Skip to content

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…” quote by James H. Cone
Download Open image
“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.”

James H. Cone

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.

Key Takeaway

Advocate for equitable environmental policies.

Themes

justice inequality pollution health economics

Mood

concerned urgent reflective

Type

policy advocacy analysis

When to use this quote

  • urban planning
  • policy making
  • community activism
  • healthcare reform

Key Concepts

environmental justice systemic inequality public health

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can policies shift burdens to polluters?
  • What role do corporations play in environmental injustice?
A Different Perspective

Addressing inequality requires political will and resources.

2.5 out of 5 (10 ratings)

More by James H. Cone

Explore all 20 James H. Cone quotes

More Bears quotes

Browse all 4,111 Bears quotes