2023: Evidence-based Urban Greening Programs and Health: A Mixed Methods Approach to Improving Environmental Justice (EDF)
The research team plans to develop a framework to connect urban forestry initiatives to climate and community health outcomes. Using data from the National Weather Service and the New York State Department of Health, they will predict block-level ambient heat exposure in New York City from 2015-2022, and compare that to heat-related emergency department visits and hospitalizations. They’ll also conduct interviews with urban foresters, public health officials, community organizations, and other stakeholders to better understand the practical, economic, and policy-related considerations of urban tree planting.
Cornell: Arnab Ghosh (Weill Cornell Medical College), Dan Katz (Cornell CALS/School of Integrative Plant Science), Qi Li (Engineering/Civil and Environmental Engineering)
EDF: Fiona Lo, Julia Gohlike, Lesa Walker (EDF consultant)
USDA Urban Forest Service: Alex Young