By Abby Wester ‘22
Staff Writer
Throughout the U.S., the old practice of redlining in cities has been shown to have negative environmental effects on the majority-Black neighborhoods once marked off on maps. With global temperatures on the rise, the effects of this practice are becoming more and more noticeable.
According to NPR, “redlining” is a term used to describe the discriminatory practice of the government “rating” neighborhoods to help banks and mortgage lenders determine which neighborhoods were considered “risky.” “Risky” neighborhoods, so identified by the federal Home Owners’ Loan Corporation, were shaded red on maps. These neighborhoods were labeled “risky” largely because of their Black and immigrant residents. These segregated neighborhoods did not receive equal resources, as investments were often diverted away from them because of their ethnic makeup. Redlining began in 1934 and aided in the creation of American segregation in the housing market.
While redlining is not technically in practice today, it created a cycle of disinvestment that still has residual effects — even on the environment. A study conducted by the scientific journal Climate on 108 urban areas in the U.S. found that in 94 percent of these urban areas, the formerly redlined neighborhoods had higher land surface temperatures relative to the non-redlined neighborhoods. These hotter temperatures are due to fewer tree-lined streets and greened areas and more cement areas.
Because of this history of redlining, neighborhoods that today house mostly those belonging to racial minority groups will bear the brunt of rising global temperatures. According to a study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention from 2004 to 2018, an average of 702 heat-related deaths occur each year. With hotter temperatures in formerly redlined neighborhoods, these communities are at greater risk because of their zip codes.