Health Research
National Atlas for Sustainability
The National Atlas for Sustainability is a web-based, easy-to-use, mapping application that allows users to view and analyze multiple ecosystem services in a specific region. The Atlas will provide users with a visual method for interpreting ecosystem services and understanding how they can be conserved and enhanced for a sustainable future. The maps will provide users with an ability to assess:
- Clean and adequate water for drinking and domestic use
- Clean water for recreation and aquatic habitat
- Food, fuel and fiber
- Recreation, cultural and aesthetic amenities
- Climate regulation (e.g. carbon storage to off-set greenhouse gases)
- Protection from hazardous weather
- Habitat and the maintenance of biodiversity
- Clean air
The Urban Atlas (PDF) (2 pp, 99K, About PDF) component of the National Atlas will provide fine-scale information linking human health and well-being to environmental conditions such as urban heat islands, near-road pollution, resource use, access to recreation, drinking water quality and other quality of life indicators.