This article is the tenth in CPJ’s Ink & Impact series featuring young writers from across the country. In today’s political climate, often marked by cynicism and despair, CPJ’s annual Ink & Impact conference helps Christian young people become messengers of hope. In a world dominated by digital distractions, Ink & Impact develops writers who can articulate complex political topics in an approachable, nuanced way to inform the public. The views and opinions reflected in these articles are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official position of CPJ.
In 2019, a cancer cluster was identified and confirmed in Houston’s Fifth Ward—a neighborhood that has been predominantly and historically populated by Black and Latino residents. In 2019, 43% of the neighborhood was Black and 51% was Latino. Cancer clusters are concentrated areas with above-average occurrences of cancer. The cause of this cluster was identified as toxic compounds and possible carcinogens found in the soil from previous use by the Union Pacific Railroad. The organization’s use and disposal of these toxic chemicals resulted in further pain and loss as cancer rates skyrocketed, leading families to struggle physically, financially, and emotionally. Stories like this are all too common in modern America, and they are especially prevalent in the most at-risk communities, like that of the Fifth Ward. Other marginalized and low-income communities have also been disproportionately impacted by environmental abuse—abuses that cause illness, financial strain, and grief. Communities of people of color inhale 40% more polluted air than their white counterparts, and 68% of Black Americans live within 30 miles of a coal plant.
The cause of environmental justice has gained traction in recent years, and attention to it in Christian circles is especially important because of its implications for humanity and the rest of creation. Environmental justice is a pressing issue as it is a mistreatment of both God’s people and creation.
Eden and Equality
In seeking justice here on Earth, we must look to God’s plan as our guide toward holiness and peace in our relations with one another and with creation. The story starts in Eden. God created a lush, diverse ecosystem and placed image-bearers in it. Adam and Eve were tasked with caring for this creation. Creation sustains all of God’s image-bearers and points back to its Creator. Eden serves as the ultimate image of environmental justice as creation is stewarded for the benefit of all of God’s children and for divine glory.
Moreover, nature is not the only thing we are called to care for. Scripture repeatedly commands us to serve, protect, and show compassion to “the least of these” (Matthew 25:40). Christians are called to serve and love all who bear God’s image, especially those pushed to the margins of society through poverty, environmental harm, or homelessness. Environmental justice is an extension of that need to serve all.
The Effect of Environmental Abuse
Of course, Eden does not last for long. When we rejected God’s perfect design, we opened the floodgates of sin, corruption, and death. We have actively chosen to turn away from God in myriad ways, distorting God’s original design for personal gain and failing to take responsibility for the consequences of our sinful actions.
In the context of environmental justice, our abuses of creation cause air, water, and soil pollution as well as increased risks of natural disasters. The burden of environmental abuse does not fall equally. Unfortunately, it often falls disproportionately on marginalized communities. Groups that already face challenges due to systemic injustices are left to bear even more burdens. Issues of pollution and concentration of minorities in at-risk areas like floodplains result in health problems, property damage, and property devaluing that encourage existing cycles of poverty and disinvestment. This is not some conceptual, ambiguous problem, but rather one that has many faces and many griefs in many homes.
What Can We Do?
Despite the passage of significant environmental legislation, especially in the 1970s, there is a lack of proper application and enforcement of policy, a lack of policy that holds perpetrators accountable, and a general lack of awareness of this issue. These three challenges necessitate cooperation if we are seeking a return to Edenic stewardship and compassion. A public justice framework helps clarify how each institution can contribute to that goal.
Individuals and civil society institutions have a vital role to play in pursuing environmental justice. By spreading awareness, advocating for policy change, and providing information and financial resources to those affected by or unaware of environmental injustice, they can help shift both public attention and institutional behavior. Education systems can build awareness of pollution and the dangers of environmental degradation. Businesses can conduct their operations in ways that prevent pollution and offer financial assistance to communities affected by environmental injustice.
Government at every level has a particularly important role to play as well. At the federal level, agencies like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are responsible for setting and enforcing national pollution standards and holding corporate polluters accountable. State governments can, and often do, go further by enacting their own environmental protections and providing remediation funding for affected communities. Local governments, through zoning and permitting decisions, have direct influence over what industries operate in their communities and what environmental standards they are required to meet. A cooperative approach to this sprawling issue helps increase efficacy and efficiency as we try to find justice and hope in a fallen world.
In the Fifth Ward, EPA, Houston Health Department, and community organizations like the Bayou City Initiative are working to continue soil testing, offer housing alternatives to affected families, and hold the Union Pacific Railroad accountable. Many are still suffering the consequences of the pollution, and a full resolution remains distant. Yet this story also serves as a testament to the human capacity for cooperation and care when institutions work together toward a common purpose.
Environmental injustice is a pressing issue that needs broad support due to its prevalence and potential for harm. To address the scope of this issue with compassion and empathy, we need both policy changes and individual or organizational participation in advocacy, support, and service. Many established organizations are already seeking justice, remediation, and accountability on behalf of affected communities, as well as working to prevent such tragedies in the first place, but they need more public support to increase the breadth and efficacy of their work.
The dual nature of environmental injustice, harming both creation and people, magnifies the severity of this issue and demands urgent attention. Yet the vision of Eden reminds us that this is not how things were meant to be. There is room for more people to join in this work of restoration. We need only take this opportunity to steward God’s creation and serve God’s people.
Kourtney Melton is a junior at Howard Payne University majoring in history and a member of the Guy D. Newman Honors Academy for civic leadership and public policy. She plans to pursue a master’s degree in public history and a career bringing history to life in museum settings.
Graphic by Center for Public Justice
