Dr. Bhatnagar’s work has led to the creation of the new field of environmental cardiology. His studies show how pollution affects the heart and blood vessels, as well as how exposure to polluted air increases the risk of obesity and diabetes. 

Dr. Bhatnagar works in Louisville, Kentucky, a city with many environmental issues including extremely poor air quality. The American Lung Association has given Louisville an “F” rating every year since 2012. The city also has a low tree canopy coverage for Kentucky at 37%.

 In response, Dr. Bhatnagar has led the creation of Green Heart Louisville, the first study to scientifically assess the impact of green spaces on air quality and human health in urban communities. 

By planting thousands of trees, shrubs and grasses and then monitoring the health of residents, the study will explore whether an increase in neighborhood greenness improves air quality, reduces heart disease and diabetes, and increases outdoor activity and social cohesion.

The study will take place over five years and is a collaborative effort between the University of Louisville Envirome Institute, Hyphae Design Laboratory and The Nature Conservancy.  The  results could inform how urban planners make decisions, with a goal of creating additional green spaces in cities to connect residents with nature and improve their health and well-being.

Please join us to hear Dr. Bhatnagar. We hope that his presentation will provide inspiration for our efforts to bring trees and other types of green infrastructure into urban spaces here in New Jersey.