Thermal Inequity in Richmond, VA: Analyzing Urban Heat Associations with Socioeconomic and Land Use Factors
Topics: Urban Geography
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Keywords: urban heat islands, socioeconomic inequity, temperature, poverty, redlining, race
Session Type: Virtual Paper
Day: Thursday
Session Start / End Time: 4/8/2021 01:30 PM (Pacific Time (US & Canada)) - 4/8/2021 02:45 PM (Pacific Time (US & Canada))
Room: Virtual 9
Authors:
Kelly C Saverino, University of Richmond
Emily Routman, University of Richmond
Todd R Lookingbill, University of Richmond
Andre M Eanes, University of Richmond
Jeremy S Hoffman, Science Museum of Virginia
Rong Bao, University of Richmond
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Abstract
The urban heat island (UHI) effect is caused by intensive development practices in cities and diminished green space. Historic zoning and redlining practices barred Black and minority groups from moving into predominately white areas and obtaining financial resources, which still affects cities like Richmond, VA today, and has forced these already disadvantaged groups to live in some of the hottest areas. In this study, we used a new dataset on the spatial distribution of temperature during a heat wave in Richmond to investigate potential associations between extreme heat and demographic, socioeconomic, and land use factors. We overlaid temperature, land cover, and demographic data on the census block level to determine if blocks with large differences in temperature also had significant variation in these covariates. Percent canopy cover, percent impervious surface, and poverty level were all shown to be strong correlates of UHI when analyzed in conjunction with afternoon temperatures. We also assessed the associations of historical policies and planning decisions on temperature using data from the University of Richmond’s Digital Scholarship Lab’s “Mapping Inequity” project. Finally, the Church Hill area of the city provided an interesting case study due to recent data suggesting the area’s gentrification. Differences in demographics, socioeconomic factors, and UHI were observed between north and (more gentrified) south Church Hill. Both in Church Hill and in Richmond overall, our research found that areas occupied by people of low socioeconomic status or minority groups disproportionately experienced extreme heat and corresponding impacts on health and quality of life.
