Race and Global Warming

Monica Cambi

Racial issue leads to Global Warming and the end of the world.

Scientists always give scientific explanations why global warming is rising, but they seem to always leave out the issue of race. You might think “What does race have to do with Global Warming?” it’s simple: everything. You might be skeptical about the connection between race and global change like I was. If not for my teachers insight then I would have never considered race as the leading cause in increase of carbon levels. Back in the late 1940’s veterans from WWII were returning and wanted to live the “American Dream”, but the issue of race was critical at this time. African Americans were prohibited from living in areas where Caucasian people were. The reason for not allowing African Americans to live where they pleased was because veterans were racist. As a way to resolve the issue of whites not living next to Africans people started moving towards the suburbs. The great movement of caucasians to the suburbs made architects plan out a new model for people. Soldiers that came back from war used the G.I. bill to move out.
During the time period of 1940-1950 racism was having a drastic impact on both whites and African Americans. In this time schools were no longer segregated, but it did not mean that racism ended. I see integrated schools as an attempt to drive away African Americans. White children at schools were beating up black children since they did not seem them as equals. Back then African Americans that grouped together were not considered gangs but as a unity to fight against those who stoned them. It was around this era that a Civil Rights movement embarked in Los Angeles. People who were participants of this movement were targeted and mistreated by the police. The news of massacre was headlined every week in the newspaper “The Eagle” it was through this propaganda that others saw the horrific actions that African Americans were facing. As a way to escape from this issue white people left in millions to suburban areas. This great migration is known as the “White Flight”.
The “White Flight” made the government create homes for new residents. The creation of new homes made architects plan models for newcomers. Although the models for towns were created, convenience stores were built far apart. Wholesale stores, supermarkets, and office parking’s were widespread. With an issue of far away appliances people would have to drive more, and thus accidents occur. According to a you tube clip “Radiant City: Suburban Landscape” there is three times more accidents than in inner cities. The reason being is because commute is approximately two hours and people who want to make it in time for work do unexpected things. With retail stores separate from homes car production increased so people can drive to where they desire. Car production is a leading cause of rise in carbon levels, since people need ways to transport. In other words it is due to three or so generations of racism that global warming has progressed.