Final answer:
Environmental racism refers to the situation where minority and low-income groups live in areas heavily impacted by environmental hazards, leading to health disparities. This phenomenon is affected by a range of factors, including racial discrimination and socio-economic status. It has significant consequences for the health and wellbeing of these communities both locally and globally. Therefore correct option is A
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding Environmental Racism
Environmental racism is a term that refers to the disproportionate impact of environmental hazards on people of color and those from lower socioeconomic groups. The term reflects a complex interplay of racial discrimination and socio-economic factors that result in minorities living in areas with higher exposure to pollutants and toxic waste. This situation leads to increased health risks, such as asthma, lead poisoning, and other serious conditions affecting their quality of life.
One profound example of this is the finding from sociologist Robert Bullard's research indicating that race is a more significant factor than socioeconomic status in predicting the location of hazardous waste facilities. These facilities often are situated near neighborhoods predominantly occupied by people of color. Furthermore, these communities face higher rates of health issues like asthma and obesity compared to non-Hispanic whites, partly due to their environment.
Environmental racism can also be observed globally, with people in developing countries more likely to live on contaminated land than those in wealthier nations. The situation is compounded for minority communities by the lack of political power or resources to effectively advocate for better living conditions and environmental policies.