Environmental Equity in New Hampshire: Advocating for Justice and Change
Environmental justice has emerged as a pivotal movement advocating for fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people, regardless of their socioeconomic status and racial background, in the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies. To delve into the significance of this movement in the Granite State and its connection to equity, we spoke with Arnold Mikolo, an Environmental Justice Advocate for the Conservation Law Foundation (CLF) in Concord, New Hampshire.
In recent years, the urgent call for environmental justice has gained momentum as a pivotal movement advocating for fairness and inclusivity in the face of the disproportionately harsh impacts of global climate change on historically marginalized communities. As the repercussions of climate change continue to manifest, it becomes increasingly evident that the current path will only exacerbate existing inequalities, unless transformative action is taken.
One of the critical issues highlighted by the movement is the intensifying impact of heatwaves on densely urbanized areas. The impending rise in global temperatures threatens to transform cities into veritable heat traps, where asphalt and concrete create urban heat islands that can reach temperatures much higher than their surrounding rural areas. For those living in lower-income neighborhoods, often located in these very urban heat islands, the consequences are dire. The lack of green spaces and trees, coupled with limited access to air conditioning and other cooling systems, puts vulnerable communities at a heightened risk of heat-related illnesses.
“At its core, the environmental justice movement seeks to correct injustices and ensure that underserved communities enjoy equitable access to environmental benefits such as clean air, green spaces, fresh food, and transportation. These benefits are often taken for granted, becoming a privilege for some while remaining elusive for others.” - Arnold Mikolo, Environmental Justice Advocate
There is a disproportionate environmental burden impacting historically marginalized communities, especially communities of color and low-income communities. The inequities are twofold: Low-income neighborhoods often face severe heat in dense urbanized areas, or exposure to toxic pollutants from surrounding industrial areas, which can contribute to severe health issues. This disparity is exacerbated by the lack of affordable housing in New Hampshire, pushing many into inadequate living conditions.
The work of Environmental Justice Advocates like Arnold Mikolo extends beyond correcting past wrongs. Recognizing that future development and policy decisions will shape the landscape for years to come, these advocates are engaged in forward-looking efforts to ensure equity in all aspects of environmental policy. As new policies are formulated and development projects are initiated, they are actively pushing for considerations that prioritize inclusivity, affordability, and resilience.
One area where this forward-looking approach is particularly critical is housing. The lack of affordable housing in New Hampshire exacerbates the challenges faced by many communities. The environmental justice movement aims to integrate affordable housing policies with climate resilience measures, ensuring that vulnerable communities have access to safe, affordable, and climate-resilient housing options.
“Studies have shown that BIPOC communities, especially Black folks, are more likely to have high blood pressure, heart conditions, respiratory issues, asthma, and even cancer from exposure to pollution.” - Arnold Mikolo, Environmental Justice Advocate
Environmental injustices are rooted in racial discrimination
The roots of current environmental injustices can be traced back to historical discriminatory practices such as redlining, a practice of mortgage lenders drawing red lines around areas of a map to indicate neighborhoods deemed risky investments, which perpetuated racial and socioeconomic disparities.
“You have to think about the legacy of poor planning and policies that were intentionally designed to negatively impact communities of color. So we have to keep that as a frame of reference when talking about environmental justice. Communities of color are still carrying this burden today, and it’s not enough to just correct the injustices of the past.” - Arnold Mikolo, Environmental Justice Advocate
Furthermore, these communities are excluded from the decision-making processes that influence their neighborhoods' development, as decisions are often made by affluent people living far away from the affected areas. When policies are crafted without the input and representation of those directly impacted, they tend to favor the interests of influential individuals or communities, leaving marginalized groups without a voice.
Uncovering Inequities in New Hampshire
New Hampshire often points to a high quality of life and economic prosperity, however, there are deep-seated environmental justice issues. For example, while the state boasts impressive economic indicators, areas within Manchester struggle with substandard living conditions, air pollution, heavy traffic, lack of trees and parks, and other environmental challenges.
To combat these injustices, organizations like CLF are at the forefront of advocating for environmental justice. They engage in community-based efforts to identify priority issues and build trust within marginalized communities. By conducting surveys and forming advisory groups, they gain insights into the needs of these communities and work to represent and address their concerns.
One example of the CLF’s success is the establishment of a lead prevention commission in Manchester to tackle the critical issue of child lead poisoning, another concern, contributing to a range of health issues. The prevalence of lead paint in homes built before 1976 affects about 100 children every year, according to the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services. This not only impacts the health and life expectancy of affected children, but it impacts their prospects and future opportunities.
“Once you start connecting the dots, you realize that, when we are advocating or rebuilding a community of advocates, or building an environmental justice movement, it's not just about one issue within itself. Environmental justice is connected to poverty, to health, to education - it's connected to pretty much every other aspect of life.” - Arnold Mikolo, Environmental Justice Advocate
“Neighborhood highways” are a reflection of inequitable city planning
Another issue impacting low-income communities and communities of color in Manchester is traffic and what is referred to as ‘neighborhood highways’. These are large one-way streets, like Beech, Maple, Pine, and Chestnut streets, that act as highways and bring along issues like speeding, which impact residents’ safety. Additionally, having large highway-like roads in the city deprives the surrounding neighborhoods of green spaces that would contribute to better air quality and reduce heat islands.
In 2019, Manchester city officials authorized a pilot program to reduce traffic in these areas that included re-striping on Maple Street, including a 3-foot shoulder, an 11-foot travel lane, and a 5-foot bicycle lane. Despite positive results and strong community grassroots organizations pushing for change, the program hasn’t yet been extended to other areas of Manchester experiencing similar traffic issues, such as Bridge Street.
Language can be a barrier to environmental justice
Manchester emphasizes the power of grassroots movements and community-led initiatives. However, in a city as diverse as Manchester, with more than 70 languages spoken within the area, linguistic diversity is both a strength and a challenge. High linguistic isolation for people who don’t speak English hinders effective participation in discussions that affect the communities they live in.
“Only by engaging affected communities, amplifying their voices, having representation, and partnering with experts, can we work toward creating sustainable, just, and inclusive neighborhoods.” - Arnold Mikolo, Environmental Justice Advocate
The example of Manchester highlights the compounding challenges faced by low-income communities when it comes to environmental justice and equity. The insights from Environmental Justice Advocate Arnold Mikolo underscore the importance of acknowledging and addressing environmental disparities. The environmental justice movement seeks to right historical wrongs, rectify policy shortcomings, and create a future where everyone, regardless of their background, can enjoy clean air, access to parks and shade, safe housing, and high quality of life. The challenges are significant, but the potential for transformative change is equally big. By becoming part of the solution, community members can advocate for environmental equity and foster stronger communities in New Hampshire.
The environmental justice movement in New Hampshire is not just about mitigating existing disparities; it's about forging a path forward that safeguards the rights and well-being of all residents, regardless of their socioeconomic status or background. As climate change continues to reshape the environment, these advocates are at the forefront of envisioning a future where equitable policies and inclusive development are paramount, creating a more just and sustainable society for generations to come.
Arnold Mukwanga Mikolo
Arnold Mukwanga Mikolo is the Environmental Justice Community Advocate for the Conservation Law Foundation in New Hampshire, where his work focuses on Manchester. Born in the Northeastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo, he lived there until he was 11 years old. Arnold’s family moved many times and left the country due to political instability. After graduating from high school, Arnold went to Uganda for his undergraduate studies in business. Arnold volunteers with New Hampshire Legal Assistance, where he serves as a housing tester to end housing discrimination, and is currently the branch's first Vice President of the Manchester NAACP chapter. Arnold won the “Civic Leader of the Year” in 2016 with Stay Work Play, “40 under Forty” in 2017 with the Union Leader, “2018 It List” with the New Hampshire Magazine, and was featured on the front cover of the 2019 Manchester Advantage Magazine with the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce. He was also awarded the 2021 Good Samaritan Award by Pastoral Counseling Services.