The Geography of Environmental Racism

Description: Test your knowledge about the Geography of Environmental Racism, a critical field of study that examines the disproportionate environmental burdens faced by marginalized communities.
Number of Questions: 15
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Tags: environmental racism social justice geography environmental justice
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What is the term used to describe the disproportionate exposure of marginalized communities to environmental hazards?

  1. Environmental Inequality

  2. Environmental Racism

  3. Environmental Disparities

  4. Environmental Injustice


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Environmental racism refers specifically to the racial discrimination in environmental policy-making and enforcement, leading to unequal exposure to environmental hazards for marginalized communities.

Which U.S. federal law prohibits discrimination based on race, color, or national origin in programs and activities receiving federal financial assistance?

  1. The Clean Air Act

  2. The Civil Rights Act of 1964

  3. The Environmental Protection Act

  4. The Fair Housing Act


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

The Civil Rights Act of 1964 is a landmark legislation that prohibits discrimination based on race, color, or national origin in various aspects of life, including environmental programs and activities.

What is the term used to describe the practice of siting polluting facilities in or near marginalized communities?

  1. Environmental Zoning

  2. Industrial Zoning

  3. Environmental Redlining

  4. Environmental Gentrification


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Environmental redlining refers to the discriminatory practice of denying environmental benefits or protections to certain areas, often based on racial or socioeconomic factors.

What is the name of the landmark 1987 study that brought national attention to the issue of environmental racism in the United States?

  1. The Toxic Waste and Race Report

  2. The Environmental Justice Movement

  3. The Civil Rights Movement

  4. The Environmental Protection Agency Report


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The Toxic Waste and Race Report, published by the United Church of Christ's Commission for Racial Justice, was a groundbreaking study that documented the disproportionate siting of toxic waste facilities in African American and Hispanic communities.

Which U.S. President signed Executive Order 12898, directing federal agencies to address environmental justice concerns in their programs and policies?

  1. Barack Obama

  2. Bill Clinton

  3. George W. Bush

  4. Ronald Reagan


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

President Bill Clinton signed Executive Order 12898 in 1994, requiring federal agencies to consider environmental justice concerns in their decision-making processes.

What is the term used to describe the movement that seeks to address environmental injustice and promote environmental equity for marginalized communities?

  1. The Environmental Justice Movement

  2. The Civil Rights Movement

  3. The Environmental Protection Movement

  4. The Social Justice Movement


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The Environmental Justice Movement is a grassroots movement that advocates for environmental equity and the fair distribution of environmental benefits and burdens.

Which international agreement recognizes the right to a healthy environment as a human right?

  1. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights

  2. The Paris Agreement

  3. The Kyoto Protocol

  4. The Stockholm Declaration


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

The Stockholm Declaration, adopted in 1972, was the first international agreement to recognize the right to a healthy environment as a fundamental human right.

What is the term used to describe the process of revitalizing and redeveloping urban areas, often leading to displacement of low-income residents and communities of color?

  1. Gentrification

  2. Urban Renewal

  3. Urban Sprawl

  4. Suburbanization


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Gentrification refers to the process of renovating and upgrading a previously rundown area of a city, often leading to an influx of wealthier residents and businesses and the displacement of existing low-income residents.

Which U.S. city has been at the forefront of the environmental justice movement, with a long history of activism against environmental racism?

  1. Los Angeles

  2. New York City

  3. Chicago

  4. Houston


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Houston, Texas, has been a prominent city in the environmental justice movement, with a history of activism against environmental racism and the disproportionate siting of polluting facilities in minority neighborhoods.

What is the term used to describe the practice of intentionally siting polluting facilities in areas where marginalized communities reside?

  1. Environmental Racism

  2. Environmental Discrimination

  3. Environmental Injustice

  4. Environmental Zoning


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Environmental racism refers to the intentional siting of polluting facilities in areas where marginalized communities reside, leading to disproportionate exposure to environmental hazards.

Which U.S. state has the highest number of Superfund sites, which are areas contaminated with hazardous waste?

  1. California

  2. Texas

  3. New York

  4. Louisiana


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Louisiana has the highest number of Superfund sites in the United States, with many located in predominantly African American and low-income communities.

What is the term used to describe the phenomenon where people of color are more likely to live near major highways and roads, exposing them to higher levels of air pollution?

  1. Highway Racism

  2. Transportation Racism

  3. Air Pollution Racism

  4. Environmental Racism


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Highway racism refers to the disproportionate siting of highways and major roads through or near communities of color, leading to increased air pollution and other health risks.

Which U.S. city has been a focal point of the environmental justice movement due to its history of industrial pollution and environmental racism?

  1. Detroit

  2. Flint

  3. Chicago

  4. Los Angeles


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Flint, Michigan, has gained national attention due to its water crisis, which exposed residents, particularly African American residents, to lead-contaminated water.

What is the term used to describe the practice of locating polluting facilities in rural areas, often impacting Indigenous communities and communities of color?

  1. Rural Environmental Racism

  2. Environmental Injustice

  3. Environmental Discrimination

  4. Environmental Zoning


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Rural environmental racism refers to the disproportionate siting of polluting facilities in rural areas, often impacting Indigenous communities and communities of color, leading to environmental health disparities.

Which international agreement aims to promote sustainable development and address environmental issues, including environmental justice concerns?

  1. The Paris Agreement

  2. The Kyoto Protocol

  3. The Stockholm Declaration

  4. The Rio Declaration


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

The Rio Declaration on Environment and Development, adopted in 1992, emphasizes the importance of environmental justice and the need to address the disproportionate environmental burdens faced by marginalized communities.

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