Citation:

Jackson, L., A. Neale, D. Pilant, AND D. Nowak. U.S. ENVIROATLAS PROVIDES FINE-SCALE INDICATORS OF ECOSYSTEM SERVICES FOR PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELL-BEING. World Conference on Forests fro Public Health, Athens, Attica, GREECE, May 08 - 11, 2019.

Impact/Purpose:

To communicate eco-health content of EnviroAtlas. As conference participants are leading international experts on forests, green space and human health, participation will be a highly effective means to broadcast our online fine-scale research product and methods for application, and to network with leaders in the field.

Description:

INTRODUCTION: Nature’s benefits to society, also known as ecosystem services, contribute to many aspects of public health and well-being. Green infrastructure routinely buffers both natural and man-made hazards. Green and blue spaces also promote physical activity, social interaction, and engagement with nature. The U.S. EnviroAtlas produces neighborhood and individual-scale spatial metrics of natural infrastructure to indicate potential for hazard buffering and beneficial exposures. EnviroAtlas also includes the Eco-Health Relationship Browser, which summarizes the global literature in a popular, interactive graphical format. METHOD: EnviroAtlas metrics for featured communities are based on one-meter scale landcover data, also developed by EPA and partners. Additional inputs include 30-meter resolution population estimates, and existing datasets such as roads, waterways, and outputs from environmental sensors. Consistent methods are used to facilitate comparisons between neighborhoods and across communities. Example metrics include tree cover along busy roadways, window views of water, proximity to parks, and air and water pollutants reduced by tree cover. Based on findings from the scientific literature, metrics are tested and refined with partners in ecology and health science research. Health correlates explored to date pertain to physical fitness, cognitive function, birth weight, and longevity. RESULTS: A suite of almost 100 fine-scale metrics has been developed and mapped for 27 U.S. urbanized areas to date, encompassing 1,200 cities and towns and fifteen percent of the U.S. population. EnviroAtlas community metrics have informed city planning and health impact assessments. Typically, ecosystem services are disproportionately lacking in neighborhoods with significant amounts of low-income residents and people of color. However, beneficial health links to ecosystem services are often stronger for just such vulnerable populations, as well as for children and the elderly. CONCLUSIONS: EnviroAtlas maps and supporting information can help screen for neighborhoods most likely to benefit from health interventions such as reducing impervious surfaces in urban heat islands and enhancing walking trails through green spaces. All EnviroAtlas data are available online, and require no more than an internet browser to view or download. Further research and development are ongoing; collaborations on indicator development, eco-health analyses, and applications in additional geographic regions are welcome! This abstract has been reviewed and approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. However, it does not necessarily reflect the views and policies of the Agency.

Record Details: