Work

Oil spill in Esmeraldas: a public health emergency in the context of environmental racism

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Esmeraldas, a coastal province in northern Ecuador, is among the country's most vulnerable and marginalized regions. With more than 70% of its population self-identified as Afro-descendant and high levels of multidimensional poverty, it faces historical exclusion from essential public services such as health care, potable water, and sanitation. This configuration of vulnerability is key to understanding the impact of the oil spill that occurred on March 13, 2025,1 not only as an environmental disaster but also as a public health emergency and a human rights crisis.

Source: The Lancet Regional Health - Americas

DOI: 10.1016/j.lana.2025.101297

Authors: Jesús Endara-Mina, Damary S. Jaramillo-Aguilar, Katherine Simbaña-Rivera

Institutions: Universidad Técnica Particular de Loja, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador, Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria

Language: English

Topic: Environmental Justice and Health Disparities

Subfield: Sociology and Political Science

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Reduced inequalities, Good health and well-being, Peace, justice, and strong institutions

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $4,930