Advocate for Green Infrastructure in Redlined Neighborhoods
Historically Redlined Neighborhoods
The historic discriminatory practice of redlining caused certain urban neighborhoods to remain communities whose residents are primarily lower income residents of color, with fewer resources, more heat-retaining buildings and pavement, and relatively less greenspace
Redlining started in the 1930s, by the Homeowners’ Loan Corporation (“HOLC”). HOLC ranked neighborhoods based on the race and occupation makeup of residents. Neighborhoods whose residents were primarily minorities and/or low income were ranked by HOLC as “hazardous” and shaded in red on maps. This is called redlining. These redlined neighborhoods were not eligible for mortgages and other loans.
Greater Risk of Urban Heat Island Effect
Redlined neighborhoods in Miami, for example, continue to have less tree cover, higher temperatures, and greater areas of impervious surfaces than non-redlined neighborhoods.
The decreased tree canopy area and increased impervious surface area of these redlined neighborhoods contributes to the phenomenon known as Heat Island Effect ("UHI"), where urban areas experience higher ambient temperatures.
Greater Risk of Extreme Heat-Related Health Issues
Extreme heat is a health risk issue and therefore the historic discriminatory practice of redlining is arguably related to ongoing health impacts within redlined communities.
Promote Equitable Green Infrastructure Allocation
Take action today by emailing your elected officials to take action and to prioritize equitable green infrastructure planning.
This includes increased tree planting and the allocation of natural cooling features within historically redlined communities.
Also, contact Jackson Berlin with the EcoScience Alliance to help plant trees in South Florida. www.EcoScienceAlliance.org