Urban and extreme heat : a case study in Washington D.C. : a desk-based study of climatology, and environmental justice

Abstract

Urban heat islands occur when natural vegetation is replaced by man-made structures. This includes but is not limited to, roads, buildings, and sidewalks. The dense concentrations of pavement, concrete, and brick cause inner city temperatures to be hotter than the city's outskirts. Throughout the city, there are “hot spots”. These areas are pockets that have warmer temperatures than other areas of the city. According to previous studies and observations, there is a disproportionate number of people and communities that are of low-income or low socio-economic indexes living within these city hotspots. Within the use of geospatial technology and environmental justice analysis, this paper focuses on identifying extreme heat events, identifying vulnerable communities within hotspots, and assessing if there is a linkage between low-income and socio-economic index and urban heat islands. Through the use of heat maps and comparative analysis, it was concluded that there is a linkage between social variables and urban heat island hot spots. It was found that low-income and low socio-economic index areas are located within the hottest parts of the city and that these areas also have a noticeably lower amount of vegetation density and tree canopy cover. The use of education and policy reform is key in engaging communities and local governments to help identify the environmental justice and extreme heat within the Washington D.C. area.