Environmental justice 521
Environmental Justice
One of the only ways for people to protect their health in oil-rich areas is to
make sure that whoever controls oil resources works in a way that protects
people from the health risks and provides them with the benefits. Because oil
is so valuable, they have a lot of wealth to work with.
Women protest oil exploitation
The Niger River Delta in Nigeria was once a fertile land with plenty of fish,
wildlife, and healthy farms. When oil companies first came to this region, they
promised economic benefits to all the people. But after more than 30 years of oil
development, the companies have not kept their word. As one Nigerian woman
explained, “We are angry. Since 1970 when the company came here, they have
denied us every living thing. We have nothing to show except the pollution of
our rivers and creeks, destruction of our forests and mangroves, and the terrible
noise of the gas flaring. We have no hope, while they are making millions with
our gifts from God. They do not care or hear our cries.”
(story continues on next page)
A Community Guide to Environmental Health 2012