Columbus Selected to Participate in National Heat-mapping Campaign
The City of Columbus
is one of 16 municipalities selected to participate in a National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration (NOAA) heat-mapping campaign to study and address the urban “heat
island effect,” which are specific areas that can be up to 20 degrees hotter
than nearby neighborhoods. The data collected by this campaign will be used to
help protect and strengthen communities of color, low-income residents and the
city’s Opportunity Neighborhoods.
“Our community
is already experiencing more 90+ degree days and prolonged periods of extreme
heat due to the effects of a changing climate,” said Mayor Andrew J. Ginther. “What’s
more, our most vulnerable residents are the ones who are most at risk. We must become
more resilient and adaptable as a community to better ensure the health,
well-being and quality of life for all our residents, and this grant will help
us do just that.”
Extreme heat
kills more Americans than any other weather event – leading to illnesses such
as heat stroke and exhaustion – but not everyone’s risk is the same. A 2021 EPA
report concluded that Black Americans are 40-59% more likely than non-Black Americans
to live in high-impact heat mortality areas. Studies have also shown that
hotter days are linked to lower test scores for Black and Hispanic children,
further widening racial gaps in school performance and educational outcomes.
“The breadth of
partnerships involved with this initiative speaks volumes to the importance and
urgency of this work,” said Councilmember Emmanuel V. Remy. “Protecting
communities of color, low-income residents and our Opportunity Neighborhoods is
a top priority for Columbus City Council, and we are happy to help support this
initiative.”
The City of Columbus
will collaborate with NOAA-funded CAPA Strategies LLC, Franklin County Public
Health, Green Columbus, The Byrd Polar and Climate Research Center, Friends of the Lower Olentangy, MORPC and the Franklin County
Soil and Water Conservation District to map the hottest parts of the city and
surrounding areas. The campaign is estimated to cost $22,000 and will be
jointly funded by NOAA, the city and Franklin County Public Health.
“We recognize
that the city, county and nation continue to experience the effects of a
changing climate, among them increased heat, especially in our urban areas,”
said Franklin County Public Health Commissioner Joe Mazzola. “The data gathered
as part of this project will allow us to expand our sustainability efforts and
follow our North Star of Equity by working closely with our partners to ensure
our most vulnerable populations have equitable access to safe, cooler and
healthy green spaces in our community.”
Using heat sensors
mounted on cars and bikes, volunteer citizen scientists will assist the effort
by traveling throughout local neighborhoods on the hottest days of the year to
inform mitigation options that are specific to each region.
“We are proud
to be a partner on this important project. The heat island effect is a critical
threat to our environment and most vulnerable populations, and this study will
provide the data we need to mitigate the impact. We are excited to work with
the city and the county on this effort,” said Shelly Douglas, Earth Day
Director of Green Columbus.
Communities participating in the campaign
will ensure the inclusion of environmental-justice communities and share their
outcomes with the White House. Data will also inform the ongoing implementation
of the Columbus Climate Action Plan. To learn more about the city’s sustainability
and climate work, visit www.columbus.gov/sustainable.