Research Project

Introduction

Research Project

CECHE's Research Project is dedicated to advancing knowledge on the role of green infrastructure in mitigating weather-related health risks. Our research explores how variations in green space and urban green infrastructure impact health, with a focus on extreme heat, air quality, flooding, and adverse cardio-respiratory outcomes. We aim to generate high-impact, data-driven insights that inform urban health strategies and shape equitable policy solutions for Chicago and beyond. By integrating environmental modeling with health research, we provide a micro-scale understanding of how green infrastructure can improve community health outcomes.

Key Research Areas

• Intersection at Climate, Health, and Green Infrastructure
  • Examining the relationship between urban green infrastructure and air pollution, extreme heat, and flooding
  • Assessing the effects of urban green infrastructure on cardio-respiratory health, including hospitalizations and emergency visits
  • Leveraging and developing new data to analyze micro-scale weather impacts and green space.
• Chicago as a Model for Urban Weather Health Research
  • Conducting a study of green infrastructure across Chicago’s diverse neighborhoods
  • Developing transportable research methods and findings.

Impact & Future Directions

By bridging environmental science, urban planning, epidemiology, biostatistics, and data science, the Research Project is pioneering new ways to measure, understand, and enhance the health effect of urban green space. This work will provide foundational evidence for future weather resilience initiatives—informing city planning, policy development, and community-driven solutions to protect vulnerable populations from the health effects of worsening weather.