Identifying concentrations of overlapping environmental & economic insecurity in Los Angeles County

Abstract

Los Angeles has had a tumultuous history with environmental and social justice across the county. Previous studies have explored the distribution of various intersections of ecological, racial, ethnic, and economic equity but have not examined the concentrations of overlapping extreme disadvantages. Through transforming the Index of Concentration at the Extremes (ICE) to model park land coverage alongside the income indicators, the findings reveal areas burdened with extreme concentrations of both environmental and economic disparities. The results showcase the inequitable spatial and racial-ethnic distribution of burden, with historically underserved Latino and Black communities living towards the urban center of Los Angeles experiencing the most challenging conditions. By identifying areas with limited community and personal resources, this environmentally-led model of equity creates an adaptable avenue to direct public funds intended to introduce spatial justice.