Cool Down P-Town:
Community Based Urban Heat Island Mitigation in Portsmouth VA
Extreme heat is one of our nation’s most dangerous weather threats, and it’s exacerbated by urbanization. Portsmouth is the second hottest county in the state, making its residents vulnerable to heat risk. Virginia Wesleyan University and the Center for Sustainable Communities are partnering to investigate and mitigate extreme heat in Portsmouth, VA.
Extreme heat can cause serious and potentially fatal health problems such as:
- dehydration
- heat exhaustion
- respiratory problems
- heatstroke
During the summer of 2024, volunteers will collect data on one hot July day by driving set routes with car-mounted temperature sensors. This data will be used to identify neighborhoods and locations particularly vulnerable to extreme heat, map urban heat islands, and develop community-driven solutions. Using that data, we will organize a tree planting campaign to add shade in heat prone areas. Throughout the project, we will be seeking community input. Help us cool down P-Town!
Virginia Wesleyan University students mount the temperature sensor to a car.
These thermal camera images show the difference in surface temperature between pavement and vegetation.
Virginia Wesleyan students and community volunteers planted over 150 native trees and shrubs in communities identified as at risk for extreme heat in Virginia Beach.
Heat is responsible for the most weather-related fatalities in the United States over the last 30 years. Those most susceptible to extreme heat events include the elderly, children, those with pre-existing medical conditions, and outdoor laborers. Image courtesy of NOAA-NWS
This effort is made possible with the support of the U.S. Forest Service, the Virginia Department of Forestry, and contributions from the Inflation Reduction Act UCF.