Brian Maffly - research communication specialist, The University of Utah, December 17, 2024
Keywords: Urban trees, Education outcomes, Environmental degradation, Low-income students, Emerald ash borer, Tree cover, Standardized testing, Urban heat islands, Environmental inequities, Urban forestry initiatives
The article discusses research conducted by University of Utah social scientists, revealing that the loss of urban trees negatively impacts educational outcomes, particularly for low-income students. The study, led by economics professor Alberto Garcia, focused on the effects of the emerald ash borer infestation in the Chicago metropolitan area, which resulted in the loss of a significant number of ash trees.
Key findings include:
Impact on Education: The study found a 1.22% reduction in the number of students meeting standardized testing benchmarks in areas affected by the ash borer.
Disparities in Impact: Low-income students in wealthier schools, where infestations were more common, experienced greater setbacks compared to their better-off peers.
Environmental Factors: The loss of tree cover may exacerbate urban heat islands, increase air pollution, and diminish the psychological benefits of greenery, disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations.
Research Methodology: The researchers combined satellite imagery with standardized testing data to analyze the effects over a decade.
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