Empowering Urban Youth as Environmental Stewards Through Citizen Science and Environmental Education Programs in Marine Park, Brooklyn, New York
Faculty Mentor
Gregory Barton
Major/Area of Research
Environmental Studies, Global Studies
Description
INTRODUCTION: As climate change intensifies, urban populations face unique challenges, such as the Urban Heat Island effect, pollution, and habitat degradation, which demand urgent attention. Over half of the world’s population lives in cities, yet many of these people are often excluded from environmental conservation discussions. Marine Park, Brooklyn, a neighborhood with over 25,000 residents, exemplifies this gap. Urban areas like Marine Park often face specific environmental issues, making active environmental stewardship even more critical. This is where citizen science and environmental education programs can play an important role in empowering urban youth to become environmental stewards.
METHOD: My research seeks to answer the question: "How can organizations use citizen science and environmental education programs to encourage and empower urban youth to become environmental stewards in Marine Park, Brooklyn, New York?" For this study, I performed an interdisciplinary mixedmethods case study on 6 youths aged 13-18 years, who live in Marine Park. The survey gathered data on their attitudes, behaviors, and pre-existing knowledge of the environment. Additionally, I used observational research to document their engagement in citizen science and environmental education programs, providing a comprehensive understanding of how these programs can impact youth in urban settings.
RESULTS: The main findings from this research are that all 6 youth participants reported a positive shift in their perspective on nature after volunteering with Marine Park Alliance, an environmental NGO, with many expressing a deeper appreciation, awareness, and motivation to act. Also, 5 out of 6 participants reported specific intentions to reduce personal waste, volunteer more, and participate in conservation efforts.
CONCLUSION: This shift highlights the transformative impact these programs can have on urban youth, increasing their connection to the natural world. My research and findings are evidence that organizations should prioritize environmental education programs and citizen science initiatives if they want to have an impact on urban youth and the environment.
Empowering Urban Youth as Environmental Stewards Through Citizen Science and Environmental Education Programs in Marine Park, Brooklyn, New York
INTRODUCTION: As climate change intensifies, urban populations face unique challenges, such as the Urban Heat Island effect, pollution, and habitat degradation, which demand urgent attention. Over half of the world’s population lives in cities, yet many of these people are often excluded from environmental conservation discussions. Marine Park, Brooklyn, a neighborhood with over 25,000 residents, exemplifies this gap. Urban areas like Marine Park often face specific environmental issues, making active environmental stewardship even more critical. This is where citizen science and environmental education programs can play an important role in empowering urban youth to become environmental stewards.
METHOD: My research seeks to answer the question: "How can organizations use citizen science and environmental education programs to encourage and empower urban youth to become environmental stewards in Marine Park, Brooklyn, New York?" For this study, I performed an interdisciplinary mixedmethods case study on 6 youths aged 13-18 years, who live in Marine Park. The survey gathered data on their attitudes, behaviors, and pre-existing knowledge of the environment. Additionally, I used observational research to document their engagement in citizen science and environmental education programs, providing a comprehensive understanding of how these programs can impact youth in urban settings.
RESULTS: The main findings from this research are that all 6 youth participants reported a positive shift in their perspective on nature after volunteering with Marine Park Alliance, an environmental NGO, with many expressing a deeper appreciation, awareness, and motivation to act. Also, 5 out of 6 participants reported specific intentions to reduce personal waste, volunteer more, and participate in conservation efforts.
CONCLUSION: This shift highlights the transformative impact these programs can have on urban youth, increasing their connection to the natural world. My research and findings are evidence that organizations should prioritize environmental education programs and citizen science initiatives if they want to have an impact on urban youth and the environment.