William Acker's book on environmental racism
Jurist William Acker has published a book titled Environmental Racism: Thinking from the Convergence in the Fight against Antitsiganism to address the issue of environmental racism faced by France's nomadic communities. Acker, who is the general delegate of the National Association of Nomadic People Citizens (ANGVC), previously conducted a study mapping the locations of reception areas for nomadic people in France, finding that 52% are situated near visible sources of pollution. His work has contributed to changing public perception of nomadic communities.Definition of environmental racism
Environmental racism is defined as the relationship between a racial situation in an order where race has legal or political importance and the environmental inequalities suffered by a racialized group. The concept is illustrated by black neighborhoods in the United States, which are both the poorest and the most polluted. It also applies to post-colonial spaces, such as overseas departments, where researchers have highlighted the link between past racial domination and a predatory economy that continues to create environmental inequalities, especially concerning the pesticide chlordécone used in Guadeloupe and Martinique from 1972 to 1993.Environmental racism in France
In France, environmental racism is particularly evident in the context of antitsiganism. Specific laws have historically targeted so-called Gypsy populations, contributing to the creation of separate, polluted spaces in urban areas. Acker argues that focusing on environmental struggles can open new alliances and avoid unintentionally harming marginalized populations. He notes that ecological movements sometimes ignore or even exacerbate racial issues, with some resident groups using environmental law to prevent nomadic people from settling near them.Lubrizol fire as a symbol of resistance
The Lubrizol chemical plant fire near Rouen in 2019 became a symbol of the fight against environmental racism. Although the initial focus was on the negative effects on surrounding residents, the nomadic people who lived near the site also entered the struggle, demanding relocation and highlighting their living conditions. This led to increased awareness and support from local residents, with nomadic communities becoming the spearhead of the movement.Demeter cell and its deactivation
Acker also discusses the Demeter cell, an intelligence unit created within the gendarmerie to repress rural delinquency. Initially, it was used to address concerns from the agro-industrial lobby regarding environmental activists, rave parties, and the stigmatization of nomadic people. The cell was partially deactivated in 2022 after being deemed illegal by the Paris administrative court.Uniting different groups for common goals
Acker proposes uniting the demands of advocates for lightweight housing, such as those promoting "vanlife," with those of nomadic people to combat indifference towards racism. This approach could help bridge the gap between different groups and foster common struggles.
