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GeoHealth Perspectives on Integrated, Coordinated, Open, Networked (ICON) Science
  • +4
  • Malcolm Alexander Barnard,
  • Sujata R Emani,
  • Sarah Fortner,
  • Lauren Haygood,
  • Qingqing Sun,
  • Jalonne L. White-Newsome,
  • Benjamin F Zaitchik
Malcolm Alexander Barnard
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
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Sujata R Emani
U.S. Department of Agriculture
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Sarah Fortner
Carleton College

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

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Lauren Haygood
Department of Geosciences
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Qingqing Sun
Institute of Surface Earth System Science
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Jalonne L. White-Newsome
Empowering A Green Environment and Economy
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Benjamin F Zaitchik
John Hopkins University
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Abstract

This article provides a commentary about the state of Integrated, equitable outcomes. 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 that is for and with frontline populations that are disproportionately marginalized by environmental injustice or unequal protection from environmental harms and lack of access and meaningful engagement in decision-making for a healthy environment (EPA). 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). 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.