PROJECT PROFILE: From Green to GrEEEn
Utilizing an EJ lens and earth science data to enhance greenspace Equity, Exposure, and Experience
About
This project aims to follow participatory data collection and assessment processes to examine equity and environmental justice (EEJ) landscapes by analyzing one core issue environmental justice (EJ) and underserved urban communities face: greenspace access. In order to better understand greenspace access in EJ communities, we aim to examine three significant topics that need further research: (i) Equity—if greenspaces are equitably distributed in a community by offering easy walking access from residential parcels to nearby greenspaces in disadvantaged neighborhoods; (ii) Exposure—if users have green exposure while walking on their way to nearby greenspaces; and (iii) Experience—if users experience spatial quality and green elements (e.g., land cover, tree types) while enjoying the greenspaces. Additionally, we aim to explore the ways that NASA, through their data and organizational involvement, could support EJ communities in analyzing and addressing these topics. Geographically, we will focus on the state of New Jersey, and more specifically two EJ communities within the state—the City of Camden and Jersey City.
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Rowan University was awarded a $100,000 grant from NASA under the Earth Science Applications: Equity and Environmental Justice (EEJ) program.
Camden
Jersey City
New Jersey
Project Team
Mahbubur Meenar, Ph.D. (Principal Investigator, Rowan University)
Md Shahinoor Rahman, Ph.D. (Co-Investigator/Institutional PI, New Jersey City University)
Deepti Adlakha, Ph.D. (Co-Investigator/Institutional PI, North Carolina State University)
Ted Howell, Ph.D. (Co-Investigator, Rowan University)
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Research Collaborator
S. M. Labib, Ph.D. (Utrecht University, Nederlands)
Major Tasks
Conduct an online survey of designated EJ communities in New Jersey to identify how NASA can best support local community decision-making processes relating to EEJ and greenspace issues by contributing earth science information to those processes
Focus Groups
Conduct focus groups to understand public perceptions of greenspace equity, exposure, and experience and identify opportunities for NASA activities and data support to address EEJ by focusing on a sample EEJ landscape analysis related to greenspaces in Camden and Jersey City, NJ
Use earth science data to examine greenspace equity, exposure, and experience in EJ communities to minimize gaps that may exist in EJ communities’ use of earth science resources and compare findings from two NJ cities
Greenspace Equity
Greenspace Exposure
Greenspace Experience
Examine greenspace equity to determine equitable access to greenspaces
Examine greenspace exposure by determining eye-level greenness along sidewalks connecting residences to greenspace locations
Examine greenspace experience to determine spatial quality and availability of green elements
Outputs
White Paper - Using Earth Science Data to Design Park and Open Space Plans in New Jersey
Featured Project - NASA website
Journal article:
Rahman, M., Meenar, M. (corresponding author), Labib, S.M., Howell, T., Adlakha, D., & Woodward, B.** (2024). Unveiling Environmental Justice in Two US Cities through Greenspace Access and Visible Greenness Exposure​. Urban Forestry & Urban Greening, 101 (128493).
