Project Partner: Speak for the Trees, Fall 2025
Project Summary: Particulate matter (PM) pollution is linked with poor health outcomes in Boston, and neighborhood greenness can help, especially in areas of lower socioeconomic status. However, urban trees are not distributed equitably, and neighborhoods with more PM exposure often have fewer trees.
In partnership with Speak for the Trees, Emma analyzed relationships between tree canopy and public health in Boston, created a tool to visualize air quality data in areas of community interest, and created materials to communicate the importance of urban canopy in community resilience from pollution and other climate stressors.
Deliverables:
- Analyzing relationships between tree canopy cover and public health variables from the CDC’s PLACES dataset to support Speak for the Trees’ mission of campaigning for urban trees.
- Dashboard visualizing community air quality data from sensors provided to Speak for the Trees by an EPA grant, to help community members make decisions about exposure to air pollution.
- Communications materials, including a policy memo and talking points guide, about the public health benefits of trees as a mediator for cardiovascular disease, to educate decision-makers and community members.
Watch Emma’s URBAN Internship Lightning Talk here.