Linking Educational Attainment and Urban Green Equity through GIS in East Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana, United States of America (USA)

Abstract. Urban tree canopy represents a critical component of urban environmental systems, contributing to local climate regulation, ecosystem services, and community well-being. However, canopy coverage and its persistence often vary among neighborhoods. This study evaluates the spatial and temporal relationship between adult educational attainment and urban tree canopy cover in East Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana, from 2010 to 2023. High-resolution remote sensing data were integrated with census tract–level educational indicators using geographic information systems to map annual canopy cover, assess canopy change, and compare outcomes across education categories. Results show that canopy loss was unevenly distributed and that the rate of decline increased after 2014. Areas with lower educational attainment had consistently lower baseline canopy cover and greater canopy reduction over time, while areas with higher educational levels retained more stable canopy coverage. These results suggest that canopy change in East Baton Rouge Parish followed a non-linear pattern, with accelerated decline in recent years. The findings highlight the relevance of educational attainment as a social factor influencing urban vegetation outcomes and underscore the need for planning strategies that promote balanced environmental conditions across communities.