The Midlands Heat Watch project team is excited to announce the release of a report summarizing the findings from this Summer’s heat island mapping effort at https://www.heat.gov/ ; more information about the local effort is available at https://cpac.columbiasc.gov/urban-heat-island-mapping-initiative/ .
Extreme heat is the greatest weather-related cause of death in the U.S., killing over 600 people per year. People working or exercising outdoors; people with other health concerns including diabetes, heart disease, obesity, and those who are pregnant, as well as young and older people face greater risks. These risks are caused by both health issues and in some cases by medication taken to treat health concerns. The stress of extreme heat also detracts from the walkability, bike-ability, and overall quality of life for residents and visitors, as even healthy people, need to take precautions sometimes.
Urban heat islands are places where buildings, pavement, and other parts of urban environments trap and reemit heat amplifying high temperatures compared to nearby vegetated areas, putting people at heightened risk of illness and death during extreme heat events. Urban heat islands also negatively affect a community’s livability and economic productivity.
About the Project
During the Summer of 2022, NOAA/NIHHIS and community scientists will map the hottest parts of 14 U.S. cities and counties, and for the first time, two international cities. Due to a successful grant application submitted by the Columbia Tree and Appearance Commission (CTAC) in FY2021-2022, this international initiative included 190 square miles of urban and urbanizing Columbia, West Columbia, Cayce, and Richland County. Scientists and volunteers participated in a weekend mapping event in August of 2022, and the grant also funds a number of stationary sensors throughout the mapping area.
The grant application was submitted by the City of Columbia Tree and Appearance Commission with financial and in-kind support from the University of South Carolina Department of Geography, the Richland County Conservation Commission, and Columbia Green as well as in-kind support from Benedict College Department of Biology, Chemistry, and Environmental Health; the City of Columbia Planning and Development Services Department and the Public Works Department; and the Richland County Department of Community Planning and Development.
For More Information
Visit the project website: https://cpac.columbiasc.gov/urban-heat-island-mapping-initiative/ or contact the following individuals:
Kirstin Dow, University of South Carolina, Dept. of Geography, [email protected]
Scott Holder, City of Columbia, Land Development Planner, [email protected]