Advancing GeoHealth Through Integrated, Coordinated, Open, Networked (ICON) Science: Recommendations for Future Work

As GeoHealth research both characterizes and predicts problems at the nexus of earth and human systems such as climate change, pollution, and natural hazards, there is a clear need to improve coordinated and networked efforts to produce open and Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable (FAIR) science to enable higher environmental justice and GeoHealth parity. One framework for open and FAIR science is Integrated, Coordinated, Open and FAIR, and Networked (ICON) Science. The ICON framework relies on open and FAIR science throughout the research process, which provides resources and empowers frontline populations that are disproportionately marginalized by environmental injustice. Furthermore, use of the ICON framework in the practice of GeoHealth will help improve GeoHealth equity of all people with respect to equal protection from environmental and health hazards and environmental justice regardless of race, color, national origin, or income. In order to shift the GeoHealth paradigm towards an equity centered ICON framework, we are highlighting strengths, limitations, and providing recommendations for centering equity in the development and implementation of ICON in GeoHealth. In order to achieve the highest GeoHealth parity and combat environmental and GeoHealth injustice, equity centered ICON frameworks should be used to advance environmental and health equity.