Fine-scale health-related measures of exposure to urban green spaces
Citation:
Jackson, L. Fine-scale health-related measures of exposure to urban green spaces. Int Society for Environmental Sciences (ISES), Durham, NC, October 15 - 19, 2017.
Impact/Purpose:
Invited to participate in eco-health double session; this presentation complements work of colleagues in the session. This double session will raise the profile of green infrastructure as a source of beneficial exposures for numerous chronic morbidities including mental illness.
Description:
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. It is also a source of healthful exposures due to promoting physical activity, social interaction, and engagement with nature. EPA’s EnviroAtlas project maps neighborhood and individual-scale metrics of green infrastructure to indicate potential for hazard buffering and beneficial exposures. Example metrics include tree cover along roads, green window views, and proximity to parks. Based on findings from the scientific literature, these metrics are further tested and refined in EnviroAtlas communities with partners in health science research. Relevant health correlates include physical fitness, social connectedness, school performance, and longevity. Often, stronger beneficial associations with greenery are found in disproportionately vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, and those of lower socioeconomic status. However, green infrastructure is often disproportionately lacking in low-income communities. EnviroAtlas maps and supporting information can help screen for neighborhoods most likely to benefit from interventions such as enhancing street trees in walkable areas and reducing impervious surfaces in urban heat islands. EPA and partners develop one-meter scale landcover data used in most metrics. Additional inputs include 30-meter resolution population estimates, and existing datasets such as roads and waterways. All EnviroAtlas data are available online. A suite of fine-scale metrics has been developed for 20 urbanized areas to date, using consistent methods to facilitate comparisons between neighborhoods and across multiple U.S. communities. Research is ongoing to increase sample size, environmental and population heterogeneity, and generalizability of results. Collaborators 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.