Urban Issues on Race/Ethnicity and Climate

Looking at this map, where the Black Population reside also indicates the highest areas for asthma with a risk factor of 99% confidence for asthma. Long Beach is one of the locations for asthma with a risk factor of 99 % confidence for asthma. one of the main reasons why Long Beach has air pollution it is due to the Harbor Department port. The location is constantly receiving and exporting goods, unfortunately, these boats release smog such as Nitrogen oxides and Sulphur oxides these toxic chemicals have been proven to cause acid rain. Unfortunately, all these chemicals spread near resident homes close to Long Beach port. In addition, Pasadena is another area with 8, 926 Black residents where majority reside near the 210 freeway. People who constantly commute from Altadena to Pasadena have found road paths as shortcuts to avoid traffic jams therefore, resulting in air pollution from constant vehicles that drive through the neighborhood.

In this map the spatial data shows the White population living in Lakewood area are at a 99% confidence for asthma. Lakewood has a residential White population of approximately 48,886. However, air in Lakewood is also polluted due to the Long Beach Airport. Lakewood and the Long Beach Airport are roughly 2.7 miles from each other. It is reported that the Long Beach Airport manages averages 42 airplanes a day not including the airplanes that land in the airport. When airplanes fly out, they emit nitrogen oxides and when Lakewood residents smell the smog it will cause them respiratory problem

The spatial data in this map North Whittier is one of the selected locations with an air quality count of 12.05 resulting as moderate air quality. North Whittier is a small suburb city roughly 14.2 miles from Los Angeles.This location has a Hispanic Population of 24,484 residents in the area. According to City of Whittier website, nonresidents are beginning to drive by North Whittier to bypass congestion freeways and arterials. As a result, nonresidents are utilizing residential streets to move from one arterial to another

The spatial data in this map we will monitor air quality within the Black residential area. Torrance is one of the location with moderate air quality at a 11.95 count. Torrance has a Black population roughly estimate between 2,000 to 2,500 residential residents. One of the issues that creates air pollution is the Torrance Refining Company. According to Torrance refinery website, the company uses oils to create gasoline, disease and jet fuel. However, The Company is located approximately 4.5 miles and 6.5 miles away residential homes. The company runs their business Monday through Friday for eight hours a day. Once they close for the day homes within close proximity stop smelling the toxic gases the company emits while in business. Although the air quality is in moderate condition it has certain times and days when pollution is not circulating heavily among the area.

The spatial data in this map we will monitor air quality in a White population residential area. Brentwood has an estimate of 21,500 White residents in the area. Additionally, the air quality in Brentwood is clean and the area is less compacted due to the living prices in the community. Brentwood’s condos range from eight hundred thousand to one million dollars and Brentwood homes range from 1.5 million to 35 million (Zillow: 2020). Hence, homes are very expensive, and the residential population is much smaller because of the cost of living. On average the medium household income for residents in Brentwood is 97k and the largest household income ranges from $150K to $200K (Data USA: 2020).

Strategic Actions for a Justice Economy also known as simply "SAJE" it is a none-profit organization in South Los Angeles. Originated in 1996 is constantly demanding for economic justice in communities concentrating on tenant rights. For healthy housing and equitable development. SAJE opened a tenant clinic, in order to assist local residents to jobs, and to also fight for community benefits concerning new developments through private agreements and public policies.

(Image source Google Images &SAJE Description SAJE.net)

In advocation for SAGE, I would suggest implementing a Clean Air Act. This policy will help eliminate carbon emission produced by energy-generating power plants. In addition it will also stop air pollution because it will stop greenhouse gases from circulating in the atmosphere that causes climate change. The Clean Air Act should be heavily implemented in lower income communities. This will help air quality among residents that live in poverty like Hispanic and Black populations that reside in a close proximity to the central business district like downtown Los Angeles, refinery companies, and airports.

(Image Source: Google Images)