A new study led by University of Arizona Associate Professor Adriana Zuniga‑Teran argues that Tucson’s urban greening programs will be more effective if they are designed around the needs and realities of vulnerable, low‑income communities.
Published in Geoforum and titled “Beyond Native Plants: Aligning Greening Programs with Disadvantaged Communities’ Landscape Needs for More Equitable Green Infrastructure Planning,” the paper compares the structure of local greening initiatives with the preferences and constraints of marginalized residents. The study, summarized by the U of A School of Geography, Development & Environment, finds that benefits such as cooler temperatures, better air quality and reduced flood risk often accumulate more readily in wealthier neighborhoods…