For Du Bois, capitalism and racism do not only impose on the souls but also the soils of Black folk. In a century defined by the intersecting crises of capitalism, racist oppression, and global ecological degradation, Du Bois’s theories that detail their relation and offer a program to reimagine society as an abolition democracy, serve as a prescient guide.
The story of military sites contributing to environmental injustices in Las Vegas offer us an important lesson of accountability on the U.S. Military for environmental injustices. Those on the frontlines, including nearby civilians and lower-rank military personnel, are more likely to experience detrimental health and environmental impacts from defense-related operations. Therefore, when thinking about contributors to environmental injustices, we must include the military into the equation.
