Evaluating how green infrastructure affects climate change impacts on health in Chicago
Official title: Research Project: Evaluating Green Infrastructure Impacts on Climate Change Related Heat, Air Quality, Flooding, and Cardiopulmonary Outcomes in Chicago
Funded at University of Illinois at Chicago · NIH-10981086 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how things like trees and plants can help improve air quality and reduce heat and flooding in Chicago neighborhoods that need it most, with the goal of finding ways to protect people's health from climate change.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Illinois at Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 21, 2024 |
| Project end | September 20, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $660,183 |
| NIH project number | 1P20MD019989-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10981086 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are residents of Chicago's environmental justice communities who are affected by climate change-related health issues.
✕Less likely to help
Patients living outside of Chicago or those not impacted by climate-related health disparities may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the effects of green infrastructure, such as tree canopies and biodiversity, on climate-related health issues in Chicago's vulnerable communities. By examining how these features influence air quality, temperature, and flooding, the project aims to provide actionable solutions to mitigate health disparities caused by climate change. The study will involve detailed assessments and community engagement to ensure that the findings are relevant and beneficial to those most affected. Through this approach, the research seeks to establish a clearer understanding of the relationship between environmental factors and cardiopulmonary health outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved public health outcomes by informing urban planning and policy decisions that enhance green infrastructure in at-risk communities.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that green infrastructure can positively impact urban health, suggesting that this approach may yield significant findings.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Illinois at Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kim, Honghyok — University of Illinois at Chicago
- Study coordinator: Kim, Honghyok
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.