Mapping a Greener Future for the Detroit River :
How can we use Geographic Information Systems and mapping to evaluate the environmental and social impacts of carbon emissions?
Hundreds of metropolitan regions around the world have dedicated themselves to reaching carbon neutrality by 2050 in order to fight climate change. Detroit River communities have their own plans, and the data in interactive maps can help the planning process by making visible the historical and ongoing impacts of carbon emissions in the region.
In this module, students will explore Arc GIS (Geographic Information Systems) web maps as a means to analyze carbon emissions data to support claims about the environment and sustainability. This module begins with an overview of the historical precedent for emissions and environmental justice work along the Detroit River corridor. It then explores how to navigate GIS and use it to analyze emissions and environmental issues along the River. The module then moves to a discussion of current climate policy, and students wrap up the module by creating a policy brief on a specific environmental issue in a specific Detroit River community, as supported by GIS data analysis.
Javascript is required to use Gala.