The researchers observed a significant inverse association between higher levels of green cover and lower direct healthcare costs, including the finding that individuals living near the most green space had adjusted health care costs of $374 per person per year less than those living near the least green space. Those in the highest decile of residential green cover were more likely to be white, older, male, and have higher education and income levels. Even after adjusting for sociodemographic and socioeconomic factors, the findings were robust.

To quantify the green space, the researchers utilized the Normalized Differentiation Vegetation Index (NDVI) satellite data. NDVI data “reflects the greenness found in satellite images of land cover and has been commonly used in the geospatial assessment of vegetation presence and viability as well as in the study of green space and human health.” Healthcare costs were obtained from the internal Cost Management Information System which compiles data from health service centers (hospitals, labs, etc.). 

One key strength of this study is the size and diversity of the population where everyone shares the same health care system. Differentiations in health care access are greatly mitigated as all members of the Kaiser Permanente Northern California system have virtually equal access. Another strength is the variety of land use types and topographies over the large area (25,000 sq miles) covered. The green cover-cost relationship observed is not constrained to specific landscapes or geographic settings. 

These findings support several previous studies on the health implications of green space and they exemplify not only the health benefit but also the economic impact of living near more green space. Researchers noted the existing body of literature that ties living near more green spaces to short and long term health benefits. High levels of green cover have been associated with better mental health, maternal-fetal outcomes, and fewer occurrences of cardiovascular disease, respiratory conditions, and mortality. This study supports nationwide efforts to incorporate green spaces into residential neighborhoods and urban greening.

Last year’s focus on Land Justice left many in attendance at the RCP Network Gathering with a heightened awareness of the need to put justice and equity at the center of their conservation work. 

It has also sparked conversations about how to actually do the work of advancing land justice and equity while meeting their core mission work of conservation. For example, RCP Network members have been asking how we can more effectively amplify the voices and support the communities most impacted by injustice and climate change through our land conservation efforts, while others of you have been working with these impacted communities for years.

For the 2022 RCP Network Gathering, we would like you and your partners to have a chance to share your insights, projects, relationship-building stories, and lessons. Tell us who you are learning from and how you are together advancing Climate Justice and Resilience — for making land more accessible, more useful for nature and people, and more resilient to the impacts of climate change for the benefit of others. 

We invite you to submit proposals and nominations for Gathering panels, webinars, and field trips in the weeks leading up to the Gathering. Please complete and submit a separate form for each webinar, panel, and field trip you wish us to consider.

We are offering three ways for you to participate – please review all options and apply to the program or programs where you think you or your partners can add the most value.

Two panels at the November 17th, 2022 Gathering will focus on Climate Justice and Resilience, through the eyes of those who have experienced climate injustice, addressed injustice, or focused resiliency efforts to the benefit of marginalized communities. Please note that panelists will need to commit to at least a couple of hours on November 17th and a few hours before the event for preparation and rehearsal. 

If you would like to participate as a panelist during the November 17th RCP Network Gathering, or know someone who would be a great addition, please fill out the form linked below. Please review the form requirements before you begin filling it out.

As part of this year’s Gathering, we would like to offer one to three pre-Gathering webinars held during the weeks leading up to the November 17 Gathering. These webinars will ideally highlight RCPs’ and RCP Network members’ activities in the areas of Land Justice, Climate Justice, and Climate Resilience. Themes may include:

Click the link below to propose a webinar. Please review the form requirements before you begin filling it out.

Occurring during the months leading up to the Gathering and through the end of 2022, these are opportunities for RCP Network members to organize and convene on-site walks and talks that explore one or more of the webinar themes (see above). Highstead and the RCP Network staff will help to promote the field trips but the entire event— logistics planning, promotion, costs, and execution–is the responsibility of the field trip lead.