This is a word, a podcast from Slate. I'm your host, Jason Johnson. With endless wildfires

and epic floods becoming routine, we're seeing the devastating consequences of climate

change unfold in real time. And while America's green movement has traditionally had a white

face, many black Americans have been grassroots leaders from the start.

Most people don't think about pollution cutting across their neighborhoods, but for some people,

it's an everyday situation. The fight for environmental justice coming up on a word with me,

Jason Johnson. Stay with us.

Welcome to a word, a podcast about race, impolitics, and everything else. I'm your host,

Jason Johnson. I can't breathe. That phrase has become synonymous with the fight against police

violence, but I'll also apply to another important civil rights issue, environmental justice.

Historically, black communities from big cities to rural enclaves have suffered disproportionately

from the consequences of environmental abuse and neglect, and climate change is making the

situation worse. Many African Americans have dedicated their lives to helping communities of color

protect themselves from environmental racism. One of the leaders of that movement is Robert Bullard,

known as the father of environmental justice. He literally wrote the book on the issue,

actually several books, including unequal protection, environmental justice, and communities of color.

He's collaborated with lawmakers, including Maxine Waters, Al Gore, and the late John Lewis,

on environmental justice, and earned a Lifetime Achievement Award from the United Nations Environment

Program. Robert Bullard is currently co-chair of the National Black Environmental Justice Network,

and the distinguished professor of urban planning and environmental policy at Texas Southern

University. And Robert Bullard joins us now. Welcome to a word. Thanks a lot.

You're quoted as saying the United States of America is segregated and so is pollution. What does

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