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Dr. Robert Bullard, father of the environmental justice movement

Writer's picture: MahimaMahima
Dec 21, 20243 min read
(Photo courtesy of Steve McCaw / NIEHS)
(Photo courtesy of Steve McCaw / NIEHS)

Those who are most affected by climate change must have a say in plans to respond to the  problems."


Dr Robert Bullard was at the forefront of the US environmental justice movement in the 1980s to advocate against environmental prejudice and climate change. He was born on Dec 21, 1946, and is currently a professor at Texas Southern University. He was previously the dean of the Barbara Jordan-Mickey Leland School of Public Affairs. He served as dean for over 5 years (2011 to 2016).


His unwavering advocacy and research substantially impacted the moment, and he also earned the title of “the Father of the Environmental Justice Movement.” 


Contributions:

  • Dr. Robert Bullard exposed the unequal effects of environmental pollution and its degradation on low-income populations, particularly those of color. He emphasized the fair distribution of hazardous waste facilities and polluting companies in the region.

  • Dr. Bullard’s research unveiled a very concerning trend. 80% of Houston’s residential waste dumps and incinerators from the 1920s to 1978 were near the black communities' houses, where the community held only 25% of the population of the city. The professor emphasized this trend and said irrespective of social status and earnings, the amount of money one earns is inconsequential. If you live in Houston as a black individual, your community was predominantly selected for all landfills.  [2]

  • With his work “Dumping in Dixie: Race, Class, and Environmental Quality,” he showed the dynamics of environmental racism. His work motivated future leaders to stand up for their rights and start a movement for the right to freedom from environmental degradation [3].

  • Dr. Bullard has gone to the grassroots level to address this issue and become more vocal in advocating for communities. He has also played an important role in many climate justice moments, including air pollution, hazardous waste management, and climate change. 

  • Moreover, he has acted as a mentor to many researchers, inspiring them to pursue careers in environmental justice. Furthermore, he offered counsel to several committees to enhance environmental policy and regulation.

  • Dr. Robert established the Bullard Center at Texas Southern University, which functions as a center for research, teaching, and advocacy in environmental justice.

  • He was conducting research to support the seminal case Bean v. Southwestern Waste Management Corps, the first litigation contesting environmental racism in the United States.


His efforts have made a significant impact and established a legacy for future activists and environmental champions. A sustainable future, clean air, and water are everyone’s birthright, irrespective of color, gender, caste, Indigenous, or refugee status. We must save the world for all, not a specific demographic.


For his contribution, Dr. Robert Bullard has achieved many awards, like the Heinz Award in Public Policy, the National Medal of Science, and the Tyler Prize for Environmental Achievement. His work sparked nationwide debate on environmental matters and more equitable rights for everyone. It showcased the efficacy of individual efforts and the strength of the community in advocating for justice.


His efforts have facilitated a more egalitarian and sustainable future. He said, "The struggle today concerns justice."


We express our gratitude to Dr. Robert Bullard for his contributions to the environmental justice movement and extend our best wishes on his 77th birthday and many more to come.


 References 

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