Pollution due to freeways in los angeles
You will be focusing on the interactions between human beings and their environments.
You will choose a particular neighborhood or place to go to, and then consider the following questions:
What seems to count as nature or culture here? What can you observe about how residents interact with
nature? What are signs of nature that you find surprising here? What are the issues of concern from the
lens of environmental justice?
Observe any trees, wild animals, pets, and other sights, smells, and sounds. Do you see interactions between nature and human-built infrastructures (e.g., trees and powerlines, animals and roads, birds and windows, etc.)? Do you see signs of human governance of nature (e.g., local or municipal codes, city or county regulations, state or federal guidelines, or corporate or nonprofit organizations)? Do you see signs or messages with prohibitions of certain behaviors with regards to nature (e.g., “Do not feed the animals,”
“Beware of Dog,” or “Private Property”)? Are there any signs of protest involving nature (e.g., campaigns
to either protect or evict certain animals [such as coyotes, particular bird species, mountain lions, etc.],
movements against oil drilling or fracking, etc.)? Based on what you have learned about environmental
justice movements and perspectives, what can you say about issues of (in)justice and (in)equity in
the neighborhood or place that you are in? (e.g., Is there substantial pollution in the place where
you are conducting your ethnography—or, on the contrary, is the air fresh and the water clean, and
is there an abundance of “green space?” What does this say about environmental discrepancies in
terms of geography, class, socioeconomic status, race, ethnicity, etc.?)
If you are able to interact with people, please do so (but only if feasible and safe!). Observe the people and how they interact with the environment, try to understand what’s happening, and ask questions (again, only if feasible). What is most important is to be observant, thoughtful, and curious.
You should take notes in an “ethnographic journal,” which can include your own thoughts, observations,
notes of conversations that you might have, and anything else you can think of writing down while.
Describe the community, place, or neighborhood (including where it is, what it’s called, etc.). Describe what you saw, or a conversation that you might have had.
Title: Pollution and Environmental Injustice in Los Angeles: The Impact of Freeways on Local Communities
Introduction: Los Angeles, renowned for its sprawling freeways and traffic congestion, is also burdened with the detrimental effects of pollution caused by these road networks. This essay will focus on the interactions between human beings, their environment, and the specific neighborhood of South Los Angeles. By observing and analyzing the nature-culture dynamics, signs of human governance, and environmental justice issues, we can gain insights into the unequal distribution of environmental burdens and its impact on marginalized communities.
Description of South Los Angeles: South Los Angeles, also known as South Central, is a predominantly low-income and racially diverse neighborhood located in the southern region of the city. It is characterized by its close proximity to major freeways, including the Interstate 110 and Interstate 105. This neighborhood has historically faced numerous socio-economic challenges, resulting in a lack of access to quality green spaces and clean environments.
Observations and Interactions: During my visit to South Los Angeles, I observed a stark contrast between nature and human-built infrastructures. The presence of trees along the streets provided a hint of nature within the concrete jungle; however, their growth was often stunted due to limited space and pollution from nearby traffic. The interaction between nature and human-built infrastructures was evident through the sight of trees struggling to thrive amidst power lines and heavily congested roads.
Signs of Human Governance: The influence of human governance on nature was apparent through local and municipal codes aimed at regulating environmental impacts. However, it was disheartening to note that these regulations were often insufficient to combat the prevalent pollution caused by freeway traffic. The lack of effective enforcement mechanisms raised concerns regarding the commitment to protecting the environment and the well-being of residents in South Los Angeles.
Prohibitions and Signs of Protests: While exploring the neighborhood, I came across signs prohibiting certain behaviors with regards to nature. These included warnings such as “Do not feed the animals” or “Private Property,” indicating attempts to manage human-nature interactions. Additionally, signs of protest involving nature were absent, which could be attributed to the lower levels of environmental activism in this community compared to more affluent areas.
Environmental Justice Issues: The issue of environmental justice becomes evident when examining the discrepancies in pollution levels and access to green spaces. South Los Angeles, due to its proximity to freeways, experiences higher levels of air pollution, leading to adverse health effects on its residents. The lack of “green space” exacerbates these disparities, denying residents the benefits of nature-based stress reduction and physical activity opportunities that are more readily available in wealthier neighborhoods.
Conclusion:
The neighborhood of South Los Angeles serves as a prime example of the adverse impacts of pollution caused by freeways on local communities. Through this ethnographic exploration, we have witnessed the unequal distribution of environmental burdens and the resultant environmental injustices faced by marginalized communities. It is crucial for policymakers and stakeholders to address these issues by implementing effective regulations, investing in green infrastructure, and promoting equitable access to clean environments for all residents of Los Angeles. Only through proactive measures can we ensure a healthier and more just future for South Los Angeles and other similarly affected neighborhoods.