A new study by The Nature Conservancy found that increasing green space in Brooklyn could significantly improve health outcomes and reduce disparities, especially for Black and Hispanic residents. The report, titled “The Greenpoint-Williamsburg TNC Study”, was a collaboration between The Nature Conservancy, the Gowanus Canal Conservancy and local community organizations.
The study focused on Greenpoint and Williamsburg, two rapidly gentrifying neighborhoods that still have significant low-income and minority populations. Researchers found that these communities have lower tree canopy coverage and access to parks compared to the borough average.
Planting more street trees, creating new parks and improving existing green spaces could reduce air pollution, urban heat island effects and stormwater flooding, while providing mental health benefits. The biggest health improvements would be seen in predominantly Black and Hispanic areas that currently lack green space.
“Communities of color too often bear the burden of environmental injustices,” said Emily Nobel Maxwell, New York Cities Program Director for The Nature Conservancy. “Investing in green infrastructure is a cost-effective public health intervention that can help correct these inequities.”
The findings support recent city and state efforts to expand green space access in underserved areas through programs like the “Vital Brooklyn” initiative. However, more targeted investments are still needed in the most impacted neighborhoods.
See “Greening Brooklyn: A Prescription For Health And Equity” (May 27, 2024)
