Rhode Island Human-Environment Interaction (RHEI) Framework

The Rhode Island Human-Environment Interaction (RHEI) framework—developed by University of Rhode Island and state agencies—analyzes the bidirectional feedbacks between society and environment in the Ocean State.

Four Integrated Components

1. Built Environment

• Urban form: Providence's historic core, Narragansett Bay waterfronts, suburban sprawl (I-95 corridor)
• Infrastructure: Combined sewer overflows (CSOs), septic density, road salt impacts, energy grid
• Climate adaptation: Sea-level rise planning (STORMTOOLS), living shorelines, managed retreat

2. Natural Environment

• Narragansett Bay: 147 mi² estuary; hypoxia, nutrient loading, warming (2.7°F since 1960)
• Coastal habitats: Salt marshes (losing 1-2%/yr), eelgrass, dunes, barrier beaches
• Forests: 55% cover (oak-hickory); fragmentation, invasive pests (gypsy moth, EAB)
• Freshwater: Scituate Reservoir (60% state supply); emerging contaminants (PFAS)

3. Human Behavior & Decision-Making

• Commuting: 80%+ drive alone; VMT rising despite density
• Consumption: Per-capita waste high; recycling ~30% (target 50%)
• Land use: 1,000+ acres/yr converted (1990-2010); recent slowdown
• Equity: Environmental justice communities (Providence, Pawtucket, Woonsocket) bear disproportionate heat, flood, pollution burdens

4. Environmental Policy & Governance

• RIDEM / CRMC / OER / DOA: Fragmented authority
• Resilient Rhody (2018): First state climate resilience strategy
• Act on Climate (2021): Mandatory net-zero by 2050
• Regional: RGGI, TCI, Northeast Ocean Plan

Why RHEI Matters

Rhode Island's small size (1,214 mi²) and high density (1,000+/mi²) make feedbacks fast and visible. Bay health ↔ tourism economy. Zoning ↔ housing ↔ emissions. Salt marsh loss ↔ storm damage. The framework guides integrated decision-making—moving beyond siloed management.