According to the 2022 census, 83.5% of white people have sewage access, while 29% of indigenous people do not.  And in tragedies that result in floods resulting from heavy rain, it is even more evident that there is inequality when it comes to basic sanitation and rainwater systems, where the vast majority of the time the victims are the black, indigenous and poor population.


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•What is environmental racism?


Appearing in the 1980s in the United States, the term "environmental racism" became known during the environmental justice movement and was popularized by activist Benjamin Chavis.
Environmental racism involves social and environmental inequality. It occurs when vulnerable populations suffer from neglect because they live in areas far from urban centers or tourist attractions.
A racial difference is also noted in this problem, normally black, brown, indigenous people and even those in low-income situations live in places with no or little infrastructure. This shows how social and environmental issues are linked and the need for fairer policies.

• Which regions are most affected by environmental racism in Brazil?



According to data from the 2021 District Household Sample Survey (PDAD), in the Sol Nascente favela (DF), where 67% of residents consider themselves black or mixed race, more than 40% of families live on an income of one to two minimum wages per month. Furthermore, residents face difficulties with urban mobility, having difficulty moving from one city to another. They also suffer from a lack of leisure spaces and adequate housing.
Between October 2022 and February 2023, Companhia Urbanizadora da Nova Capital do Brasil (Novacap) planted 1,500 new trees in Lago Sul, while in the same period there was no record of tree planting in Sol Nascente. Subsequently, between November 2024 and February 2025, the Sol Nascente/Pôr do Sol region received around 1,700 seedlings at different points, taking advantage of the rainy season to ensure better growing conditions.

In addition to the example of environmental racism mentioned above, we have the following cases:
  • Caiçaras Communities (SP): Houses that were demolished without a court order in Juréia, ignoring the historical presence of these populations. 
  • Belém (PA): Black and poor people occupy areas at risk of flooding due to government negligence. Rio Grande do Sul: Floods mainly affect marginalized communities, highlighting structural inequalities. 
  • Indigenous People: Sonia Guajajara reported at Climate Week that traditional peoples are those most affected by climate change and defended land demarcation.

How can public policies and education help end environmental racism?

To put an end to environmental racism, public policies must be fairer to avoid the consequences of inequalities between certain communities. Another fact that is also important is that these people can have a voice, which can be done through journalistic work. Large companies and governments also have a responsibility, being able to prevent constructions from being carried out in places where people most in need of social services live, providing due care and assistance.



Research sources:
Repórter: Chayane María 
Redatora: