a bestseller over the past few months, as many consumers find they can legally purchase it from CBD retailers. Its proponents say that Delta-8 THC will give you a nice little buzz, minus some of the more intense feelings (including paranoia) that are sometimes associated with marijuana.
Delta-8 THC is being marketed as a legal option for consumers who either don't live in a state with legal cannabis, or are a little apprehensive about how traditional psychoactive THC products will affect them. But is it all it's cracked up to be? Let's take a closer look, exploring what Delta-8 THC is, how it differs from other THC products, and whether it's actually legal for use.
<h2>What is Delta-8 THC?</h2><p>To better understand <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2021/02/27/health/marijuana-hemp-delta-8-thc.html" target="_blank">Delta-8 THC</a>, it helps to cover some basics about THC and cannabis.</p><p>Cannabis plants come chock full of different <a href="https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/cannabis-marijuana-and-cannabinoids-what-you-need-to-know" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>cannabinoids</em></a>. These are naturally-occuring chemical compounds that bind with receptors throughout your body. They can offer a wide range of mental, emotional, and physical effects; indeed, the healing and therapeutic properties marijuana or <a data-linked-post="2648563694" href="https://www.ecowatch.com/strongest-cbd-oil-2648563694.html" target="_blank">CBD products</a> offer can be attributed to cannabinoids.</p><p>One of the most common cannabinoids is what's known as Delta-9 THC. Simply put, this is the part of marijuana that gets you "high." It's worth noting that Delta-9 THC remains illegal in many states, except for in the most minute doses, and is still illegal at the federal level. CBD products are made with trace amounts of THC, ensuring that consumers can enjoy positive health effects in a perfectly legal way, without the risk of getting high.</p><p>On a chemical level, <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2021/02/27/health/marijuana-hemp-delta-8-thc.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Delta-8 THC</a> is not too different from Delta-9 THC; the distinction comes down to just a few molecules. But those molecules make a big practical impact: Delta-8 THC will give you a buzz, but the psychoactive effects are considerably milder than with Delta-9 THC.</p><p>More specifically, many cannabis enthusiasts report that Delta-8 THC helps them feel good but also leaves them relatively clear-headed; and, it doesn't produce the anxiety or jitteriness that often characterize a Delta-9 THC high.</p><p>Additionally, because of the way the law is written regarding Delta-9 THC, some CBD companies now sell Delta-8 THC products in places where traditional cannabis is still illegal.</p><h2>What's the Difference Between Delta-9 THC and Delta-8 THC?</h2><p>Here are the primary differences to note between Delta-9 and Delta-8 THC:</p><ul class="ee-ul"><li>Delta-9 THC is the primary psychoactive ingredient found in marijuana. In other words, it's the part that gets you high.</li><li>Though some states have found workarounds, Delta-9 THC is still illegal under federal law.</li><li>Delta-8 THC is also found in the cannabis plant, though it's not quite as powerful or as well-known. </li><li>Delta-8 THC is milder in its psychoactive effects. And, it's not <em>technically </em>illegal under current law.</li></ul><p>These are just a few of the key distinctions to keep in mind. Delta-8 THC is popular among consumers who want a smoother high, and don't want to violate federal law.</p><h2>Is Delta-8 THC Legal?</h2><p>We noted that Delta-8 THC is not <em>technically </em>illegal. Here, we need to get into some of the nuanced legal considerations that surround this substance.</p><p>First of all, there are plenty of cannabis companies that actively promote Delta-8 THC as a legal way to get high. Again, that's technically true, but is still a point of debate for some.</p><p>For one thing, it's not explicitly listed as an illegal substance. While federal laws, and some state laws, specifically ban Delta-9 THC, Delta-8 THC is never mentioned. More to the point, though, many proponents will cite the<a href="https://www.usda.gov/farmbill" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> 2018 Farm Bill</a>. This law legalized several industrial hemp products on a national level, including CBD.</p><p>The Farm Bill also includes some fairly nuanced positions regarding THC. In summary, the law says that hemp and cannabis-derived products are legal so long as they contain less than 0.3 percent Delta-9 THC.</p><p>With that said, some lawyers contend that Delta-8's heyday may soon come to an end. That's because the Farm Bill clears it only so long as it's derived directly from hemp; most of the Delta-8 THC products sold today aren't made from hemp, but rather from synthetically-altered CBD.</p><p>Some of these issues are a little fuzzy, and <a href="https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-features/delta-8-thc-legal-weed-explained-1113859/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">the legal future of Delta-8 THC</a> remains a little uncertain. For now, though, many experts would argue that it is legal to purchase.</p><h2>What Kinds of Delta-8 THC Products Are Available?</h2><p><em>Each product featured here has been independently selected by the writer. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.</em></p><p>If you're looking to try Delta-8 THC products, you'll certainly find plenty of different products. Dispensaries and legal cannabis stores currently have a trove of products that use this cannabinoid. Some examples include:</p><ul class="ee-ul"><li>Vape cartridges, tinctures, and capsules.</li><li>Beverages made with Delta-8 THC, including some seltzers.</li><li>Edibles, including Delta-8 THC gummy bears, chocolate bars, and more.</li></ul><p>The cannabis industry has really been running with Delta-8 THC, finding creative ways to bring it to market. And chances are, even more products will be springing up in the weeks and months to come. </p><p>It's very important to note that you should only purchase Delta-8 THC products from reputable brands and established cannabis retailers. We do not recommend purchasing any products that contain Delta-8 THC from gas stations or vape shops. If you are looking for a reputable place to explore these products, here are a few brands that we trust and recommend:</p>
<h2>What are the Pros and Cons of Delta-8 THC?</h2><p>As you consider whether Delta-8 THC is worth your time, it may be helpful to weigh the pros against the cons.</p><p><strong>Pros</strong></p><p>Let's start with some of the positives:</p><ul class="ee-ul"><li>Delta-8 THC does have psychoactive effects, but it's a milder effect than with traditional Delta-9 THC.</li><li>Delta-8 THC is currently legal and widely accessible in multiple states.</li><li>There are a wide number of products that use Delta-8 THC.</li></ul><p><strong>Cons</strong></p><p>Now, a few of the downsides.</p><ul class="ee-ul"><li>Delta-8 THC isn't quite as commonplace as other cannabis products, including CBD, and some of the options on the market are expensive.</li><li>While this substance is technically legal, there are plenty of uncertainties over its legal future. It's something you want to keep in mind.</li><li>As a relatively new product, Delta-8 THC products are not regulated by the FDA and there is not independent testing in place to verify that it is safe or pure.</li></ul><p>As with any cannabis product, Delta-8 THC has its pros and cons. As you seek the cannabis product that's best for you, it's largely a matter of personal preference.</p><p>Also note that smoking, vaping, or otherwise imbibing any kind of cannabis-related product can carry some medical risks and negative health consequences. If you have any specific concerns, we recommend consulting with your doctor before you try any Delta-8 THC product.</p><p><em><strong>Josh Hurst </strong></em><em>is a journalist, critic, and essayist. He lives in Knoxville, TN, with his wife and three sons. He covers natural health, nutrition, supplements, and clean energy. His writing has appeared in Health, Shape, and Remedy Review.</em></p>
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<p><a href="https://nuleafnaturals.com/product/full-spectrum-delta-8-thc-oil-30mg-ml/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">NuLeaf Naturals Full Spectrum Delta 8 THC Oil</a> is made from organic hemp and organic virgin hemp seed extract. It's available in a 150 mg bottle and a 450 mg bottle, which both provide 15 mg of Delta 8 THC per serving. This formula is also available in a soft gel.</p>
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<p>The <a href="https://www.botanyfarms.com/product/delta-10-thc-vape-cartridge/?aff=14" target="_blank">Botany Farms Delta-10 THC Vape Cartridge</a> actually contains both Delta-10 and Delta-8 THC.This is designed to provide the desired effects of Delta-8 THC but without the drowsiness. They also offer a vape cartridge with a 1:1 concentration of <a href="https://www.botanyfarms.com/product/delta-10-delta-8-thc-vape-cartridge/?aff=14" target="_blank">Delta-8 THC</a> and Delta-10 THC. Note that while vape products can be used to aid in smoking cessation, we do not recommend vaping or smoking because of the negative health effects they can cause.</p>
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