Dr. Agyeman’s work is grounded in the idea that as equality improves, so to do environmental conditions. “We treat the environment the way that we treat people” His idea is backed up by a lot of research, most notably by a book called the Spirit Level which shows the correlation between income equality and environmental and social outcomes.

The implications of these findings are profound for planners and policy makers. His work shows that by investing in people that we also improve the environment. So, improving the lives of our most vulnerable community members through affordable housing, health care, access to healthy food, education, and reducing barriers to economic attainment is not only good for our communities and all of our citizens, but it is also good for the environment.