GeoHealth Perspectives on Integrated, Coordinated, Open, Networked (ICON) Science. Issue 5 (11th May 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Barnard, M. A.; Emani, S. R.; Fortner, S. K.; Haygood, L.; Sun, Q.; White‐Newsome, J. L.; Zaitchik, B.
• Is Part Of: Earth and space science. Volume 9:Issue 5(2022)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2022-05-11
• Subjects: GeoHealth -- equity -- collaboration; Space sciences -- Periodicals; Geophysics -- Periodicals; 500.5
• DOI: 10.1029/2021EA002157
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2333-5084

Abstract

Abstract: GeoHealth research both characterizes and predicts problems at the nexus of earth and human systems like climate change, pollution, and natural hazards. While GeoHealth excels in the area of integrated science, there is a need to improve coordinated and networked efforts to produce open science to enable environmental justice. There is a need to resource and empower frontline populations that are disproportionately marginalized by environmental injustice (i.e., the unequal protection from environmental harms and lack of access and meaningful engagement in decision making for a healthy environment; EPA, 2022, https://www.epa.gov/environmentaljustice ). GeoHealth practice has the opportunity to advance environmental justice or the "fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income" with respect to how research and collaboration of GeoHealth professionals supports the "development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies" that produce equal protection from environmental and health hazards and access to the decision making for a health environment (EPA, 2022, https://www.epa.gov/environmentaljustice ). Here we highlight barriers and opportunities to apply an equity‐centered ICON framework to the field of GeoHealth to advance environmental justice and health equity. Plain Language Summary: Technical, structural, and cultural hurdles are roadblocks towards advancement of open science by design in the field of GeoHealth. To shift the GeoHealth paradigm, we present a commentary about the strengths, limitations, and provide recommendations for centering equity in the development and implementation of ICON in GeoHealth. Key Points: We address challenges and opportunities to advance equity in GeoHealth using the ICON (integrated, coordinated, open science, networked) framework There is a need to develop, improve, and scale coordinated and networked efforts that address collaboration and open science Scaling ICON in GeoHealth includes intentional actions that shift power and follow community expertise to drive equity in science