Introduction This report aims to comprehensively examine the relationship between tree canopy , land cover , demographic information , and environmental justice in the neighborhoods of Springfield , MA . Utilizing the capabilities of i-Tree Landscape and the EPA EJSCREEN software tools , we conducted a detailed analysis of data to identify areas with high poverty rates , low income levels , and significant minority populations . Our study focused on assessing the benefits of trees in specific census blocks and comparing them with more affluent areas of the city . Through mapping techniques , we prioritized future tree planting efforts to address environmental justice concerns effectively . By combining i-Tree Landscape and EPA EJSCREEN , we provide comprehensive insights into the potential positive impacts of tree planting initiatives for the well-being of disadvantaged communities . Urban forests and green spaces play a crucial role in enhancing the quality of life in cities , providing a wide range of environmental , social , and economic benefits . However , environmental injustices arise when disadvantaged communities face limited access to these advantages . In this report , we examine the intersection of tree canopy cover , land cover , demographic information , and environmental justice in Springfield , MA , a city known for its diverse demographics . Our objectives include evaluating the benefits provided by existing trees in specific census blocks , comparing these benefits with more affluent areas , and proposing strategies for future tree planting efforts that address environmental justice issues . By leveraging i-Tree Landscape and EPA EJSCREEN , we present a comprehensive understanding of the potential positive impacts of tree planting initiatives on the well-being of disadvantaged communities .
Background and Objectives Springfield , MA , serves as the context for our investigation , where the inequitable distribution of green infrastructure poses challenges to disadvantaged communities . This report seeks to explore the relationship between tree canopy , land cover , demographic information , and environmental justice in Springfield . By leveraging the capabilities of i-Tree Landscape and EPA EJSCREEN , we aim to combine demographic indicators with environmental characteristics to gain a better understanding of environmental justice ( EJ ) census block areas within the city . Our objectives encompass assessing the benefits of trees in these areas , comparing them to the state , EPA regions , or the nation , and prioritizing future tree planting efforts to address environmental justice concerns effectively .
Methodology To achieve our objectives , we employed both the i-Tree Landscape and EPA EJSCREEN software tools . i-Tree Landscape enabled us to quantify and assess the structure , function , and value of urban forests by analyzing available geospatial data , including tree canopy cover , land cover , and demographic information . This analysis allowed us to determine the benefits provided by existing trees in the identified disadvantaged neighborhoods and compare them with more affluent areas of Springfield Furthermore , we utilized the EPA EJSCREEN tool to combine demographic indicators with a single environmental characteristic across Springfield . This integration facilitated a comprehensive understanding of the environmental justice census block areas within the city . By comparing these areas to the state , EPA regions , or the nation , we gained valuable insights into the disparities and environmental justice concerns prevalent in Springfield .
Key Findings and Discussion The findings of our analysis , conducted using i-Tree Landscape and EPA EJSCREEN , provide comprehensive insights into the relationship between tree canopy , land cover , demographics , and environmental justice in Springfield . By integrating demographic indicators with environmental characteristics through EPA EJSCREEN , we developed a better understanding of the environmental justice census block areas within the city .
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