Today was the first in a series of workshops hosted by Communities for a Better Environmentthis summer in the Wilmington Youth Leadership Program. The first meeting focused on an introduction to Environmental Justice with much discussion about issues specific to Wilmington.
38,000 shipping containers come through US ports every 12 hours–image by Chris Jordan
Low-income communities and communities of color are disproportionately affected by toxic pollution and hazardous environments. This is especially true of Wilmington, as it is one of the most polluted cities in the nation. The Wilmington/Carson area is the most concentrated area of refineries in the state. There are 4 refineries in Wilmington, with 3 more right next door in Carson. Besides the refineries, Wilmington is considered “the heart of the harbor”, with the Port of LA being the busiest port in the US. The pollution emitted by the port alone is equal to that of the 350 most polluting factories and refineries in the region. There is also heavy truck and rail traffic. The pollution has a direct effect on the health of residents; many children suffer from respiratory problems. The California Air Resources Board released a study attributing 3,400 death per year to port pollution. Of the 53,000 Wilmington residents, 85% identify as Latino and 24% live below the poverty line. Being a low-income community, many residents lack resources to address their health problems
At the workshop today, we discussed how this data made us as Wilmington residents feel. What is extremely upsetting are the power systems in place that protect the big industries, while nothing is done to protect the health of residents. These industries also financially support many community organizations and politicians in Wilmington, which prevents many people and organizations from challenging them. Why are we disregarded as humans who have to co-exist with these industries that support the entire national economy?
We also went on to discuss what we would like to see differently in Wilmington and how youth could make a positive difference in Wilmington. The first step in envisioning a brighter future for Wilmington begins with people becoming aware, speaking out, and joining together. If you care at all about the food you eat, the water you drink, the air you breathe, or the health of you and your loved ones, I suggest you come out to the next workshop Wed, July 21st 1-4 pm at the Wilmington Senior Center (1371 Eubank St., Wilmington, CA 90744) or contact us about other ways you can get involved!
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