The Long Fight And Dangerous Climate Threat At A Toxic Waste Site | NBC News

Summary

The Ironbound neighborhood in Newark, New Jersey, faces significant environmental challenges, including a garbage incinerator, warehouses, and a Superfund site, which contribute to health risks for its predominantly black and brown residents. The community, many living below the poverty line, is actively fighting for environmental justice through initiatives like urban farming, advocating for cleaner air and water, and raising awareness about the health impacts of pollution. The script highlights the community's resilience and the ongoing struggle against environmental injustices.

Takeaways

• 🏭 The Ironbound neighborhood in Newark, New Jersey, is home to factories, warehouses, a garbage incinerator, and a Superfund site, which pose serious health risks to its predominantly black and brown residents.
• 🌱 Despite the environmental challenges, community members are growing their own food in hoop houses to combat contamination in the soil.
• 🌿 The Ironbound Community Corporation is actively working to educate residents about environmental injustices and offering solutions like growing food in raised beds.
• 🏞️ The neighborhood has limited green spaces, with Riverbank Park being the largest recreational area, which was closed for a time due to soil contamination.
• 🌪️ Climate change is exacerbating existing environmental problems in cities like Newark, including in the Ironbound area.
• 🚨 The Superfund site in Ironbound is one of 74 nationwide that are vulnerable to climate change and have uncontrolled toxic wastes.
• 🏥 Health issues are prevalent, with high rates of asthma among children in Newark, which is three times the national average.
• 🛑 The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has been slow in addressing the Superfund site, with the cleanup process starting in 2001 and still ongoing.
• 🌱 Activists and community members are fighting for environmental justice, advocating for better health care, and pushing for green infrastructure.
• 🌟 Young organizers like Nahim Carter are leading climate protests, teaching gardening, and inspiring others to continue the fight for a cleaner environment.

Q & A

What are some of the environmental issues faced by the residents of Newark, particularly in the Ironbound neighborhood?

Residents face bad smells, noise pollution, and proximity to industrial facilities like garbage incinerators and superfund sites, which pose serious health risks.

How does climate change exacerbate the existing environmental problems in Newark?

Climate change is worsening environmental issues by potentially increasing the severity of pollution effects and health risks associated with the existing environmental problems.

What is a superfund site and why is it a concern for the Ironbound neighborhood?

A superfund site is a highly contaminated area that is a national priority for cleanup due to hazardous substances. The Ironbound neighborhood is concerned because it is home to a superfund site, which poses health risks to the community.

What was the role of the former Diamond Alkali Chemical Plant in the contamination of the Ironbound area?

The plant dumped cancer-causing chemicals into the Passaic River and produced Agent Orange, contributing to the area's contamination and its designation as a superfund site.

How does the presence of pollution and industrial facilities affect the health of Ironbound residents?

The presence of pollution and industrial facilities leads to high rates of asthma and other health issues, with one in four children in Newark suffering from asthma, which is three times the national average.

What efforts are being made by the community to address food security and environmental injustices?

The community hosts a weekly farmers market, offers teachings on food security, and educates residents about environmental injustices. They also grow their own food in hoop houses to avoid ground contamination.

What is the significance of Riverbank Park in the Ironbound neighborhood?

Riverbank Park is the largest recreational space in the neighborhood, but it was closed for a few years due to soil contamination. Its reopening is significant for community health and well-being.

How are activists like Nancy Zack and Arnold Cohen contributing to the fight for environmental justice in Newark?

Zack and Cohen have been vocal about the importance of green spaces and have been fighting for environmental concerns in Newark since the 1980s, advocating for better environmental conditions and health in the community.

What is the role of the Ironbound Community Corporation in addressing environmental issues?

The Ironbound Community Corporation is a key organization where young leaders like Nahim Carter volunteer, lead climate protests, and teach gardening to the youth, promoting green infrastructure and environmental awareness.

What are the hopes and aspirations of the community and activists for the future regarding the environment?

The community and activists hope for a cleaner environment with policies that mandate the reduction of pollution, such as stopping the garbage incinerator from operating in their neighborhoods, and the implementation of more green spaces.

How does the script suggest that change can be driven within the community?

The script implies that change is driven by collective action, community involvement, and the empowerment of young leaders who are inspired to continue the fight for environmental justice.