Omar Pérez: Submarine Roots, Resisting (un)natural disasters
omarperezI am interested in seeing how social ties and networks have been used to cope with (un)natural disasters. My research focus on places under disasters conditions such as Puerto Rico after hurricane Maria, in which social ties have made the difference between life and death. Furthermore, “natural” disaster has been used to approved austerity measures and unjust policies to impoverished communities like in New Orleans after Katrina. These policies were not new, as they are rooted in structures of power to preserve the status quo. Yet, people have resisted, “through a network of branches, cultures, and geographies” that has stimulated a reflective process of looking within for solutions rather than outside. As often this outside solutions are not only detached from community’s reality but can perpetuate social injustices and inequalities.
McKittrick, K., & Woods, C. A. (Eds.). (2007). Black geographies and the politics of place. South End Press.
Bullard, R. D., & Wright, B. (Eds.). (2009). Race, place, and environmental justice after Hurricane Katrina: Struggles to reclaim, rebuild, and revitalize New Orleans and the Gulf Coast. Westview Press.
Environmental Justice framing implications in the EIS
The Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is a document required by the National Environmental Policy Act
Environmental Justice Framing Implications in the EIS. Essay Bibliography
This is the PECE essay bibliography for:
EPA Database on EISs
This (EIS) database provides information about EISs provided by federal agencies, and EPA's comments concerning the EIS process.
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rramosThis report is about an initiative taken by the government to rectify a century's worth of pollution dumped into the Passaic River and the means used to do it.
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rramosOne process to consider is that alot of Newark Environmental and Public Health laws had not been changed since the 1950's, so that allowed for continuing of neglegence over the course of history in terms of environmental justice. Other social processes that might have played a part is race and class. Low-rise and dense housing for low-income and minority civilians have become major victims of careless industrialization.
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rramosThe policy is a program funded by the EPA called C.A.R.E. (Community Action for a Renewed Environment). The aim of this program is to build the public voice in environmental matters, and to give access to different sources of information from the community.
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rramosA process is placed that allows for social justice to take place in the development phase.
"Commercial and Industrial developers have to go through the following process when proposing for a building:
- Reference the city’s ERI and prepare a checklist of pollutants
- Submit checklist and development application to the city
- Checklist goes to the Environmental Commission
- Checklist goes to the Planning or Zoning Board (where appropriate)
The public has full access to this checklist to weigh in on it and make their voices heard."
This link complements the Essay Bibliography of the Project Environmental Justice framing implications in the EIS.