Lorien Nesbitt

I seek to create more liveable and equitable urban environments. During my career, I have had the privilege of working with a wide range of communities and organizations across Canada and internationally, helping communities achieve their environmental and sustainability goals.

My research focuses on urban forestry and socio-ecological interactions in urban environments, with an emphasis on environmental justice, human health, well-being, and climate change. I employ mixed methods approaches, as appropriate to the research project, and have both quantitative and qualitative methodological expertise. I am currently examining four interrelated topics (1) the relationship between greenness exposure and public health in urban environments, with a focus on adaptation to climate change-induced heat stress; 2) urban forest governance systems that promote resilience and equity; 3) smart technologies and their applications in urban forestry; and 4) environmental justice in multicultural cities. In the realm of environmental justice, my current research is particularly concerned with understanding the nature and dynamics of green gentrification, i.e., the physical or psychological displacement of residents due to local greening activities.

Awards

Green College Leading Scholar 2019