The Impact of Redlining on Environmental Inequality

A Study of Tree Cover, Asthma Risk, and Air Quality in U.S. Cities

Introduction:

This study investigates the environmental inequalities caused by redlining in four major U.S. cities: New York, Seattle, Miami, and New Orleans. By analyzing maps of redline distribution, tree cover, asthma risk, and PM2.5 levels, the research explores the relationships between urban planning practices and environmental health outcomes. The study finds that areas with higher redline grades tend to have more tree cover and lower asthma risks, while those with lower redline grades show the opposite. However, no significant spatial correlation was found between redlining and PM2.5 distribution, with coastal areas generally showing better air quality.

Research site selection

The selection of New York, Seattle, Miami, and New Orleans is based on their diverse geographical locations across the United States, which allows for a comprehensive analysis of the environmental inequalities caused by redlining in different regional contexts.

New York, located on the East Coast, provides insights into the historical and current impacts of redlining in a densely populated urban area. Seattle, on the West Coast, offers a contrasting geographical setting with its proximity to the Pacific Ocean and a different climate and urban structure. Miami, situated in the South, is particularly relevant for studying the intersection of redlining and environment.New Orleans, located in the southeastern United States.

Together, these cities represent a wide range of U.S. geographic regions, offering valuable perspectives on how redlining has contributed to environmental inequalities in different parts of the country.