New York City Mitigating the Heat Island Effect
Date
2022-05
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Abstract
Description
The purpose of this project is to consider how to mitigate the effects of the heat island effect in the Hunts Point neighborhood within the Bronx Borough of New York City (NYC). This neighborhood is among the poorest neighborhoods in NYC making it even more vulnerable to the risks of the Heat Island Effect. The NYC Council Heat Inequality Map shows that areas with less green infrastructure face the hottest temperatures every summer. As climate change risks increase every year, concern grows for under-represented populations who fall below the poverty line and live in areas that are highly industrialized. These neighborhoods have less green infrastructure compared to other developed areas of the city.
Green infrastructure and vegetation are key elements to mitigate the heat island risks to this community. Since excessive heat is also related to health issues and even death, addressing the heat island effect in this vulnerable neighborhood will make a safer and more livable space for the community.
Keywords
Hunts Point neighborhood, NY, Bronx, NY, Heat Island Effect, Green infrastructure, Landscape architecture, Climate change