Title: The Path to Justice40: Indicators and Metrics for Assessing and Engaging Frontline Communities

Presenter(s): Gwendolyn Damestoit

Date: Thursday, July 25, 2024 at 2:00 pm – 2:30 pm ET

Meeting link : https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/8902629542552066646

About Speaker:  Gwendolyn Damestoit

Abstract:

This research, conducted  under the mentorship of NOAA/NERTO mentors Dr. Ariela Zycherman, Dr. Chelsea Combest-Friedman, and CESSRST Advisor Dr. Fernando Tormos-Aponte, aimed to investigate the decision-making processes within the Regional Integrated Sciences and Assessments Program (RISA) teams concerning community engagement, with a specific focus on frontline communities. The objective was to comprehend how RISA projects are scoped, benefits are identified, and community partnerships are established. The study was particularly relevant in the context of supporting federal agencies’ response to the Justice40 Initiative (EO14008, Sec223), which seeks to ensure that 40% of the benefits from federal investments in climate change are directed towards “disadvantaged” communities. Under this initiative, federal agencies are required to define and geographically identify the communities meeting the criteria of “disadvantaged” to receive funding. The primary task involves identifying the diverse metrics and considerations employed by RISA teams in determining their project locations and community collaborators. This was achieved through informal interviews with principal investigators and program managers within RISA teams. Qualitative analysis techniques were utilized to discern common metrics across the network and region-specific indicators. Furthermore, the research compares these metrics with existing environmental justice and social vulnerability tools to develop a framework for identifying beneficiary communities in alignment with the Justice40 initiative. The outcomes of this study contribute to enhancing the effectiveness of the RISA program in addressing climate and social justice concerns while aligning with broader equity priorities of the administration.