The air in Cancer Alley, Louisiana, thick with pollution from hundreds of fossil fuel and petrochemical plants, poses severe health risks to its residents. This predominantly minority area experiences some of the highest cancer rates, with locals attending multiple funerals a month.
Environmental protections initially aimed at curbing pollution have been overturned by the Trump administration, sparking lawsuits from health and environmental groups. Experts warn that the rollback is unlawful and could exacerbate health disparities nationwide, hitting minority communities the hardest.
Research consistently shows that racial and ethnic minorities bear the brunt of pollution and climate shifts. Advocacy groups emphasize the pressing need to preserve environmental protections for these vulnerable communities, to prevent further health and environmental degradation.
(With inputs from agencies.)