SY12A-08 WORKING TOGETHER; A Landscape Analysis to Inform Practical, Innovative, and Beneficial Use of NASA Earth Science Data to Advance Equity and Environmental Justice in the Gulf South Region

Four Environmental Justice (EJ) networks convened to map priorities and discuss NASA Earth science data to advance underserved, primarily African American, EJ communities of the Gulf South. Impact case studies of Communiversity action research and results of participatory EJ network convenings are presented in synthetic findings of 1) EJ priorities and 2) strategic NASA Earth science engagement opportunities. Frontline communities priorities were interrelated and complex: air quality-related adverse health outcomes, unexplained odors, smoke, dust, or toxic emissions; Localized flooding, water management, groundwater contamination, sink holes, energy and climate justice, infrastructure investment decision processes; Cultural legacy, heritage, and gentrification; Climate Crisis and cumulative effects, marsh fires and heat mapping. Two foundational priorities were: integrity in engagement and fairness in data ownership. Opportunities to improve measurement of EJ disparities should be primarily place-based on a local scale. 

Opportunity to improve participation of EJ communities in decisions that affect their lives is the most immediate opportunity for NASA to advance EJ with its current data and systems. NASA landcover mapping and information system products about land, water, climate, and air are perfectly suitable as base maps for community-led participatory mapping. Opportunity to recognize the value of EJ community knowledge and honor the historical and cultural foundations of the EJ Movement can be realized with EJ community-academic engagement models such as Dr. Beverly Wright's Communiversity model and mandating alignment with Environmental Justice Principles and Ways of Working. Recommendations are: 1) institutionalize Dr. Beverly Wright's Communiversity model; 2 promote Open Science for EJ community-engagement; 3) fund "backbone" functions of bridging EJ organizations; 4) support focused on planning, monitoring, and evaluating Justice40 infrastructure investments; 5) contribute to diversification and development of EJ theory; 6) adapt ARSET and DEVELOP; 7) initiate youth engagement and workforce development for EJ Communities; 8) Stand-up a Distributed Active Archive Center (DAAC) for EJ.