• Strategic Progress: The report advances geospatial tools to better identify and support disadvantaged communities.
• Data-Driven Decisions: Offers vital recommendations for integrating complex data with real-world experiences to tackle environmental and economic disparities.
• Commitment to Justice: Reinforces the Bezos Earth Fund’s dedication to climate and environmental justice.

The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, backed by the Bezos Earth Fund, has released a pivotal report titled “Constructing Valid Geospatial Tools for Environmental Justice.” The report, developed by the Committee on Utilizing Advanced Environmental Health and Geospatial Data and Technologies, aims to enhance tools for identifying and addressing injustices in vulnerable communities.

“In 2019, President Biden’s Executive Order 14008 set an ambitious goal: to direct 40% of federal investments to the most vulnerable communities,” said Dr. Cecilia Martinez, Chief of the Environmental and Climate Justice at the Bezos Earth Fund. “Today, we take a significant step toward supporting that goal with the release of this National Academies report on advancing geospatial analyses of environmental justice.”

The report provides key recommendations for improving the Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool, developed by the Council on Environmental Quality. This tool is crucial for integrating complex data with the lived experiences of those in disadvantaged communities, ensuring that federal investments are effectively targeted.

“With the advancement of geospatial tools, a more comprehensive and detailed analysis of factors such as environmental hazards, racial and economic disparities, and access to critical infrastructure can inform decision-making,” added Dr. Martinez. “These tools empower policymakers, advocates, and communities to make informed decisions that address environmental and economic inequalities head-on.”

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The Bezos Earth Fund reaffirms its commitment to advancing climate and environmental justice. This report is a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to create a more just and equitable future for all.

For more information, read the full report here.