french
In a small French town where Houston-based LyondellBasell is a fixture, residents complain of unending pollution
Residents on the east side of Harris County, Texas, share a troubling connection with Berre-l’Étang in southern France: exposure to toxic chemicals from LyondellBasell, a major petrochemical company. Nazmul Ahasan reports for Grist.
In a nutshell:
Activists in both countries complain that regulators prioritize the economic well-being of polluting industries over the environment and public health. In Berre-l’Étang, flares from LyondellBasell's industrial complex caused thick clouds of toxic smoke, affecting nearby Marseille. Meanwhile, in Harris County, Texas, chemical releases led to injuries and prompted concerns among residents. Despite activism and lawsuits, the company's impact on these communities remains a pressing issue, revealing a troubling intersection of industrial interests and public health.
Key quote:
“Basically, the judge blamed residents for pollution by saying, ‘You had it coming,’” said Algrain, a climate activist who grew up in Berre-l’Étang. “Others are saying if you’re not happy with the way you’re living or the living conditions, you can just leave.”
The big picture:
Living near a petrochemical plant can expose residents to a range of potential health hazards. These include an increased risk of respiratory issues due to the release of pollutants like sulfur dioxide and hydrogen sulfide, which can irritate the airways and lead to breathing difficulties. Prolonged exposure to toxic chemicals such as benzene and 1,3-butadiene, common emissions from petrochemical facilities, may elevate the risk of cancer. Carbon monoxide releases can cause symptoms like headaches and nausea, and long-term exposure may lead to chronic health problems. Residing in close proximity to such plants raises concerns about public health and underscores the need for stringent environmental regulations and safety measures.
Read the article at Grist.
Meet Cami Ferrell, EHN's new reporter focusing on petrochemical pollution in Texas.
France will spend €2 billion to double bike lanes, expand cycling
Climate activists spray-paint entrance to French PM's office
Common French bird species face 'unrelenting' decline
From city centres to rural fields, human activity has decimated populations of France's most common bird species, scientists warned, citing data collected over 30 years by volunteer ornithologists.
The UK should take heart from France’s green revolution
The world may be distracted by the pandemic, but French voters have not forgotten the climate crisis.
Can drinking brandy help solve climate change?
Mark Guillaudeu, beverage director at Commis and CDP Bar in Oakland, wants you to drink more brandy. Not just because it's delicious but also because he believes it might help mitigate the effects of climate change.
French ski resort uses helicopters to deliver snow for bare slopes
A French ski resort has used helicopters to deliver snow after mild weather dried out its slopes, threatening it with closure.