Los Angeles County
Our project leverages the Los Angeles County Social Vulnerability Index (SVI) to create interactive visualizations that uncover the intricate relationships between social vulnerability and environmental factors such as flood risk and air quality.
How do different vulnerability factors contribute to overall social vulnerability, and how does this correlate to natural disasters and hazardous events in LA County?
Project Overview
The goal of our project was to identify specific inequalities that are heightened by pollution and natural disasters. Specifically, our analysis focuses on three environmental hazards: air pollution, measured by Particulate Matter 2.5 (PM2.5) concentrations, waste hazard locations, and high-risk flood zones. This research can help inform urban planning and policy discussions to ensure that communities receive adequate support in emergency situations. This research is significant because it provides a more comprehensive understanding of the intersection between social vulnerability factors and environmental hazards. While previous studies have focused on individual aspects of vulnerability, such as race or income, our work integrates multiple dimensions to offer a holistic analysis. Furthermore, this project contributes to ongoing discussions about urban resilience and environmental justice.
Air Pollution
PM2.5, a major component of transportation pollution, has significant public health implications. Our findings could help policymakers assess pollution distribution and consider regulatory measures related to industrial production and transportation solutions, such as expanding public transit to reduce emissions.
Hazardous waste site in Los Angeles.
(County of Los Angeles Fire Department)
Flood Risk
Additionally, flood risk is exacerbated in urbanized areas with limited green infrastructure, where impermeable surfaces like concrete and asphalt lead to increased runoff and reduced water absorption. As a result, some communities face a greater risk of flooding, particularly highly developed areas with limited mitigation strategies. By analyzing the intersection of these factors, we can identify the key drivers of vulnerability and develop targeted flood management solutions to mitigate risk.
Highrise buildings in downtown Los Angeles amongst the air pollution on Sept. 21, 2018.
(Fredric J. Brown /AFP via Getty Images)
Hazardous Waste
Hazardous waste is a product of industrial processes, healthcare facilities, and even households. Without proper disposal, it can pose health risks to surrounding communities through air pollution, water contamination, and soil contamination. It is also toxic for the environment, and can disrupt ecosystems that affect both wildlife and human consumption.
Multiple cars drowning in a flash flood in Los Angeles County in 2023.
(Noah Berger via AP Photo).