Environmental racism, a systematic and deeply ingrained issue, disproportionately impacts minority populations in New York City, a worldwide hub of variety and growth. We look at the historical, social, and environmental elements that lead to environmental racism in the city, with a focus on the South Bronx area. The South Bronx case shows how racism, class, and environmental injustice connect, resulting in significant inequities and consequences. For a long time, the South Bronx, where mostly Black and Hispanic people live, has been treated unfairly when it comes to the environment in New York City. This means that they have been affected more negatively than other neighborhoods. This has happened because of unfair practices like not giving them as much money for housing and not investing in their community. Because of these unfair practices, the people who live there have less opportunities for jobs and their homes are not as nice. They also have more factories and places that make waste near their homes, which is not fair.

The South Bronx suffers from significant levels of air and noise pollution due to its numerous trash transfer sites, truck-intensive businesses, and roads. As a result, its citizens suffer from serious health inequities, including greater rates of asthma, respiratory ailments, and cardiovascular difficulties. The South Bronx has much higher asthma rates than the rest of the city. Access to green spaces and recreational areas is limited in the South Bronx, aggravating the effects of environmental racism. Parks and green spaces are critical for physical and emotional well-being, and their scarcity in this area exacerbates the environmental injustices that its inhabitants endure.

Transportation and infrastructure issues in the South Bronx exacerbate environmental inequities. Due to a lack of public transit choices, inhabitants are forced to rely on personal automobiles, increasing their exposure to traffic-related pollution. Highways run across the region, making it a source of pollution. Climate change increases the South Bronx’s vulnerability to catastrophic weather occurrences. Because of its closeness to the East River and low-lying regions, the neighborhood is vulnerable to floods and other climate-related calamities. This exacerbates the current environmental inequalities that its populations confront.

The South Bronx is a center of community action and advocacy despite these challenges. For decades, local groups have helped residents combat anti-environmental bias. They hold protests, lobby for legislation reforms, and educate the public about the injustices they face. Several programs, such as the Hunts Point Vision Plan, have been implemented by the city to improve environmental conditions in the South Bronx. However, attaining full environmental justice would need not only government funding but also major adjustments to existing policies and the economy.

My research will examine how the South Bronx serves as a case study for the citywide effects of environmental racism in New York. The existing environmental, health, and green space discrepancies, along with the historical legacy of disinvestment and discriminatory policies, emphasize the necessity of resolving this issue. The South Bronx and other communities like it need environmental justice, which may be achieved by adopting fair policies, funding green infrastructure, and reducing economic inequalities. The situation in the South Bronx is a sobering example of the interconnectedness of racial, socioeconomic, and environmental inequalities, illustrating the need for collective action to address these systemic problems.