From the Ground Up: Environmental Racism and the Rise of the Environmental Justice Movement

by Luke Cole, Sheila Foster

A critical look at the movement for environmental justice

When Bill Clinton signed an Executive Order on Environmental Justice in 1994, the phenomenon of environmental racism―the disproportionate impact of environmental hazards, particularly toxic waste dumps and polluting factories, on people of color and low-income communities―gained unprecedented recognition. Behind that momentous signature, however, lies a remarkable tale of grassroots activism and political mobilization. Today, thousands of activists in hundreds of locales are fighting for their children, their communities, their quality of life, and their health.

From the Ground Up critically examines one of the fastest growing social movements in the United States―the movement for environmental justice. Tracing the movement's roots, Luke Cole and Sheila Foster combine long-time activism with powerful storytelling to provide gripping case studies of communities across the US―towns like Kettleman City, California; Chester, Pennsylvania; and Dilkon, Arizona―and their struggles against corporate polluters. The authors use social, economic and legal analysis to reveal the historical and contemporary causes for environmental racism. Environmental justice struggles, they demonstrate, transform individuals, communities, institutions and the nation as a whole.

Genres: Nonfiction, Environment, Race, Social Justice, Science, Activism, Read For School

256 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 2000

Reviews

[Drick · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book traces what it considers the origins of the environmental racism/justice movement. The book focuses on 4 areas Kettleman, CA, Buttonwood, CA, Chester, PA, and the Indigenous Environmental Network. Through a thick description of the struggles against the building and siting waste and toxic chemical incinerators in these communities, the authors reveal the political, economic, legal, cultural and personal dynamics at work in the environmental justice movement. Teh book is full of personal stories as well as grueling defeats at the hands of coproatate and governmenatl interest aligned against them, as well as victories in spite of those barriers. The book is a great primer for understanding how social change happens and the complexity of the battles, not only in environmental issues but in all grassroots social justice issues. The one disappointment is that the book was published in 2001, and has not bee updated to chronicle the ongoing struggles, especially in the Trump era.

[Jessica DeWitt · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is seminal piece of literature for anyone studying environmental justice. However, though it was one of the first texts on the topic, it is not necessarily the best primer for the beginner or non-specialist. The writing and language makes some passages hard to follow nor engaging, particularly those that focus on the details of environmental law and some case studies. Still very important! And the annotated bibliography is helpful. Glad that it paved the way for more literature on the topic.

[Jenny Sams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent readability

[Claire Sudol · Rating 3 out of 5]

so dry

[Ailita · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great history of the EJ movement and community advocacy efforts. Covers a lot and provides a good foundation for further study.

[Kathryn LaMontagne · Rating 5 out of 5]

A classic introductory text around the history of the EJ movement in the US! I highly recommend to anyone interested in EJ work

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the first environmental justice books I've read and I really enjoyed it. The combination of really cases and explanation of the movement was great. This book has definitely gotten me interested in the concept of environmental justice and the movement.