Environmental Justice in a Moment of Danger

Environmental Justice in a Moment of Danger presents stories of communities fighting against environmental racism and injustice across the United States. Author Julie Sze examines cases from Standing Rock to Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico, documenting grassroots resistance movements and their battles against corporate and government power. The book connects historical environmental justice struggles to current climate change activism and Indigenous rights movements. Through interviews and on-the-ground research, Sze traces how local organizing efforts have evolved into broader coalitions and networks. The narrative moves between past and present, examining how environmental threats disproportionately impact communities of color and low-income neighborhoods. Key moments of crisis and response are analyzed through the lens of racial capitalism and colonial histories. The work speaks to fundamental questions about power, justice, and survival in an era of mounting environmental threats. Through its focus on community-led movements, the book offers a framework for understanding how environmental and social justice remain deeply intertwined.

Readers value the book's accessible introduction to environmental justice movements and its examination of resistance by marginalized communities. Multiple reviews note the clear connections drawn between racism, capitalism, and environmental harm. Positive feedback focuses on: - Concise length (160 pages) that covers key concepts - Real-world examples and case studies - Links between historical events and current issues Main criticisms: - Academic writing style can be dense for general readers - Some readers wanted more detailed solutions/action items - Coverage of certain topics feels rushed One reader noted: "Explains complex intersections without oversimplifying them." Another wrote: "Too theoretical at times when concrete examples would help more." Ratings: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (89 ratings) Amazon: 4.5/5 (22 ratings) The book receives stronger reviews from academic readers and those already familiar with environmental justice concepts compared to general audience readers.

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As Long as Grass Grows by Dina Gilio-Whitaker This work analyzes Indigenous resistance to environmental injustice through the lens of colonial history and tribal sovereignty.

Sacrifice Zones by Steve Lerner The text presents twelve case studies of low-income communities and their battles against corporate polluters and government negligence.

Clean and White by Carl A. Zimring This book traces the historical links between environmental practices and racial ideologies in American society from the Civil War to the present.

🌎 Author Julie Sze is a professor of American Studies at UC Davis and the founding director of the Environmental Justice Project at UC Davis. 🌿 The book explores several major environmental justice cases, including the Standing Rock protests against the Dakota Access Pipeline and the Flint water crisis. ⚡ Published in 2020, the book draws connections between climate change, racial inequality, and social movements spanning from Hurricane Katrina to contemporary youth activism. 🗣️ The term "environmental justice" was coined in the 1980s during protests against toxic waste dumping in Warren County, North Carolina, a predominantly African American community. 🌍 The book is part of the "American Studies Now: Critical Histories of the Present" series, which focuses on urgent social issues affecting contemporary American life.