Clean Air Crusaders: Activists Fight Against Chicago’s Environmental Racism

By: Tricia Murphy, AmeriCorps State & National Member

When living in the third largest city in America, one can expect to be exposed to unhealthy air and questionable environmental conditions. Yet, how does exposure to environmental degradation affect Chicagoans differently? According to research done by the Department of Population Health at NYU School of Medicine, Chicago has the largest gap of the 500 American cities tested in life expectancy across different socioeconomic neighborhoods (Gourevitch 2019). In other words, residents in Chicago’s wealthiest neighborhoods are expected to live 30 years longer than those in more economically deprived and racially segregated ones (Gourevitch 2019). Despite the numerous reasons that may be attributed to such a large gap, the intense pollution in Chicago’s West and South side neighborhoods are difficult to ignore when analyzing the drastic differences in life expectancy. 

Disease, illness and decreased quality of life occurs when people are faced with pollution and poor water quality, which many Chicagoans are. The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences reported that poor air quality is associated with a greater likelihood for cancer, cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease, obesity and more (National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences). This is especially significant for children. A study that sought to investigate students’ health by surveying Michigan public schools and their proximity to air pollutants found that schools located in the most air polluted areas had the lowest attendance rates (Mohai et al. 2011). The effects of pollution–especially air pollution–are evident. These Chicago residents are revoked of clean air when industry occupies their communities, like in the 2022 case of General Iron. 

In South and West side neighborhoods, community members are constantly advocating for their right to a safe environment. After General Iron announced their plan to relocate their metal-shredding facility from Lincoln Park to an area on the Southeast side, protestors immediately fought back, claiming that they could not handle anymore pollution (Chase 2022). The community complaints lead to a lengthy investigation by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) into the city of Chicago’s abuse of Black and Latinx residents’ civil rights. HUD found that the city of Chicago violated these rights by conducting unlawful planning based in discriminatory practices (Chase 2022). In October 2023, General Iron’s wish to build their new operation was rejected and as of August 2024, the permit denial has been upheld by Judge Allen Walker (Chase 2024). Due to community activism, HUD intervened, thereby threatening millions of federal housing funds for the city of Chicago (Chase, 2022). This case study demonstrates how the work of residents and activists were catalysts for true change, a mission that continues to be upheld by various local environmental organizations in Chicago.

Organizations like the Chicago Environmental Justice Network strive to combat such inequality. Through their web of environmental justice groups, members advocate for policy reformation, community education and the exchange of ideas on how to fight against environmental racism in the city. People for Community Recovery (PCR) is an organization that participates in this coalition. PCR focuses their efforts on the communities affected by “The Toxic Donut”, the neighborhoods of Riverdale and Altgeld Gardens on the southeast side of Chicago that is completely surrounded by landfills, industry and polluted water sources (People for Community Recovery). Not only does PCR initiate programs dedicated to economic development and safe and affordable housing, but they supply crucial aid to community members. From roof repairs to resources for tenant rights, PCR is a staple for community development and environmental advocacy on the south side of Chicago.

As demonstrated by the ruling of the HUD, the city of Chicago is susceptible to racial and ethnic discrimination within their city planning. Therefore, defending the rights to health and safety is crucial for communities everywhere. Communities across the city of Chicago must continue holding aldermans and city officials accountable in order to guarantee the prosperity of everyone–especially those vulnerable to environmental racism. By continuing to pressure the city of Chicago to respond ethically to such issues, we cultivate a culture of equity and respect both locally and nationally. 

References:
Chase, B. (2022). HUD accuses city of Chicago of environmental racism by moving polluters to Black, Latino neighborhoods. Chicago Sun-Times. Retrieved 15 August 2024.

Chase, B. (2024). General Iron operating permit rejection by city of Chicago upheld by judge. Chicago Sun-Times. Retrieved 17 August 2024. 

Gourevitch, M. (2019). Large Life Expectancy Gaps in U.S. Cities Linked to Racial & Ethnic Segregation By Neighborhood. NYU Langone Health. Retrieved 15 August 2024. https://nyulangone.org/news/large-life-expectancy-gaps-us-cities-linked-racial-ethnic-segregation-neighborhood

Mohai, P., Byoung-Suk K., Lee S. & Ard K. (2011). Air Pollution Around Schools is Linked To Poorer Student Health and Academic Performance. Environmental Challenges for Health 30(5). https://doi.org/10.1377/hlthaff.2011.0077

National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. (n.d.). Air Pollution and Your Health. Retrieved 15 August 2024. https://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/agents/air-pollution#:~:text=Public%20health%20concerns%20related%20to,neurological%2C%20and%20immune%20system%20disorders.

People for Community Recovery, (n.d.). Riverdale. Retrieved 15 August 2024. https://www.peopleforcommunityrecovery.org/our-community/riverdale

Resources:
People for Community Recovery:
https://www.peopleforcommunityrecovery.org/
(773)840-4618
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Chicago Environmental Justice Network:
https://www.chicagoejn.org/
(773)475-7732