Bears Quote by James H. Cone
“While the rich reap most of the benefits of technological development, the poor bear an unequal burden of dealing with the consequences of the resulting increased pollution. The poor continue to live in greatest proximity to the sources of pollution, the infrastructure and machinery of industry. They work in the most polluted and physically dangerous workplaces. And these same individuals, living and working closest to the sources of environmental catastrophe, are also the ones most lacking decent health care.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Environmental Justice Perspective, 1990
Economic progress often harms low‑income communities, who bear health and safety costs while receiving few benefits.
In simple terms: Poor communities suffer from pollution while rich benefit.
Advocate for equitable environmental policies.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- urban planning
- policy making
- community activism
- healthcare reform
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can policies shift burdens to polluters?
- What role do corporations play in environmental injustice?
Addressing inequality requires political will and resources.