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We utilize traffic density and Convolvulus arvensis leaf chemistry to understand spatial patterns linking atmospheric pollution and household income in the Salt Lake City metropolitan area, USA. We hypothesize that traffic density will explain variation in atmospheric NOx and O3 concentrations. In addition, we expect foliar %N and nitrogen isotope ratios (δ15N) to be elevated and carbon isotope ratios (δ13C) to be depleted on high traffic density roads. These hypotheses were supported: we found the highest NOx and lowest O3 concentrations on high‐traffic density roads. Also, NOx concentrations were higher in low‐income neighborhoods. Low‐income neighborhoods contained a greater density of high‐traffic roads than high‐income neighborhoods. Foliar %N was highest in low‐income neighborhoods and was correlated with NOx and O3, while δ15N was more depleted with increasing O3. These findings indicate that the distribution of high‐traffic density roads plays a significant role in inequities in pollution exposure between high‐ and low‐income neighborhoods, which is reflected in leaf chemistry. Key Points: High‐traffic density roads contained higher NOx and lower O3 concentrations than low‐traffic density roadsLow‐income neighborhoods had higher NOx concentrations and a greater density of high‐traffic roads than high‐income neighborhoodsThe relationship between income and air pollution may be driven by the distribution and spatial footprint of high‐trafficked roads [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a growing recognition that responding to climate change necessitates urban adaptation. We sketch a transdisciplinary research effort, arguing that actionable research on urban adaptation needs to recognize the nature of cities as social networks embedded in physical space. Given the pace, scale and socioeconomic outcomes of urbanization in the Global South, the specificities and history of its cities must be central to the study of how well-known agglomeration effects can facilitate adaptation. The proposed effort calls for the co-creation of knowledge involving scientists and stakeholders, especially those historically excluded from the design and implementation of urban development policies., Competing Interests: Competing interestsThe authors declare no competing interests., (© The Author(s) 2023.)