Policy-relevant indicators for mapping the vulnerability of urban populations to extreme heat events: A case study of Philadelphia

Weber, Stephanie; Sadoff, Natasha; Zell, E.; Sherbinin, Alex de

doi:10.1016/j.apgeog.2015.07.006

Cited by 103 publications

(60 citation statements)

References 26 publications

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“…While access to air conditioning (AC) reduces risks of morbidity and mortality during extreme heat events [94][95][96][97], it can also create unanticipated systemic risks [98]. The model results confirm the growing trends in AC ownership and usage observed elsewhere [1,2].…”

Section: Climate Change Heat Impacts On Health and Residential Buildsupporting

confidence: 73%

The Impact of Subsidies on the Prevalence of Climate-Sensitive Residential Buildings in Malaysia

2017

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Dependence on air-conditioning (AC) for residential cooling and ventilation is a health and sustainability challenge. In hot temperatures, climate-sensitive buildings (CSB) can complement and/or substitute for AC usage in achieving thermal comfort. Many countries facing such conditions-particularly in tropical climates-are developing quickly, with rising populations and income creating demand for new housing and AC. This presents a window for adoption of CSB but could also result in long term lock-in of AC-dependent buildings. Here, a simple system dynamics model is used to explore the potential and limitations of subsidies to affect futures of housing stock and night-time AC usage in Malaysia. The effectiveness of subsidies in achieving high uptake of CSB and resulting health benefits is highly dependent on homebuyer willingness to pay (WTP). A detailed understanding of WTP in the Malaysian context and factors that can shift WTP is necessary to determine if CSB subsidies can be a good policy mechanism for achieving CSB uptake.

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Section: Climate Change Heat Impacts On Health and Residential Buildsupporting

confidence: 73%

The Impact of Subsidies on the Prevalence of Climate-Sensitive Residential Buildings in Malaysia

2017

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“…Index models have found utility in a variety of geographic applications, such as assessing the suitability of lands for wildlife habitat (Downs, Gates, & Murray, 2008), agricultural production (Wilson et al, 1992), and urban activities (Rybarczyk & Wu, 2010). Index models are also widely applied for measuring socio-economic (Weber et al, 2015) and environmental vulnerability (Malcomb, Weaver, & Krakowka, 2014; Kovarik & van Beynen, 2015), as well as quantifying risk associated with natural hazards (Platt, 2014), environmental dangers (Santini et al, 2010), and a host of other threats. Index models are particularly useful for mapping risk of disease and predicting future outbreaks.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Mapping eastern equine encephalitis virus risk for white-tailed deer in Michigan

et al. 2015

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Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) is a mosquito-borne viral disease that is often fatal to humans and horses. Some species including white-tailed deer and passerine birds can survive infection with the EEE virus (EEEV) and develop antibodies that can be detected using laboratory techniques. In this way, collected serum samples from free ranging white-tailed deer can be used to monitor the presence of the virus in ecosystems. This study developed and tested a risk index model designed to predict EEEV activity in white-tailed deer in a three-county area of Michigan. The model evaluates EEEV risk on a continuous scale from 0.0 (no measurable risk) to 1.0 (highest possible risk). High risk habitats are identified as those preferred by white-tailed deer that are also located in close proximity to an abundance of wetlands and lowland forests, which support disease vectors and hosts. The model was developed based on relevant literature and was tested with known locations of infected deer that showed neurological symptoms. The risk index model accurately predicted the known locations, with the mean value for those sites equal to the 94th percentile of values in the study area. The risk map produced by the model could be used refine future EEEV monitoring efforts that use serum samples from free-ranging white-tailed deer to monitor viral activity. Alternatively, it could be used focus educational efforts targeted toward deer hunters that may have elevated risks of infection.

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“…UHI refers to the disproportionate rise in temperatures in urban areas due to the retention of heat by impervious surfaces, buildings, and roof surfaces. Average city temperatures during warm weather months are typically between 1-3 degrees Fahrenheit, or approximately 1 degree Celcius, warmer than rural areas, and can rise even more during extreme heat events [5,6]. When a city experiences a high-heat day, residents use more energy to run their air conditioning systems.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Recently published articles have validated several methods of analysis to determine heat vulnerability from previously published indexes [9,20,37,39,40]. One analysis addressed heat vulnerability in London, but it did not make any recommendations for interventions to mitigate to UHI [6]. Another analysis from 2016 used such indices to determine vulnerability in Pittsburgh and estimated cooling station capacity, but did not address interventions for the long-term eradication of UHI [9].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Assessing Vulnerability to Heat: A Geospatial Analysis for the City of Philadelphia

2018

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Urban heat island (UHI) effect is an increasingly prominent health and environmental hazard that is linked to urbanization and climate change. Greening reduces the negative impacts of UHI; trees specifically are the most effective in ambient temperature reduction. This paper investigates vulnerability to heat in the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and identifies where street trees can be planted as a public intervention. We used geospatial information systems (GIS) software to map a validated Heat Vulnerability Index to identify vulnerability at the block level. Using a high-low geospatial cluster analysis, we assessed where the City of Philadelphia can most effectively plant street trees to address UHI. This information was then aggregated to the neighborhood level for more effective citizen communication and policymaking. We identified that 26 of 48 (54%) neighborhoods that were vulnerable to heat also lacked street trees. Of 158 Philadelphia neighborhoods, 63 (40%) contained block groups of high vulnerability to either heat or street tree infrastructure. Neighborhoods that were ranked highest in both classifications were identified in two adjacent West Philadelphia neighborhoods. Planting street trees is a public service a city can potentially reduce the negative health impacts of UHI. GIS can be used to identify and recommend street tree plantings to reduce urban heat.

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Policy-relevant indicators for mapping the vulnerability of urban populations to extreme heat events: A case study of Philadelphia

Cited by 103 publications

References 26 publications

The Impact of Subsidies on the Prevalence of Climate-Sensitive Residential Buildings in Malaysia

The Impact of Subsidies on the Prevalence of Climate-Sensitive Residential Buildings in Malaysia

Mapping eastern equine encephalitis virus risk for white-tailed deer in Michigan

Assessing Vulnerability to Heat: A Geospatial Analysis for the City of Philadelphia

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