Findings from tests of a causal model of environmental belief and behavior measured through New Ecological Paradigm have revealed the presence of ethnic variation in environmental beliefs. According to Johnson, Bowker, and Cordell (2004), Blacks and foreign-born Latinos were less likely to score higher on New Ecological Paradigm compared to whites. The implication of such findings is that environmentalism of these ethnic groups places them at a higher risk of harm from environment related hazards. The choice of Latin Americans community in the state of New Mexico was based on this understanding. In addition, New Mexico has a comparatively high population of Hispanics to other states, comprising 48% of the state’s population (Pew Research Center, 2014). One can argue that by virtue of their population, Latin Americans contribute to critical aspects of the environment and also incur the burden of negative environmental impacts. This justifies examination of environmental issues and their impacts on health in New Mexico from the perspective of Latin Americans/Hispanics.
The three most significant environmental issues facing Latin Americans in New Mexico include:
Pollution
Deforestation, and
Settlement Issues (New Mexico Museum of Art, 2010)
The Latin American community suffers predominantly from air pollution. The atmosphere is intoxicated with nitrogen oxide emissions that contribute to regional haze and ground-level zone that impair clear vision elevating the risk of injuries from car accidents; but most importantly, pose a significant hazard to public health. The ozone and particulate pollution have been responsible for the high risks to premature deaths and incidence of asthma among community members. The situation is exacerbated by the high levels of poverty and lack of health insurance among majority of the Hispanic population (Pew Research Center, 2014). Air pollution in New Mexico comes from a coal-fired power plant, the San Juan Generating Station near Fermington. In addition, nitrate poison comes from various industrial estates and facilities including sewage treatment plant, diaries, restaurants, and mobile commercial parks among others. The poisons contaminate groundwater, making it unsafe for human and animal use. This creates water shortage given that New Mexico suffers from perennial droughts.
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A quarter of the land of the state of New Mexico is forested. However, the demand for wood and mining land has seen large tracts of forested land cleared (New Mexico Museum of Art, 2010). One can argue that harsh climatic conditions experienced in the region are an outcome of deforestation. The Hispanic community also faces the threat of displacement from constant wildfires that damage and destroy the forests, which creates challenges in accessing healthcare services. Deforestation indirectly contributes to economic wellbeing of the community, impacting abilities of its members to afford healthcare.
New Mexico has historically faced settlement uncertainties due to power struggles between occupants including the Spanish, Indians, and Mexicans (Pueblos) (New Mexico Museum of Art, 2010). Battles for regional supremacy and control resulted to oppression of lesser communities including limiting their access to healthcare. In addition, the existence of many ethnic groups has contributed to loss of social and cultural identity among Hispanics. Targeted health interventions are thus unlikely to yield desirable outcomes due to heterogeneity in the population.
Pollution can be reduced through development and implementation of legislation requiring emitters to adopt strategies for reduction of poisonous fumes and particulate. Investment in renewable (wind and solar) energy can be a long term solution to health concerns. Use of less toxic industrial and agricultural alternative can also be encouraged. The need to invest in forest wildfires management is imperative to counter frequent disruptions of settlements and give residents an opportunity to partake in meaningful economic activities to boost their financial and health needs. Stakeholders must collaboratively explore strategies for designing effective health interventions for the ethnic diverse community of the state of New Mexico.
References
Johnson, C. Y., Bowker, J. M., & Cordell, H. K. (2004). Ethnic variation in environmental belief and behavior: An examination of the new ecological paradigm in a social psychological context. Environment and behavior , 36 (2), 157-186.
New Mexico Museum of Art. (2010). Environmental issues. Retrieved 10/10/2017 from: http://online.nmartmuseum.org/nmhistory/geography-and-environment/environmental-issues.html.
Pew Research Center. (2014). Demographic profile of Hispanics in New Mexico, 2014. Retrieved 10/10/2017 from: http://www.pewhispanic.org/states/state/nm/.
