Redlining
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Redlining is a historical discriminatory practice in which individuals are denied business or financial services because they live in neighborhoods that are regarded as risky investments
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These neighborhoods have historically been comprised of racial and ethnic minorities, low-income residents, and other underrepresented groups
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Since these people were denied financial support, they could not afford to move from dense urban regions to suburban neighborhoods
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Redlined areas remain communities with mostly marginalized and underrepresented groups
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Many redlined communities, such as Newark, NJ, are disproportionately affected by environmental issues and have developed into urban heat islands
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Dumont Arbor Day
Newark Tree Planting
Environmental Injustice in Newark
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According to the 2021 Urban Heat Islands (UHI) Report by Climate Central, the city of Newark has the second-worst heat island intensity at an index score of 7.71°F
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This index measures the potential difference in average temperature for each city compared to neighboring areas with more greenery
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The same report claims that critical factors of Newark’s high index score include impermeable surfaces, tall buildings, and high population density
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According to a 2022 Census by the U.S. Census Bureau, 48.2% of Newark’s population is Black or African American alone, 36.8% is Hispanic or Latino, and 25.8% is in poverty
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Newark is a prime example of environmental injustice, as urban heat islands disproportionately affect low-income and BIPOC communities
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How is the Newark Tree Canopy Expanding?
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Despite being historically redlined, Newark is the center of several tree canopy initiatives, including Arbores Ad Aequitas!
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These initiatives promote environmental justice by spreading awareness and organizing activities such as tree plantings
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Arbores Ad Aequitas recently joined a tree planting in Newark coordinated by the NJ Tree Foundation (pictured)
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After recent funding from the United States Forest Service for The Nature Conservancy (TNC) to improve tree canopy in Newark, more extensive initiatives are under development
Englewood Workshop