2023-08-06 21:51:42
Most Americans have been sweltering in the heat waves of recent months, but those living in New York and four other US cities are exposed to higher temperatures due to the urban heat island effect.
The cities with the five most intense urban heat islands in the country are New Orleans, Newark NJ, New York, Houston and San Francisco, according to an investigation by the organization Climate Central recently released.
Climate Central created an index to assess the intensity of urban heat islands and looked at 44 of the largest US cities. The evaluation included the type of land cover in each city, the green spaces, the paved areas, the height of the buildings and the population density, among other factors.
In the case of New York, almost 78% of the population residing in the city experiences at least 8°F more heat due to the urban heat island effect and close to 66% can feel more than 9°F.
And the same temperature level (8°F) suffers 86% of Detroit residents who lead the list with that range of heat, New York is second, Dallas is third with 75%, followed by New Orleans with 74% , Houston 73%, Portland 67%, San Antonio 67% and Omaha 66%.
The research found that the average per capita Urban Heat Island Index (UHI) was lowest in Wichita (7.2°F) and highest in New York (9.5°F), San Francisco (8.8°F), Chicago and Miami (8.3°F) and Seattle (8.2°F).
Urban populations tend to experience higher average temperatures and more intense heat extremes than people in less developed areas. This is because, in addition to warming from carbon pollution, cities also experience a further rise in temperature due to the urban heat island effect.
“During extreme heat events like the unrelenting heat waves in the southern US this summer, the urban heat island effect can worsen heat stress and related illnesses for millions of people, putting vulnerable populations at risk. and lead to higher energy bills and overloaded power grids during peak cooling demand,” the report stated.
Heat-related mortality causes more deaths in the country, about 1,500 per year, than other severe weather events, and heat exposure is also associated with heat stroke, dehydration, loss of work productivity and decreased learning, according to with data from a report published in Nature.com.
The most affected
A report from the The 2021 US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) determined that, with continued global warming, various populations face disproportionate exposure to extreme heat in 49 large cities of the country.
Also that African-Americans are 40% more likely to live in areas with the largest projected increases in extreme temperature-related mortality with 2°C of global warming.
The analysis also found disproportionate exposure to extreme heat among low-income (+11%) and Hispanic/Latino (+1%) populations relative to non-low-income populations.
New York State Governor Kathy Hochul signed a law in September 2022 to review the effects of urban heat islands in deprived and low-income areas.
“Extreme heat threatens the lives and well-being of many New Yorkers each year, but particularly those in disadvantaged communities and communities of color,” Hochul said on that occasion, stressing that the analysis will point the way to implementing protective measures for New Yorkers. , according to Spectrum News.
Extreme heat factors
Climate Central detailed the key factors that contribute to extreme heat in the cities that were included in the UHI index, such as albedo, which is the proportion of incoming sunlight (solar radiation) reflected by a surface. Of all the factors, this one usually has the biggest influence.
Heat emissions can come from many aspects of urban life, including transportation, industrial facilities, and the heating and cooling of buildings. During a summer heat wave, air conditioning in urban buildings can add 20% more heat to the outside air.
Less vegetation means less evaporative cooling. Trees and plants can help reduce summer highs by 2-9°F in urban areas.
The size and dimensions of buildings influence how air moves through a city during the day, playing an important role in capturing or dissipating heat.
The way to mitigate long-term urban heat island effects, according to the organization, is to plant trees, especially along paved streets; green roofs or rooftop gardens and cool pavements which are reflective materials that help reduce surface temperatures.
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