Newark Charter School, 11th grade

Beyond the Surface: Unveiling Environmental Injustice in Delaware’s Landscapes 

In the diverse landscapes of Delaware, where marshes embrace the coastline and forests whisper tales of resilience, lies a narrative often overlooked amidst the tranquility: a story of environmental injustice, one that strikes at the very core of our communities. With each breath of air tainted by pollution and each drop of water poisoned by neglect, the need for action becomes ever more pressing. As a youth in Delaware who is passionate about the call of environmental justice, I stand at the precipice of change, and I am ready to challenge the status quo and advocate for a future where all everyone in Delaware can thrive in harmony with nature. 

Environmental justice stretches past mere conservation; it embodies the pursuit of fairness, equity, and dignity for all beings, human and non-human alike. It’s the recognition that the issues of pollution, climate change, and ecological degradation are disproportionately carried by marginalized communities – the same communities whose voices are often drowned out by the clamor of profit-driven agendas. No exception to this, Delaware, though small in size, bears witness to a number of environmental injustices. From the industrial heartlands of Wilmington to the rural farmlands of Sussex County, the lasting impacts of pollution taint our landscapes, poisoning the air we breathe and the water we drink. Even worse, communities of color and low-income neighborhoods bear the brunt of these injustices, their health and well-being sacrificed at the altar of unchecked development. 

Delaware, though geographically smaller in size, faces a myriad of environmental challenges that have serious implications for its residents. One of the most pressing issues is water quality, particularly in the Chesapeake Bay and Delaware Bay watersheds. Pollution from agricultural runoff, urban stormwater, and industrial discharge threatens the health of these vital waterways, impacting aquatic ecosystems and endangering public health. According to the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC), nutrient pollution from sources such as nitrogen and phosphorus contributes to harmful algal blooms, hypoxia (oxygen-depleted “dead zones”), and the decline of native species. These challenges are exacerbated by climate change, which intensifies precipitation patterns and sea-level rise, further stressing water quality and coastal ecosystems. 

Furthermore, Delaware grapples with air pollution, especially in urban areas like Wilmington, where industrial facilities and heavy traffic emit pollutants such as particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, and volatile organic compounds. The American Lung Association’s “State of the Air” report highlights Delaware’s struggles with ozone pollution, ranking it among the most ozone-polluted states in the nation. These pollutants pose significant risks to respiratory health, worsening conditions such as asthma and cardiovascular disease, with low-income and minority communities bearing a disproportionate burden of exposure. Addressing these environmental injustices requires a multifaceted approach, including stricter regulations on industrial emissions, investments in renewable energy infrastructure, and increasingly community-led initiatives to promote environmental justice and public health equity. 

Yet, amid these shadows, flickers of hope emerge – the resilience of communities banding together to fight for their rights and the tireless efforts of activists paving the way for a brighter tomorrow. I have seen firsthand the impact of environmental injustice when traveling to other parts of Delaware, such as the city of Wilmington, where more than one type of pollution is apparent. In the face of such adversity, the question arises: what can us youth do to address these injustices? However, the answer lies not in passive “addressment” but in the boldness of taking action and the power of collective initiative. As the future of Delaware, we have to rise to the occasion and make it our priority to change our community. 

In fact, in Delaware, youth have a pivotal role to play in the fight for environmental justice. For the past several years, the Delaware Youth Environmental Summit (YES!) has been extremely influential in encouraging youth involvement in environmental advocacy. As a student leader for the summit, I’ve worked with my fellow leaders to organize a successful event where we invite speakers and environmental-focused organizations from across the country to show their specific role in environmentalism and how they address and combat issues they face in their own communities. Thus, throughout the past two years, I have been able to foster partnerships with local organizations, utilize social media platforms for advocacy, and learn more about renewable energy initiatives that aim to mitigate the impacts of climate change. Moreover, as youth, we can build a movement that transcends boundaries of race, class, and geography – a movement grounded in the fundamental belief that every individual has the right to clean air, safe water, and a thriving environment. 

Environmental justice is not merely a distant dream but a very tangible reality within our grasp. It calls to us, urging us to rise above carelessness about the environment that many have instilled within them, instead, embrace our leadership with courage and conviction. Together, we can create a future where justice and clean air and water are for everyone. The time to act is now. Change is inevitable, so it’s our choice to make a difference for Delaware, for our planet, and for future generations– choose to take action and change our community and, consequently, the world along with it. 

In the diverse landscapes of Delaware, where marshes embrace the coastline and forests whisper tales of resilience, lies a narrative often overlooked amidst the tranquility: a story of environmental injustice, one that strikes at the very core of our communities. With each breath of air tainted by pollution and each drop of water poisoned by neglect, the need for action becomes ever more pressing. As a youth in Delaware who is passionate about the call of environmental justice, I stand at the precipice of change, and I am ready to challenge the status quo and advocate for a future where all everyone in Delaware can thrive in harmony with nature