Climate Vulnerability and Contaminated Sites: Implications for Prison Population Health in New Jersey
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Sydnie Bogan
College:
College of Business and Public Management
Major:
Global Business
Faculty Research Advisor(s):
Galia Shokry
Abstract:
Climate change has become one of the most pervasive global issues that affects every aspect of our lives. Urban areas are especially vulnerable to the impacts of climate change due to a range of different factors such as greater impervious surfaces and higher temperatures, with lower-income and minority neighborhoods disproportionately exposed. Prison populations mirror these dynamics with a concentration of vulnerable populations that have reduced capacity to adapt to climate change risks and impacts. However, few studies have examined the disproportionate and cumulative impacts of a changing climate such as the increasing frequency and intensity of heat and storms for prison populations. In addition, approximately one-third of state and federal prisons are located within 1 mile of known contaminated sites - areas that contain substances in or under the ground that are potentially hazardous to human health or the environment. Those living and working in correctional facilities are exposed to such hazardous materials day in and day out and are often unaware of the risks they face. New Jersey is one of the leading states in the country that has the most contaminated sites totaling 13,472. Using NJAdapt’s Mapping Tools for climate vulnerability and the NJDEP contaminated sites map, this research uses geospatial analysis to help identify and assess the cumulative impacts of contaminated sites, criminal (in)justice and climate vulnerability in New Jersey, in particular the health implications for incarcerated individuals and prison staff.